The eocene-oligocene boundary in the umbrian pelagic sequences, italy

Detailed biostratigraphic and paleomagnetic studies on Eocene–Oligocene pelagic sequences from Umbria (Central Italy) revealed that deposition across the Eocene–Oligocene boundary was continuous and undisturbed in that area. This chapter presents the data from eight stratigraphic sequences spanning the interval from the Early to Middle Eocene boundary through the Early Oligocene with specific emphasis on the events at the Eocene–Oligocene boundary. To have a complete biostratigraphic and paleomagnetic record, the Contessa highway section was sampled upwards into the northwestern quarry—that mirrors the Contessa quarry of Lowrie—where the Eocene–Oligocene boundary is undisturbed. Lithologically, the scaglia formation is very monotonous except for the major color changes. Visual correlations among sections are limited to minor changes that are not easily detected. Some of these changes, however, appear to be of larger (not local) significance.