TMP EA58

Author E-Print 1/3/2012
BIOSTRATIGRAPHY, AGE OF CHICXULUB IMPACT, AND DEPOSITIONAL

ENVIRONMENT OF THE BRAZOS RIVER KTB SEQUENCES
GERTA KELLER
Department of Geosciences, Princeton University, Princeton NJ 08544, U.S.A.
e-mail: gkeller@princeton.edu
SIGAL ABRAMOVICH
Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba 84105, Israel
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THIERRY ADATTE
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Geological and Paleontological Institute, University of Lausanne, Anthropole, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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ZSOLT BERNER
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Institute for Mineralogy and Geochemistry, University of Karlsruhe, 76128 Karlsruhe, Germany
ABSTRACT: Integrated biostratigraphy, sedimentology, and stable isotopes of 11 outcrops and wells along the Brazos River of Falls County, Texas,
U.S.A., reveal the stratigraphic separation and sequential depositional history of the Chicxulub impact, followed by the sandstone complex and
associated sea-level fall, which in turn was followed by the Cretaceous–Tertiary boundary (KTB). The KTB was identified up to 1 m above the sandstone
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complex based on three global standard criteria: the mass extinction in planktic foraminifera, evolution of first Danian species, and negative d13C shift.
No Ir anomaly is associated with the KTB or the Chicxulub impact ejecta layers. Upper Maastrichtian sediment deposition occurred in a middle-shelf
environment that shallowed to inner-shelf depth at the time of deposition of the sandstone complex. At this time, Brazos sections show distinct
shallowing from inner-neritic in the north to infra-neritic and lagoonal at Cottonmouth Creek, with further shallowing to intertidal swamp or marsh
conditions in the Darting Minnow Creek area to the south. The sandstone complex is the most prominent feature of the Brazos sections. At the base of
this unit are reworked Chicxulub impact spherules and lithified clasts with impact spherules and mud cracks that bear witness to erosion of an older
primary spherule deposit. This primary Chicxulub impact ejecta layer was discovered between 45 and 60 cm below the sandstone complex in a 3 cm thick
yellow clay altered impact glass layer. The sandstone complex, the reworked impact spherules, the spherule-rich clasts, and the yellow clay layer all
clearly predate the KTB.
or
KEY WORDS: Biostratigraphy, Brazos, Texas, Chicxulub Impact, Cretaceous-Tertiary, Mass Extinction, Evolution, d13C shift, Ir anomaly, Sea level,
Sandstone complex, Depositional environment
INTRODUCTION throughout Central America (e.g., Smit, 1999; Ocampo et al., 1996;
Arenillas et al., 2006). Nevertheless, the impact interpretation and
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The most complete Cretaceous–Tertiary (KT) transitions in the consequent placement of the KTB at the base of the sandstone complex
U.S.A. are found in central Texas along a 3 km stretch extending from remained controversial because it contradicted the KTB defining
Highway 413 south along the Brazos River of Falls County and its criteria.
tributaries the Cottonmouth and Darting Minnow Creeks (Fig. 1). Problems with the impact-tsunami interpretation arose from the
These sections first attracted attention in the early 1980s because of a beginning in Texas and Mexico sections. In the Texas (Brazos River)
prominent sandstone complex, also called an ‘‘event deposit’’, with sections the two major KTB-defining criteria, the mass extinction in
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minor anomalous concentrations of iridium in sandstone layers and a planktic foraminifera and first appearance of Danian species, and the
more significant anomaly 20 cm above this deposit (Ganapathy et al., major supporting criterion, the negative d13C shift, all occur above the
1981; Asaro et al., 1982; Rocchia et al., 1996). Consequently, the sandstone complex (Keller, 1989a, 1989b; Barrera and Keller, 1990;
sandstone complex was commonly interpreted as the deposit of an Keller et al., 2009a). Multiple truncated burrowing horizons and
impact-generated tsunami, and the KT boundary (KTB) was placed at upward-fining sequences in the sandstone complex indicate repeated
its base (Hansen et al., 1987; Bourgeois et al., 1988). colonization of the seafloor between periods of rapid deposition that
With the discovery of the Chicxulub impact crater on Yucatán in suggest seasonal storms rather than a mega-tsunami (Gale, 2006;
1990 and impact glass spherules at the base of a thick sandstone Keller et al., 2007a). Thus in the Brazos River sections, the KTB based
complex that infills submarine channels in northeastern Mexico, the on the standard paleontologic defining criteria was placed above the
impact-tsunami interpretation was broadly accepted for Brazos (e.g., sandstone complex (e.g., Gartner and Jiang, 1985; Jiang and Gartner,
Hansen and Upshaw, 1990; Hansen et al., 1993a; Hansen et al., 1993b; 1986; Keller, 1989a, 1989b; Médus, 1992; Beeson, 1992; Gale, 2006;
Yancey, 1996; Heymann et al., 1998; Schulte et al., 2006; Kring, 2007), Keller et al., 2007a; Keller et al., 2009a; Prauss, 2009).
Mexico (e.g., Smit et al., 1992; Smit et al., 1996; Smit, 1999; Soria et Similar observations were made in northeastern Mexico where in
al., 2001; Lawton et al., 2005) and near-KTB breccia deposits addition to the multiple truncated burrowing horizons (Keller et al.,
The End-Cretaceous Mass Extinction and the Chicxulub Impact in Texas

SEPM Special Publication No. 100, Copyright Ó 2011
SEPM (Society for Sedimentary Geology), Print ISBN 978-1-56576-308-1, CD/DVD ISBN 978-1-56576-309-8, p. 81–122.
82 GERTA KELLER, SIGAL ABRAMOVICH, THIERRY ADATTE, AND ZSOLT BERNER
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FIGURE 1.—Map of Cretaceous–Tertiary boundary outcrops and wells drilled along the Brazos River, Cottonmouth Creek, and Darting Minnow
Creek of Falls County, Texas. Eleven outcrops and wells were analyzed for this study.
BIOSTRATIGRAPHY, BRAZOS KTB, CHICXULUB IMPACT 83
1997; Keller et al., 2003a; Ekdale and Stinnesbeck, 1998), two zeolite- sections, (3) locate the KTB based on globally accepted identifying
enriched layers in the sandstone complex mark discrete volcanic influx criteria, (4) determine the age of the sandstone complex, and (5)
(Adatte et al., 1996), impact spherules are mixed with shallow-water determine the age of the Chicxulub impact. By analyzing as many as
debris (Keller et al., 1994; Keller et al., 1997; Alegret et al., 2001), a eleven Brazos sequences based on the same interdisciplinary approach
limestone layer separates two spherule layers at the base of the integrating microfossil biostratigraphy, stable isotope stratigraphy,
sandstone complex in many localities, and this limestone contains rare PGE analysis, and Chicxulub impact ejecta, the controversy surround-
burrows infilled with spherules and truncated by erosion (Keller et al., ing the KTB placement can be fully addressed and resolved. At the
2003a). Stratigraphic and sedimentologic evidence thus revealed same time the Brazos sections can take their place as a regional
deposition over an extended time period and consistent with a sea- depositional model detailing the events leading up to the KT mass
level fall during the latest Maastrichtian with concomitant erosion of extinction and into the early Danian.
nearshore areas and redeposition in submarine channels (Stinnesbeck
et al., 1993; Stinnesbeck et al., 1996; Adatte et al., 1996; Keller et al., LOCATION OF OUTCROPS AND WELLS
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1997; Keller et al., 2003a).
Drilling of the Chicxulub impact crater in 2000–2001 by DOSECC The Brazos KT sections are located in east-central Texas along a 3
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(Drilling, Observation and Sampling of the Earth’s Continental Crust) km stretch extending from Highway 413 south along the Brazos River
was supposed to show once and for all that the Chicxulub impact is of Falls County and its tributaries the Cottonmouth and Darting
KTB in age and caused the mass extinction (Dressler et al., 2003). Minnow Creeks (Fig. 1). Numerous outcrops have been studied in this
Instead, it renewed the controversy. The KTB was discovered at the area since the middle 1970s, particularly in the Brazos River bed where
top of the impact breccia and separated from the impact breccia by a a prominent sandstone complex with impact spherules can be observed
limestone 50 cm thick. Smit et al. (2004) interpreted this limestone as
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(e.g., Hansen et al., 1987; Hansen et al., 1993a; Yancey, 1996;
backwash and crater infill after the Chicxulub impact and maintained Heymann et al., 1998; Gale, 2006), although no sediments above are
that no foraminifera are present in this unit. Arz et al. (2004) preserved and sediments below are poorly exposed and limited to less
identified a planktic foraminiferal assemblage, but considered some than 0.50 m. The oldest known ‘‘Brazos River section’’ is the Brazos-1
of them as reworked in keeping with the backwash and crater-infill outcrop, located on the western embankment about 300 m south from
interpretation. the Hwy 413 Bridge across the Brazos River. This outcrop is now
In contrast, Keller et al. (2004a) and Keller et al. (2004b) reported a defunct, largely due to repeated excavation of the section to reveal its
late Maastrichtian zone CF1 planktic foraminiferal assemblage
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(including the index species Plummerita hantkeninoides), which
indicates deposition occurred during the last 300 ky of the
Maastrichtian. In addition, they reported five glauconite-rich layers
vertical dimension, the subsequent collapse of the river embankment,
and the tons of river silt and mud that accumulated during the river’s
flood stages.
Other older studies include outcrops along the Cottonmouth (CM
in the limestone, each of which took tens of thousands of years to be sections) and Darting Minnow Creeks (DMC sections) and at the entry
deposited. The common presence of trace-fossil burrows in the of the Cottonmouth tributary to the Brazos River (Brazos-2 and
glauconite layers and the limestone indicates a flourishing epibenthic Brazos-3, Fig. 1; Jiang and Gartner, 1986; Hansen et al., 1987; Hansen
and endobenthic invertebrate fauna at that time of deposition. et al., 1993a; Hansen et al., 1993b; Keller, 1989a, 1989b; Barrera and
Paleomagnetic data reveal that deposition occurred during C29r below Keller, 1990; Beeson, 1992). The best outcrop localities are found
the KTB, as also indicated by latest Maastrichtian carbon isotope
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along the Cottonmouth Creek (CMC) and Darting Minnow Creek
signals (Keller et al., 2004a; Keller et al., 2004b). These indicate a long (DMC); each shows a prominent sandstone complex beneath a
period of quiet sediment deposition between the time of the Chicxulub waterfall (Fig. 1). Heavy rains prior to 2005 resulted in collapse of
impact and the KTB mass extinction with the impact predating the the Cottonmouth Creek bank near the waterfall and exposed better
KTB by perhaps 300 ky, as earlier observed in northeastern Mexico outcrops, which were also collected and studied (Keller et al., 2007a,
(Keller et al., 2003a). The Chicxulub crater results thus renewed the this report).
conflict over the age of the Chicxulub impact, and the controversy over In 1986, Thor Hansen and Earl Kaufman rotary-drilled two wells on
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the origin and nature of deposition of the sandstone complex in Mexico a meadow about 150 m from Brazos-1 and a third well near
and Texas has intensified to this day. This is particularly apparent in the Cottonmouth Creek. Labeling of these wells has varied over time. In
consensus report by Schulte et al. (2010), in which 41 scientists l987 Hansen named these core KT1 to KT3 (written communications,
concluded that the Chicxulub impact is the sole cause of the KTB mass 1987 to GK). But in Hansen et al. (l987) the two wells near Brazos-1
extinction while ignoring, dismissing, or misrepresenting any evidence (KT1 & KT2) are simply referred to as ‘‘core’’, with no further data
to the contrary. apart from a generalized lithologic column. The first lithologic
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In 2005 we returned to Texas to test the northeastern Mexico and description and biostratigraphy of these two cores was published by
Chicxulub crater results in an area 1300 km from the impact location Schulte et al. (2006), who labeled them ‘‘Brazos core 1’’ and ‘‘Brazos
based on new drilling by DOSECC and outcrop studies of all exposed core 2’’. The third well is near the Cottonmouth Creek waterfall and
sequences. We chose this area for its undisturbed sedimentary record, was first studied by Keller (l989a, 1989b) and referred to as ‘‘Brazos-
complete stratigraphic sequences comparable to the El Kef KTB core’’ and subsequently referred to by Hansen et al. (1993a) as ‘‘Core
stratotype, the absence of significant tectonic activity, excellent 2’’. To reduce confusion in labeling between these wells and the new
preservation of microfossils, and the presence of a sandstone complex Mullinax wells, we revert to the original labels of KT1 and KT2 for the
with impact spherules. In addition, the Brazos River area affords old wells of Hansen and Kaufman near the Brazos-1 locality and KT3
relatively simple and inexpensive coring of only about 17–35 m to for the Cottonmouth Creek well (Fig. 1).
recover the KT transition and upper Maastrichtian. These attributes In 2005 three wells 75–100 ft (23.45–31.25 m) deep were drilled by
make the Brazos River area the most important KT locality outside DOSECC with a CS-500 rig. The first well, Mullinax-1 (Mull-1), is
Mexico and critical to resolving the current controversy regarding the located at the same GPS location (318 07.53 0 N, 968 49.30 0 W) as the
age of the Chicxulub impact and its potential kill effect. old wells KT1 and KT2 (Fig. 1). This location was chosen to recover
The main objectives of this study are: (1) determine the stratigraphy the expanded KT sequence of the nearby outcrop Brazos-1, which was
and completeness of the Brazos sections based on high-resolution also evident in the old wells KT1 and KT2, which encountered drilling
quantitative planktic foraminiferal biostratigraphy and stable isotope disturbance (Thor Hansen, written communication, 1987). Mullinax-2
stratigraphy, (2) evaluate the Ir anomaly as a KTB marker in Brazos and 3 were drilled as overlapping wells 1.5 m apart on a meadow about
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FIGURE 2.—Lithology and description of the sandstone complex in well Mullinax-1. This sandstone complex is representative of most outcrops
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and wells. Variations include the type and size of clasts at the base, the number of upward-fining reworked spherule layers, and the number of
hummocky cross-bedded sandstones. At distance from the submarine channels the sandstone complex is reduced to a 10–15 cm sand layer or
may disappear.
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150 m from the Darting Minnow Creek waterfall (GPS Location 318 clasts at the base. One of the best illustrations of the sandstone complex
06.55 0 N, 968 50.28 0 W). Core recovery at Mullinax-1 was 95% and and its diverse layers is seen in the core from Mullinax-1 (Fig. 2). The
nearly 100% at Mullinax-2 and 3. lithology, mineralogy, and geochemistry of this core were published in
Keller et al. (2007a) and further discussed in Adatte et al. (this volume),
LITHOLOGY and only a brief summary is given here.
With the exception of Mullinax-2 and 3, all Brazos outcrops and
wells show very similar lithologies of bedded claystones and Mudstones, Sandstone Complex, and Impact Spherules
mudstones interrupted by a prominent sandstone complex, also known
as the ‘‘impact-tsunami deposit’’ (Bourgeois et al., 1988; Smit et al., Below the sandstone complex in Mullinax-1 and other wells and
1996; Heymann et al., 1998; Schulte et al., 2006), ‘‘event deposit’’ or sections of the Brazos area, upper Maastrichtian sediments consist of
‘‘storm deposits’’ associated with a sea-level lowstand (Keller, l989a; organic-rich dark gray to black, bedded claystones and fissile shales
Yancey, 1996; Gale, 2006; Keller et al., 2007a). Variations in the (Fig. 2) with common macrofossils (Fig. 3E, F). Calcite content is
sandstone complex between outcrops consist mainly in the overall relatively low (; 10%; Keller et al., 2007a). Within this unit is a 3 cm
thickness of units, the number of individual sand layers, the number of thick yellow clay layer, 45–60 cm below the sandstone complex at the
upward-fining spherule-rich layers, and the nature and abundance of Cottonmouth Creek waterfall sections, which can be traced over 20–30
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FIGURE 3.—Clasts at the base of the sandstone complex at A) Darting Minnow Creek and B) Cottonmouth Creek, may contain C) impact
spherules. D) Reworked spherules in shell hash and glauconite. E) Ammonite Discoscaphites iris in upper Maastrichtian sediments of zones
CF1–CF2. F) Claystone with abundant shells of zones CF1–CF2. G) Cottonmouth Creek waterfall outcrop with sandstone complex and
Chicxulub impact layer separated by 45–60 cm. H) Close-up of yellow clay layer that consists of cheto smectite derived from glass spherules
altered to clay.
m depending on outcrop exposures (Fig. 3G, H). A major negative tions. This low-oxygen environment prevailed throughout the 1 m
d13C excursion in the yellow clay layer marks the presence of interval up to the KT boundary. There is no lithological change across
diagenetic calcite. At Mullinax-1 this yellow layer is not visible, the KTB, except for the gradually more calcareous and lighter gray
though a negative d13C excursion also marks a diagenetically altered silty claystones in the lower Danian.
thin clay 35 cm below the sandstone complex. The yellow clay at
Cottonmouth Creek consists of 100% cheto Mg-smectite derived from Wells Mullinax-2 and 3: Mudstones and Roots
altered Chicxulub impact glass (Debrabant et al., 1999; Keller et al.,
2003b; Keller et al., 2007a) and has the same composition as altered Wells Mullinax-2 and 3 are located on the nearest meadow just 150
impact glass in the spherule-rich basal layers of the overlying sandstone m from the Darting Minnow Creek waterfall with its thick sandstone
complex. The yellow clay thus represents an older and presumably the complex (N 318 06.55 0 W 96850.28 0 , Fig. 1). DOSECC achieved nearly
primary impact spherule ejecta layer. Deposition of upper Maastrich- complete recovery, with only two minor core gaps of 10 cm and 20 cm
tian claystones at Mullinax-1 and Cottonmouth Creek occurred in a in the early Danian (Fig. 4). Surprisingly, no sandstone complex was
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middle-neritic environment that shallowed to inner-neritic depths by encountered. This demonstrates the localized distribution of these
the time the sandstone complex was deposited, as indicated by submarine channel deposits.
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macrofossils, benthic foraminifera, and low diversity planktic Similarly to all other Brazos sections, the lower part of the analyzed
foraminifera (Keller, 1992; Keller et al., 2007a; Hart et al., this sequence (11–7.3 m) of upper Maastrichtian sediments consists of
volume). In all Brazos outcrops, exposure of upper Maastrichtian bedded and burrowed dark gray to black organic-rich mudstone with
sediments below the sandstone complex is limited, with the maximum few invertebrate shells, including the small ammonite Discoscaphites
exposure about 1 m in the Cottonmouth and Darting Minnow Creeks at iris (Figs. 3E, 4), which is indicative of the uppermost Maastrichtian
or near the waterfalls (Fig. 1).
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ammonite zone in North America (Neil Landman, written communi-
The sandstone complex overlies the scoured surface of submarine cation, 2005). Other ammonites in the Brazos area were documented by
channels that mark erosion during a low sea level and the subsequent Kennedy et al. (2001). A sharp lithologic break occurs at 7.26 m and is
infilling during the subsequent sea level rise. The thickness and lateral followed by another sharp undulose contact at 6.86 m. The over 1 m
extent of the sandstone complex is variable. The thickest exposure (1.0 interval above consists of a silty mudstone with weathered yellow
m) is found in the Darting Minnow Creek, but only about 150 m away streaks, pyrite, few fossils, and common roots up to 12 cm in length
in wells Mullinax-2 and 3 there is no trace of the sandstone complex. (Fig. 4). At 5.95 m is a gradational contact to a 20-cm-thick silty
More commonly the sandstone is about 0.3–0.4 m thick with a similar mudstone with roots, glauconite, clasts, and cracks with secondary
(e.g., Brazos-2 and 3).

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sequence as in Mullinax-1 (Fig. 2), or reduced to a 10 cm sand layer
The base of the sandstone complex commonly contains large (5–10

gypsum along fractures and infilled with coarse quartzose sand (Fig.
4). This suggests a very shallow nearshore or swamp environment. A
sharp contact at 5.55 m marks a hiatus and the end of this weathered
cm) lithified clasts and soft claystone clasts from underlying sediments interval. Above it dark gray silty mudstone with the first Danian
(Fig. 3A, B). At Mullinax-1 (and KT1–KT2) only soft small claystone species indicates a deepening inner-neritic environment followed by
clasts are present and the underlying 10 cm of the claystone layers are fine-grained, bioturbated sandstone with gastropods, phosphate
fractured. However, large clasts are described from the nearby Brazos-1 nodules, and some rootlets. Additional hiatuses are marked by the
locality (Hansen et al., 1987; Yancey, 1996). In Cottonmouth and gradational contact at 4.5 m and a sharp undulose contact at 3.5 m.
Darting Minnow Creek outcrops, lithified clasts are common (Fig. 3A,
or
B) and some contain Chicxulub impact spherules, occasionally within MATERIALS AND METHODS
mudcracks infilled by spherules (Fig. 3C; Keller et al., 2007a). These
clasts demonstrate the presence of an older impact spherule deposit that Fieldwork was conducted from 2005 to 2007. New outcrops were
was lithified and subaerially exposed prior to erosion and redeposition. sampled in Cottonmouth Creek (CMA, B and C, CM4) about 700 m
The altered impact glass layer (yellow clay—cheto smectite) below the up-creek from the Brazos River (Fig. 1). The KT transition was first
sandstone complex at Cottonmouth Creek waterfall likely represent the sampled in two segments at 10 m (CMA), 20 m (CMC), and 30 m
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primary impact spherule layer (Fig. 3G, H). The clasts with impact (CMB) from the waterfall. These locations are near the CM1 and CM4
spherules were likely eroded from a hardground near the shoreline, as localities of Hansen et al. (1987), Hansen et al. (1993a), Hansen et al.
suggested by mudcracks infilled with spherules. (1993b), and Keller (1989a). Heavy seasonal rains collapsed the steep
Above the erosion surface and rip-up clasts is a coarse, gray-green, creek walls of CMA and exposed the sequence at the waterfall (CMW),
poorly sorted, upward-fining sandstone with abundant shell fragments, which was also collected and analyzed. Darting Minnow Creek (DMC)
glauconite, Chicxulub impact spherules, mudstone and phosphatic is most notable for its expanded sandstone complex (1.0 m), which
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clasts, and reworked microfossils (Figs. 2, 3D). In Mullinax-1 and forms a waterfall and was collected and labeled DMC-1. Sediments
wells KT1–KT2 there are three upward-fining glauconite- and above the sandstone complex are inaccessible in the sand-filled creek
spherule-rich units topped with fine sandstone, and two such units bed, but some samples were obtained by using a steel pipe driven
are observed at the Cottonmouth Creek waterfall outcrop. These through the loose creek sand and into the in situ claystones below.
discrete layers mark separate depositional events, possibly related to Below the sandstone complex only about 1 m is exposed. The two
storms. overlapping wells Mullinax-2 and Mullinax-3 recovered the upper
In most outcrops and wells, the spherule-rich sandstone underlies Maastrichtian through lower Danian on the meadow above the Darting
one or more hummocky cross-bedded sandstone (HCS) layers that are Minnow Creek waterfall (Fig. 1).
strongly burrowed and truncated at the top (Fig. 2; Ophiomorpha All outcrops and cores were measured, described, photographed, and
nodosa, Thalassinoides sp., Planolites sp.; Gale, 2006; Keller et al., sampled at an average of 5–10 cm intervals or closer through the KTB
2007a). These HCS layers are likely tempestites. The overlying transition. Planktic foraminifera were processed using standard
laminated silty mudstone with small burrows indicates decreased techniques (Keller et al., 1995). Samples were soaked overnight in
energy. A calcareous silty claystone marks the top of the sandstone dilute (10%) H2O2, then gently washed through sieve sizes 38–63 lm,
complex, with upward-fining grain size limited to 10–15 cm and Ca 63–150 lm and . 150 lm to recover very small, small, and large
decreasing from 60% to 10%. The return to normal sedimentation is planktic foraminifera. The washed residues were dried in the oven at
marked by dark bioturbated organic-rich claystone with burrows 508C (higher temperature may alter the shell carbonate composition for
commonly infilled with framboidal pyrite indicating hypoxic condi- isotope analysis). Core sample size was generally restricted to 3–5 cm3,
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FIGURE 4.—Lithology and description of the Upper Maastrichtian Well Mullinax-3, zones CF1, CF2. Note the absence of a sandstone complex but
presence of a strongly weathered interval with roots, mudcracks, pebbles, and several disconformities suggesting a coastal to lagoonal
environment and temporary emergence.
except for intervals where too few specimens were recovered for these were noted for data on species ranges. The 38–63 lm size
quantitative analysis and therefore sample size was doubled. Much fraction was examined for very small species that may not be present in
larger samples were collected and processed from outcrops, which the larger size fractions, particularly in the early Danian. Quantitative
significantly improved the chances of finding rare species and resulted data tables on planktic foraminifera and supplemental material of the
in higher species richness for outcrop sections. Brazos River KTB sections are available in Appendix I.
Quantitative analysis was conducted on two size fractions, . 63 lm Stable isotopes are based on well-preserved specimens of the benthic
and . 150 lm, though for biostratigraphic purposes only the . 63 lm foraminifer Lenticulina spp. in the size fraction 150–250 lm with little
size fraction is presented. For each sample of the two size fractions an or no sediment infilling chambers. For some sections bulk-rock isotope
aliquot of 250–300 specimens was picked whenever possible, mounted analysis was conducted. Heterohelix globulosa was previously
on microslides, and identified. Benthic specimens were counted in the analyzed for the KT3 section (Barrera and Keller, 1990). Stable
same aliquots of the . 63 lm size fraction as an indicator of sea-level isotope analysis was performed using a fully automated carbonate
changes. The remaining residues were examined for rare species, and preparation system (GasBanch II) connected on-line to an isotope-ratio
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FIGURE 5.—Planktic foraminiferal biozonation and KTB-defining criteria across the Cretaceous–Tertiary transition at the El Kef and Elles
stratotype and parastratotype sections of Tunisia based on Keller et al. (1995), Pardo et al. (1996), Li and Keller (1998a, 1998b) with
comparison to the zonal scheme by Berggren et al. (1995) and the nannofossil zonation by Tantawy (2003). The KT boundary is defined by the
mass extinction of all tropical and subtropical species and the first appearances of Danian species. Supporting criteria include the boundary
clay, the iridium anomaly (Rocchia et al., 1996), and the d13C shift.
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mass spectrometer (Delta Advantage, Thermo Finnigan, Bremen, Tunisia with the originally proposed criteria: (1) a lithological change
Germany). Isotope-ratio values are reported relative to NBS-19 with from carbonate-rich Maastrichtian sediments to a black organic-rich
d13C¼ 1.95ø (V-PDB). Precision, assessed on the basis of repeated boundary clay with a 3–4 mm thin oxidized red layer at the base, (2) an
measurements of the carbonate standard, was generally better than iridium anomaly concentrated largely in the red layer and Ni-rich
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0.06ø for each analytical batch. Stable isotope data tables for the spinels, (3) the mass extinction in marine plankton, particularly the
Brazos River KT sequences are available in Appendix II. extinction of all tropical and subtropical planktic foraminiferal species,
(4) the first appearance of Danian species within a few centimeters (;
DEFINITION AND PLACEMENT OF THE KT 5 cm) above the extinction horizon, and (5) a 2–3ø negative shift in
BOUNDARY d13C values of marine carbonate (Fig. 5; Keller et al., l995; Keller et al.,
2002; Remane et al., 1999). Among these, only extinction and
There should be no controversy over the placement of the evolution events are unique KTB-defining criteria. All others (Ir
Cretaceous–Tertiary boundary (KTB), because this is one of the anomaly, clay and red layers, d13C shift) are KTB-supporting criteria
easiest stratigraphic horizons to identify globally. Hundreds of KT that cannot stand alone as KT markers because they are not unique
sections have been identified worldwide with little if any controversy, events (see Keller, this volume). The paleontological defining criteria
based on a uniform set of paleontologic and geochemical criteria. and the d13C shift supporting criterion have remained remarkably
Indeed, controversy over the placement of the KTB is restricted to consistent in hundreds of marine sequences worldwide even in the
sections with Chicxulub impact spherules believed by some to absence of a clay layer and Ir anomaly.
represent the KTB event, but which in many expanded sections are Gradstein et al. (2004) proposed to reduce these KTB-identifying
stratigraphically below the KT boundary. criteria to just the ‘‘Ir anomaly associated with a major extinction
The basis for choosing the KTB-identifying criteria is the El Kef horizon’’ (see International Commission on Stratigraphy website on
stratotype and Elles parastratotype sections and point (GSSP) of GSSPs). Molina et al. (2006) proposed to expand the KTB-defining
criteria to any Chicxulub impact markers (e.g., Ir, spherules, tsunami particularly evident in the Brazos area, where multiple Ir anomalies are
deposits, and breccia assumed to have been caused by the impact) present, but none coincide with the mass extinction and the d13C shift
based on the assumption that this impact marks the KTB. This (Gertsch et al., this volume). These KTB-defining and KTB-supporting
assumption is also the basis for the conclusion by Schulte et al. (2010) criteria and the biozonation used in the Brazos studies are shown in
that the Chicxulub impact is KTB in age. In practice, this has resulted Figure 5 based on the El Kef and Elles stratotype and parastratotype
in circular reasoning—the Chicxulub impact is KTB in age, therefore sections of Tunisia (Keller et al., 1995).
the impact defines the KT boundary. It has also a priori eliminated In the Brazos sections, the placement of the KTB based on impact
testing the age of the Chicxulub impact based on stratigraphy (Keller, spherules at the base of the sandstone complex is inconsistent with
2008). One cannot test the hypothesis that the Chicxulub impact standard KTB-defining criteria and has introduced much confusion
caused the KT boundary mass extinction by defining the impact as the and controversy. For example, Arenillas et al. (2006) and Schulte et al.
KT boundary. (2008) argued that impact breccia in southern Mexico and impact
The two most common impact markers are the Ir anomaly and spherules at the base of the sandstone complex in Mexico and Texas
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Chicxulub impact spherules. Both of them are problematic as KTB- correlate with the Ir anomaly at the El Kef stratotype and therefore
defining criteria (see review in Keller, 2008). Over the past 28 years, as justify this KTB placement (see reply by Keller et al., 2008; Keller, this
in
the database on anomalous Ir concentrations has expanded, these volume). The same argument was repeated in Schulte et al. (2010) to
criteria have proved less than reliable with multiple Ir anomalies of conclude that Chicxulub is KTB in age and the sole cause for the KTB
cosmic or volcanic origins above and below the mass extinction mass extinction.
horizon in Mexico, Guatemala, Haiti, Texas, New Jersey, Austria, There are grievous problems with this approach. (1) It is improper to
India, Indian Ocean, and elsewhere (Asaro et al., 1982; Michel et al., use non-unique events (iridium, breccia, spherules) as KTB-defining
criteria. (2) It is erroneous to assume age equivalence of the Ir anomaly
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1991; Graup et al., l989; Sawlowicz, 1993; Hansen et al., 1993a;
Hansen et al., 1993b; Rocchia et al., 1996; Bhandari et al., 1994; and the Chicxulub impact spherules (and breccia) when no Ir anomaly
Bhandari et al., 1995; Shukla et al., 2001; Keller et al., 2003a; Grachev has ever been recorded in Chicxulub impact spherule ejecta (or
et al., 2005; Stueben et al., 2005; Keller, 2008; Miller et al., 2010; breccia) and many sites record a wide stratigraphic and temporal
Racki et al., 2011). Moreover, no iridium enrichment has been detected distance between the two. (3) It defies stratigraphic principles to define
in association with the Chicxulub spherule layer, which suggests that the KTB, or any other stage or epoch boundary, based on assumptions
these may be two different events. However, enriched Ir was recorded of age equivalence of impact ejecta while ignoring the only truly
unique KTB-defining criteria, the mass extinction, and the first Danian
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in a spherule-rich glauconitic claystone of one Brazos Riverbed
section, though none was detected in the spherule-rich layers below,
suggesting that this is not the original impact signal (Munsel, this
volume; Gertsch et al., this volume). An Ir anomaly can therefore be
species, which in localities with continuous and complete sedimenta-
tion records occur in stratigraphically higher levels.
In this study the standard unique KTB-defining criteria and d13C
supporting evidence for the placement of the KT boundary, but not the shift supporting criterion are applied uniformly in all sections. The
sole identifying criterion in the absence of unique biotic KTB markers. resultant stratigraphy can be globally correlated and the stratigraphic
position and age of the Chicxulub impact evaluated independently of
Chicxulub impact spherules as KTB criterion are also very
the KTB impact hypothesis and associated assumptions.
problematic. These spherules occur in Maastrichtian sediments in
northeastern Mexico and Texas, but are reworked into early Danian
BIOZONES
or
sediments in southern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Haiti (Keller et
al., 2003a; Keller et al., 2003b). The stratigraphically oldest Chicxulub The biostratigraphic zonal scheme applied in this study is by Keller
spherule layer occurs near the base of the late Maastrichtian zone CF1 et al. (1995) for the Danian and the Cretaceous foraminiferal (CF)
about 300 ky prior to the mass extinction (Keller et al., 2003a; Keller et zonal scheme for the Maastrichtian by Li and Keller (1998a, 1998b).
al., 2007a; Keller, 2008). Juxtaposition of the mass extinction, Ir These authors replaced the Abathomphalus mayaroensis zone with
anomaly, and Chicxulub spherules has been observed only in four zones for a much improved age control for the late Maastrichtian
th
condensed and often disturbed deep-sea sequences, such as Bass (Fig. 5). In this study of the KTB transition of the Brazos River area
River, New Jersey and Blake Nose (Olsson et al., 1997; Norris et al., only the top two biozones (CF1, CF2) were analyzed.
1999; Norris et al., 2000; Keller this volume). Moreover, these Zone CF2: This zone defines the interval from the last appearance of
characteristic vesicular glass spherules have not been found outside Gansserina gansseri to the first appearance of Plummerita hantkeni-
Central and North America, the Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico. noides (65.66–65.78 Ma; Fig. 5, Plate 1) and corresponds to the lower
Microspherules found in KTB clays from various localities (e.g., part of the Micula prinsii zone for a duration of 120,000 years. In the
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Spain, Tunisia, Egypt, Israel, New Zealand) have varied non-impact Brazos sections both size fractions (63–150 lm, . 150 lm) in zone
origins and commonly consist of iron, pyrite framboids, glauconite, CF2 are dominated by H. globulosa, with common H. planata and H.
phosphate, or clay (Smit, 1999) with no link to Chicxulub impact glass. navarroensis.
The most reliable paleontological and geochemical KTB criteria are: Zone CF1, Plummerita hantkeninoides: Zone CF1 defines the total
(1) the mass extinction of all specialized tropical and subtropical range of Plummerita hantkeninoides (Fig. 5, Plate 1), which spans the
planktic foraminiferal species (2/3 of all species) at or near the KT last 160,000 ky of the Maastrichtian (65.5–65.66 Ma) based on the
boundary. (2) the first evolutionary appearances of Danian species revised time scale of Gradstein et al. (2004). This is a considerably
(Woodringina hornerstownensis, Parvularugoglobigerina extensa, shorter time interval for this zone than estimated by Pardo et al. (l996)
formerly known as Globoconusa conusa, and Globoconusa daubjer- Li and Keller, l998a, 1998b) based on the earlier time scale (Cande and
gensis) near the base of the boundary clay immediately following the Kent, 1995), which placed the KTB at 65.0 Ma. Zone CF1 corresponds
mass extinction as observed at El Kef, Elles, Brazos sections, and to the upper part of Micula prinsii zone (Fig. 5). The smaller size
elsewhere. (3) the negative d13C shift that marks the collapse of fraction is dominated by H. globulosa, H. planate, and H.
primary productivity in the aftermath of the mass extinction (Fig. 5). narvarroensis along with increasing abundance of Guembelitria
The d13C shift is a global oceanographic signal that provides an cretacea.
independent check on paleontologic and impact criteria, which is Zone P0: Zone P0 marks the KT boundary and is defined as the
critical to avoid circular reasoning. The Ir anomaly is a KTB- interval between the mass extinction of Cretaceous species and the first
supporting criterion, but it cannot be used in isolation. This is appearance of Parvularugoglobigerina eugubina and/or P. longi-
apertura (Fig. 5, Plate 3). (See previous section for the definition and numerous studies have since described the lithostratigraphy of Brazos-
identification of the KTB.) The negative d13C shift, the mass extinction 1 (Hansen et al., l987; Hansen et al., 1993a; Hansen et al., 1993b; Jiang
of all large, complex tropical and subtropical species, and the first and Gartner, l986; Keller, 1989a; Keller et al., 1989b; Keller, 1992;
appearance of Danian species (Parvularugoglobigerina extensa, Montgomery et al., 1992; Beeson, 1992; Yancey, l996, Heymann et al.,
Globoconusa daubjergensis, Woodringina hornerstownensis, W. l998; Gale, 2006). Iridium investigations were reported by Ganapathy
claytonensi; Plates 2, 3) identify the KTB in the Brazos sections. In et al. (1981), Asaro et al. (1982), and Rocchia et al. (1996). The major
general, zone P0 is marked also by an abrupt lithological change from Ir anomaly is reported from a thin red-brown clay and a 1 cm sand layer
carbonate-rich Maastrichtian sediments to a dark clay layer devoid of about 17–20 cm above the sandstone complex coincident with the KTB
carbonate and a thin red clay at the base enriched in iridium. However, identified by Jiang and Gartner (1986) based on nannofossils. Two
in the Brazos sections there is no significant lithological change across minor Ir enrichments (0.3 to 0.4 pbb; Rocchia et al., 1996) occur in the
the KT boundary and no Ir anomaly was detected. This is likely the laminated sandstone above the hummocky sandstone and above the
result of high sedimentation rates due to the shallow nearshore location sandstone complex (Fig. 6).
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of the area and high terrigenous influx (Keller et al., 2007a; Keller et Smith and Pessagno (1973) reported the first Danian planktic
al., 2009a). foraminifera at the base of the sandstone complex. Based on these
in
Zone Pla: This zone is defined by the range of Parvularugoglobi- mutually contradictory data, Hansen et al. (1987, p. 242) concluded
gerina eugubina and/or P. longiapertura. Zone Pla can be subdivided that the KTB should be properly placed at the base of the sandstone
based on the first appearance of Parasubbotina pseudobulloides and complex in accordance with the impact-tsunami interpretation of this
Subbotina triloculinoides (Fig. 5, Plates 3–5). Earliest Danian species unit. Subsequently, Smith and Pessagno (in Montgomery et al., l992)
are generally small and frequently in the 38–63 lm size fraction in not only reaffirmed their earlier observation but also reported the
subzone P1a(1), though they increase (63–105 lm size fraction) in presence of Danian zone P1b species even below the sandstone
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subzone P1a(2). Zone Pla is characterized by Parvularugoglobigerina complex, concluding that the sandstone and the Ir anomaly were
longiapertura, P. eugubina, P. extensa, S. triloculinoides, P. pseudo- deposited in the Danian. An earlier study by Keller (1989a) did not
bulloides, C. midwayensis, and increasing abundances of Globoconusa show the occurrence of Danian species in the sandstone complex or in
daubjergensis (Plates 3–5). An early Danian zone Pla hiatus has been the claystone below and placed the KTB at the Ir anomaly in
observed in many sections of the Tethys and worldwide (MacLeod and accordance with the nannofossil data and rare isolated Danian
Keller, l991a, 1991b; Keller and Benjamini, l991; Keller, 2008), and specimens. Re-analysis of the Brazos-1 samples could not confirm
may represent a global sea level change (Keller, 2002; Adatte et al., this placement.
2002).
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Zone P1b: This zone is defined as the interval between the last
occurrence of Parvularugoglobigerina eugubina and/or P. long-
Restudy of Brazos-1: In an effort to locate the globally recognized
KTB in Brazos-1, two sets of samples were reanalyzed, species
identifications were standardized, and taxonomic concepts updated.
iapertura and the first occurrence of Parasubbotina varianta (Plates Thor Hansen provided the original set over twenty years ago. Gerta
3, 4). A hiatus frequently marks this interval as indicated by the abrupt Keller, Norman MacLeod, and Stefan Gartner collected the second set
disappearance of P. eugubina and the simultaneous first appearances of in 1992. In addition, stable isotope analyses were conducted on the
other species. benthic species Lenticulina and fine fraction sediment (38–63 lm).
Zone P1c: This zone defines the interval between the first Maastrichtian: Results show no significant diversity or abundance
appearance of Parasubbotina varianta to the first occurrence of changes in planktic foraminifera across the sandstone complex, except
or
Praemurica trinidadensis (Fig. 5). Zone P1c can be subdivided into for the disappearance of four larger, specialized deeper-dwelling
P1c(1) and P1c(2) based on the first occurrence of P. inconstans. species (Racemiguembelina powelli, Globotruncana dupeublei, Glo-
botruncanita stuarti, Heterohelix punctulata, Fig. 7; Abramovich et al.,
BIOSTRATIGRAPHY 2003). No change is apparent across the Ir anomaly about 20 cm above
the sandstone complex. Three species disappear 1.05 m above the
Cretaceous–Tertiary boundary outcrops and wells drilled in 1986 sandstone complex, and another 11 species disappear in the overlying
th
and 2005 span about 3 km along the Brazos River and its tributaries, 15 cm, marking an abrupt extinction horizon at 1.2 m. The gradually
but are concentrated in three localities: (1) Brazos River near the decreasing diversity between the sandstone complex and the KTB is
Highway 413 bridge, (2) Cottonmouth Creek, and (3) Darting Minnow accompanied by species dwarfing (MacLeod et al., 2000), gradually
Creek (Fig. 1). Overall, the KT transition is similar in all sections, but decreasing abundance of the low-oxygen-tolerant Heterohelix glob-
there are significant variations in the thickness of the sandstone ulosa, and concurrent increase in the disaster opportunist Guembelitria
complex and Danian biozones as a result of variable erosion and cretacea to . 60% by 1.3 m above the sandstone complex (Fig. 7)
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paleotopography. To gain a better understanding of the KT transition in (Keller, 1989a, 1989b; Barrera and Keller, 1990; Keller et al., 2009a).
this important area, all outcrops and subsurface wells were analyzed. Throughout this interval d13C values are characteristic of the late
Previously published sections (e.g., Brazos-1, KT3, CM1, CM4; Maastrichtian. These data indicate deposition during the latest
Keller, 1989a) were re-examined, species identifications were Maastrichtian zone CF1.
standardized, and taxonomic concepts updated. Stable isotope analysis KT Boundary: The KT-characteristic d13C shift in fine fraction
was conducted on the benthic species Lenticulina and fine fraction carbonate begins at 0.95 m and in benthic species at 1.05 m above the
sediment (38–63 lm) in order to locate the KTB-characteristic d13C sandstone complex (Fig. 7). The d13C decrease is gradual, reaching
isotope shift. All KT sequences are presented here along with their minimum values at 1.3 m and 1.4 m in benthic foraminifera and fine
history and discussed for the three localities. fraction, respectively, although the 10 cm sample spacing suggests that
minimum values could have been reached 10 cm lower in the section
Brazos-1 Section (Fig. 7). The first Danian species, Woodringina hornerstownensis,
coincides with the onset of the d13C shift at 1.05 m followed by three
Previous Studies: The Brazos-1 section, or ‘‘Brazos River section’’ other Danian species at 1.10 m (Parvularugoglobigerina extensa,
of early reports, is located on the west bank of the Brazos River about Woodringina claytonensis, and Globoconusa daubjergensis; Plates 2,
300 m south of the Highway 413 Bridge across the Brazos River (Fig. 3).
1). The first published stratigraphic report of the area was based on this Based on these data the KTB is placed at the onset of the d13C shift,
locality (Smith and Pessagno, 1973; Kocurek and Hansen, l982) and the evolution of the first Danian species at 1.05 m, and the extinction of
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FIGURE 6.—Lithology and Ir distribution at Brazos-1. Major Ir concentrations occur at a 1-cm-thick rust-colored sand layer and tailing upwards.
This Ir anomaly was previously identified as the KTB, though new analyses show it to be in the upper part of zone CF1 below the KTB.
or
most Cretaceous species 10–15 cm above. The less abrupt extinction by the younger Danian age (zone P1b) and poor preservation of
pattern compared with deep-sea sections is partly due to the higher specimens illustrated by Montgomery et al. (1992).
sediment accumulation rate in shallow shelf environments, but is
th
primarily due to the absence of most large tropical and subtropical Wells KT1, KT2
deeper-dwelling species in the shallow-water Brazos area (Abramovich
et al., 2003; Keller et al., 2009a; Keller et al., 2009b; Keller and Previous Studies: Brazos well KT1 is located close to the Brazos-1
Abramovich, 2009), which leaves mostly the ecologically more outcrop (this is the ‘‘core’’ of Hansen et al., 1987, and ‘‘Brazos Core 1’’
tolerant small species that survived the KTB for a short time (Fig. of Schulte et al., 2006). Well KT1 encountered drilling disturbance,
7). This may explain the delayed disappearance of some Cretaceous and after recovering 10 cm of the sandstone complex and disturbed
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species relative to the onset of the d13C shift and the first Danian shale beneath, the hole was aborted (Thor Hansen, written commu-
species, although the possibility of reworking and/or upward mixing nication 1988, 2005). Well KT2 was drilled within 2 m of well KT1
due to bioturbation cannot be excluded. and recovered the sequence from the sandstone complex downward. In
1987, Thor Hansen provided samples from wells KT1 and KT2 to GK
Danian: The first Danian species (Woodringina hornerstownensis,
for analysis in order to test the gradual extinction pattern observed at
W. claytonensis, Parvularugoglobigerina extensa, and Globoconusa
the nearby Brazos-1 section. In KT1 the first Danian species were
daubjergensis) evolved almost immediately after the KTB mass observed about 1.5 m above the sandstone complex. This was
extinction. Parvularugoglobigerina eugubina first appears at 1.2 m and inconsistent with Brazos-1 and the presumed KTB at the Ir anomaly
marks the zones P0–P1a boundary (Fig. 5; Plates 2, 3). (Note that in 17–20 cm above the sandstone complex (Jiang and Gartner, 1986;
Keller et al., 2008, the P0–P1a boundary was placed at 1.5 m, though a Keller, l989a). Hansen cautioned that this difference was likely due to
subsequent search detected the marker species P. eugubina beginning the drilling disturbance encountered, and therefore the results were not
at 1.2 m). The first appearance (FA) of Parasubbotina pseudobulloides published.
identifies the P1a(1)–P1a(2) subzone boundary at 1.7 m (Fig. 7, Plate Schulte et al. (2006) studied wells KT1 and KT2 and identified the
5). Danian species previously reported near the Ir anomaly (Keller, first Danian nannofossil species Biantholithus sparsus at 1.6 m and the
1989a) or in the sandstone complex (Smith and Pessagno, 1973; first Danian planktic foraminifera at 1.8 m above the sandstone
Montgomery et al., 1992) could not be confirmed. This suggests that complex. They described the 1.6 m interval as ‘‘carbonate poor’’ with
earlier findings were likely due to outcrop contamination, as suggested no macrofossil shells and a significant drop in the abundance of
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FIGURE 7.—Planktic foraminiferal analysis, stable isotopes, and Ir concentrations at Brazos-1. Note that the mass extinction, the first Danian
species, and the d13C shift occur 1 m above the sandstone complex, whereas the Ir anomaly is within upper Maastrichtian sediments well below
the KTB. The gradual decline in species richness reflects the exclusion of deeper-dwelling species in this shallow, inner-neritic environment.
or
microfossil species. Speculating that microfossils in this interval could sandstone complex. Thus, faunal and geochemical indicators show that
have been reworked, they left it as an unzoned ‘‘barren’’ interval, Schulte et al.’s (2006) ‘‘barren’’ and ‘‘unzoned’’ interval was deposited
though suggestive of the late Maastrichtian Micula prinsii nannofossil during the latest Maastrichtian zone CF1 and Micula prinsii zone and
zone. Nevertheless, they placed the KTB at the impact spherules at the that their placement of the KTB at the base of the sandstone complex is
th
base of the sandstone complex based on the assumption that the not justified.
Chicxulub impact is KTB in age and therefore defines the KTB KT Boundary: Three Danian species first appear 1.6 m above the
(Schulte et al., 2006; Schulte et al., 2008; but see Keller et al., 2008). sandstone complex (Globoconusa daubjergensis, Parvularugoglobi-
This Study—Maastrichtian: For this study the planktic foraminifera gerina extensa, Woodringina hornerstownensis; Plate 2). The same
of wells KT1 and KT2 were reanalyzed quantitatively, Ir concentrations species occur in rapid succession at Brazos-1 between 1.05 and 1.10 m
measured and stable isotopes of bulk rock and the benthic foraminifer above the sandstone complex (Fig. 8) and are known to evolve in zone
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Lenticulina sp., Heterohelix globulosa, and Guembelitria cretacea P0 almost immediately after the KT mass extinction at the El Kef and
were analyzed in an effort to determine the placement of the KTB (Fig. Elles stratotype and parastratotype sections, respectively (Fig. 5; Keller
8). et al., 1995; Keller et al., 2002; Molina et al., 2006). The onset of the
Planktic foraminiferal assemblages above the sandstone complex d13C shift coincides with the first appearances of Danian species and
(‘‘barren’’ interval of Schulte et al., 2006) are low in diversity and decreases rapidly by 4ø in the bulk-rock fine fraction, similarly to
dominated by small species (Heterohelix spp. and Guembelitria Brazos-1 (Fig. 8). These data place the KTB at 1.6 m above the
cretacea), similarly to all other Brazos sections. Deposition occurred sandstone complex, rather than at the base as proposed by Schulte et al.
during the latest Maastrichtian zone CF1 and the nannofossil Micula (2006) and Schulte et al. (2008); see also Keller et al. (2008). As in the
prinsii zone. The low abundance and low diversity in this interval is nearby Brazos-1 section, there is no lithological change across the KTB
due to deposition in a very shallow, organic-rich and oxygen-poor and no iridium anomaly.
environment after the sea-level drop that marks the unconformity at the Cretaceous species terminally decrease in relative abundances above
base of the sandstone complex (Gale, 2006; Keller et al., 2007a; Keller the KTB, except for the concurrent increase in the disaster opportunist
et al., 2008). The maximum Ir enrichment is only 0.3 ppb and occurs G. cretacea (Fig. 8). The low species richness in the shallow-water
just above the sandstone complex, coincident with a similar minor Brazos environment and hence exclusion of the larger, deeper-dwelling
enrichment in Brazos-1. No Ir anomaly was detected correlative with extinction-prone Cretaceous species results in a more gradual
the larger anomaly in Brazos-1, though this may be due to low sample extinction pattern. This has been observed in shallow water sequences
resolution. d13C data show normal late Maastrichtian values above the worldwide (e.g., Madagascar, Tunisia, Argentina, Denmark; Keller et
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FIGURE 8.—Planktic foraminiferal analysis, stable isotopes, and Ir concentrations at the KT1 well show patterns similar to the nearby Brazos-1
section. Lower species richness is due to smaller sample size available and larger sample spacing, which may also account for the absence of an
Ir anomaly. The KTB is 1.6 m above the sandstone complex, which may be due to drilling disturbance.
or
al., 1993; Keller et al., 1998; Keller et al., 2007b; Abramovich et al., sections. In outcrops, this lithological change marks an unconformity.
2002; Hart et al., 2005). Differences in the number of species between In KT1 the shell-rich silty claystone above the unconformity contains a
Brazos-1 and KT1 are largely due to the smaller sample size available characteristic zone P1b assemblage dominated by G. daubjergensis.
from the KT1 core, which reduced the likelihood of finding rare The increased silt indicates a higher-energy and more oxygenated
species. The patterns of species occurrences and abundances are environment, supporting a more complex ecosystem, as confirmed by
similar to Brazos-1 and other Brazos sections, although the expanded the increased abundance of macrofossils.
th
early Danian record may indicate some drilling disturbance, as

suspected by Thor Hansen, and seem supported by the new well Well Mullinax-1
Mullinax-1.
Early Danian: Low sample resolution and small sample sizes place Mullinax-1 (Mull-1) was drilled at the same GPS location as wells
limitations on the precise placement of Danian biozones. An KT1 and KT2 in order to recover a continuous and undisturbed upper
alternative marker for the P0–P1a boundary, in the absence of the
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Maastrichtian to lower Danian sequence. This goal was accomplished

index species Parvularugoglobigerina eugubina, is the trough after the
(see lithology section), though there is a coring gap of 75 cm in zone
d13C shift in Brazos sections. In KT1, this places the P0–P1a boundary
P1a (Fig. 9; Keller et al., 2007a). Planktic foraminifera in Mull-1 were
tentatively about 60 cm above the KTB, though given better sample
analyzed quantitatively at 5 cm to 10 cm sample intervals and in two
resolution this interval is likely much smaller, as evident in well
Mullinax-1, which was drilled at the same location as KT1. Cretaceous size fractions (. 63 lm and . 150 lm) to evaluate the response of
species disappear at the P0–P1a transition, except for survivor species, small and large species to the KTB and Chicxulub impact events. For
which disappear in zone P1a, leaving Guembelitria cretacea as the sole biostratigraphic purposes the . 63 lm size fraction is shown. Stable
long-term survivor. At 4.89 m there is an isolated occurrence of single isotope analysis was performed on the benthic species Lenticulina and
well-developed large P. pseudobulloides, Subbotina triloculinoides, iridium concentrations were measured.
and G. pentagona (Plates 4, 5), which generally first appear in zone Maastrichtian: The latest Maastrichtian zone CF1 index species,
P1c. Early forms of these species first appear in the upper part of zone Plummerita hantkeninoides, is rare though relatively continuously
P1a and are generally small and poorly developed. These out-of- present in the 75 cm below the sandstone complex, with additional
sequence morphotypes are here considered as likely contamination. occurrences at 9.55 and 9.7 m and a single specimen at 11.1 m (Fig. 9,
The P1a–P1b zone boundary is marked by the last occurrences of P. Plate 1). By convention the zone boundary is usually placed at the first
eugubina and P. longiapertura coincident with a decrease in relatively continuous occurrence of the index species, which would be
Guembelitria and an increase in Globoconusa daubjergensis (Fig. 8), at 9.7 m. However, the isolated specimen at 11.1 m is very well
as well as increased abundance of macrofossil shells in all Brazos preserved and suggests that the CF1–CF2 biozone boundary may be at
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FIGURE 9.—Planktic foraminiferal analysis, stable isotopes, and Ir concentrations in the upper Maastrichtian to Danian sediments in well
Mullinax-1. As in all other sequences the KTB is marked by the d13C shift, the first Danian species, and species extinctions. Cretaceous
species diversity is very low above the sandstone complex because the shallow, inner-neritic environment excludes all deeper subsurface
dwellers. Note the absence of any significant changes in diversity or abundance of species. The Ir concentration is at its maximum in a
or
laminated fine sandstone near the top of the sandstone complex.
the lower occurrence and the sporadic presence may be due to rarity Maastrichtian cooling. The single point negative d18O and d13C
and small sample size. excursions in a thin clay layer 30 cm below the unconformity at the
d18O values (Lenticulina sp.) indicate peak warming between 10.7 base of the sandstone complex mask diagenetic alteration (Keller et al.,
th
and 11.1 m and between 9.5 and 10 m followed by the terminal 2007a). Similar negative excursions are observed at the Cottonmouth
Creek CMAW section in the yellow clay layer that marks altered
Chicxulub impact spherules. No significant change occurs in d18O and
d13C values across the sandstone complex or in the 50 cm above it
before gradually decreasing towards the KTB (Fig. 9).
Between the onset of the terminal Maastrichtian cooling and the base
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of the sandstone complex, species richness gradually decreased by 9

species concurrent with the sea-level fall that culminated in inner-
neritic depth. All disappearing species are deeper-water dwellers (Li
and Keller, 1998a; Abramovich et al., 2003) that lost their habitat
during the sea-level fall (Keller and Abramovich, 2009). The dominant
species, which are all surface or near-surface dwellers and tolerant of
environmental changes, show no significant changes across the
sandstone complex and sea-level fall, though overall diversity is
reduced. Benthic foraminifera show a dramatic increase in abundance
to 60% at the base of the sandstone complex and continuing into the
early Danian zone P1a (Fig. 9). This reflects the sea-level fall and
subsequent gradual sea-level rise.
A significant Ir anomaly (1.4 ppb) was detected in the laminated
silty mudstone above the burrowed HCS. High Ir values tail off in the
FIGURE 10.—View of Brazos River bed exposure of section BR1 during upward-fining interval at the top of the sandstone complex (Figs. 2, 9).
low water flow. In contrast, this same interval at Brazos-1 shows only about 0.4 ppb
(Figs. 6, 7), and the maximum concentration is in a thin sand layer 20
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FIGURE 11.—A) Brazos Riverbed-1 (BR1) section exposing the sandstone complex and underlying claystones during low water flow. B) Lithology
and Ir concentrations of the Brazos Riverbed section BR1. In this sandstone complex the Ir anomaly is concentrated in a thin spherule-rich
layer (sample 10).
cm above the sandstone complex. This stratigraphic difference could compared with 1.5 m estimated for zone P1a in core KT1. The top 0.5
or
be explained by the topographic variation of the Brazos area, with m of Mullinax-1 is in zone P1b.
higher sediment deposition in topographic lows and more erosion at
topographic highs. No elevated Ir concentrations were detected in the Brazos Riverbed-1
claystones upsection or at the KT boundary in Mullinax-1, KT1,
Brazos-1, or any other Brazos section analyzed. The sandstone complex is exposed in the Brazos River bed and can
KT Boundary: The KTB in Mullinax-1 is well marked by the first be accessed when the water table is very low (Fig. 10). From a
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appearances of three Danian species (Woodringina hornerstownensis, biostratigraphic point of view these sections are limited in that only 10–
Globoconusa daubjergensis, Parvularugoglobigerina extensa, Plates 20 cm of the underlying zone CF1 sediments are exposed and no
2, 3) and the negative d13C shift at 0.8 m above the sandstone complex sediments above the sandstone complex are preserved. Thus the KTB
(Fig. 9). At this interval, H. globulosa abruptly decreases and G. is not present in these sections. However, these sections are useful in
cretacea increases to dominate the assemblage, as characteristic in all that they reveal the intricacy of the sandstone complex, with its
alternating depositional environments, burrowing horizons, and
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KTB sections. As in other Brazos sections, the mass extinction in this

shallow-water environment is reduced in terms of numbers of species multiple spherule-rich layers. Gale (2006) documented these sections,
extinct at the KTB due to the exclusion of all larger specialized species concentrating on the multiple truncated burrowing horizons and
that mark this event in deeper-water environments (Keller et al., concluded that deposition occurred as a series of seasonal storm
2009a). Only few Cretaceous survivor species (heterohelicids, sedimentation events, or tempestites during a low sea level. Iridium
guembelitrids, hedbergellids) are present in the early Danian. analysis reveals enrichment of 1.2 ppb at the erosion surface of a thin (2
The KTB at 0.8 m above the sandstone complex, as compared with cm) glauconite- and spherule-rich layer (Fig. 11, sample 10). The Ir
1.6 m in core KT1 at the same location, is puzzling. It could be distribution in the Brazos sections is fully discussed in Munsel et al.
explained by significant topographic variation within just a few meters, (this volume).
or expansion of the interval in KT1 due to drilling disturbance, as
earlier suggested by Thor Hansen. Cottonmouth Creek Waterfall Sections
Danian: In Mullinax-1 the first appearances of P. eugubina and P. (CMW-CMA-CMB)
longiapertura, which mark the P0–P1a zone boundary, occur 15 cm
above the KTB near the end of the d13C minimum which began at the Cottonmouth Creek has the best outcrop exposure of KT sequences
KTB, as also observed at Brazos-1. A 75 cm core gap is present near near a small waterfall over the sandstone complex. In 2005, the
the base of zone P1a(1), and as a result most of zone P1a is missing. collapse of a steep creek bank about 10 m from the waterfall provided
Including the core gap, zone P1a spans 1.05 m in Mullinax-1, as the best exposure of the sandstone complex and underlying claystones
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FIGURE 12.—A) Cottonmouth Creek CMA outcrop is located about 10 m from the waterfall and shows the same sequence of Chicxulub impact
layer (yellow cheto smectite) below the sandstone complex. B) At the CMB section about 20 m down the Cottonmouth Creek the sandstone
complex consists of a 20 cm sand layer. This section has good exposure of early Danian sediments.
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FIGURE 13.—A) The Cottonmouth Creek waterfall section being cleaned after collapse of the creek bank. B) This section shows excellent
exposure of the thin yellow clay between 45 and 60 cm below the sandstone complex, which very likely is the primary Chicxulub impact-
spherule layer, now altered to cheto smectite. The base of the sandstone complex has two to three reworked spherule layers, which are also
marked by impact glass altered to cheto smectite. The KT boundary at this locality is about 40 cm above the top of the sandstone complex.
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FIGURE 14.—Planktic foraminiferal analysis, stable isotopes, and Ir concentrations in the Cottonmouth Creek waterfall CMAW and CMB
composite section (CMB is 20 m down the creek). As in all other sequences the KTB, marked by the d13C shift, the first Danian species, and
species extinctions, is above the sandstone complex. Cretaceous species diversity is low due to the shallow, inner-neritic environment. A sharp
negative isotope excursion marks diagenetic alteration of the impact-glass in the yellow clay. Note the absence of any significant changes in
diversity or abundance of species across the impact layer. Enhanced Ir concentrations occur between the KTB and sandstone complex.
or
(section CMA) (Fig. 12A). About 25 cm above the sandstone complex, Keller et al., 2008). Because all Brazos sections are located within a
dark gray claystones grade into soil. For this reason, the interval above small area (; 6 to 7 km2), the same factors should dominate all, with
the sandstone complex, including the KTB and the early Danian, was small variations due to paleotopography of the sea floor.
collected in the CMB section about 20 m downstream (Fig. 12B). Throughout this interval, stable isotope values remain relatively
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Stratigraphic, geochemical, and mineralogical results of the combined stable, except for a sharp negative excursion in a yellow clay layer at 45
CMA-CMB sections were published in Keller et al. (2007a). cm below the sandstone complex. A negative d13C excursion is also
Subsequently, heavy rains collapsed the steep creek banks near the recorded in a clay layer at 30 cm below the sandstone complex in core
waterfall, covering up the CMA outcrop but exposing a new sequence Mullinax-1 (Fig. 9). These negative d13C excursions are likely due to
at the waterfall. During fieldwork in 2007 this section was cleared and diagenetic alteration. Ir concentrations are within background levels
sampled in detail (Fig. 13A, B, section CMW). Analytical results of from below the yellow clay through the sandstone complex, with
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CMW are identical to those from CMA and are therefore combined as slightly increased values (0.3–0.6 ppb) in the 40 cm above the
CMAW. The interval above the sandstone complex is based on the sandstone complex (Fig. 14).
overlapping datasets of CMA and CMB, which are combined in the The yellow clay layer is the most exciting discovery in the
composite section CMAW-CMB (Fig. 14). Biostratigraphy is based on Cottonmouth Creek CMAW-CMB sections. It is 3–4 cm thick,
planktic foraminifera (. 63 lm), calcareous nannofossils (Tantawy, interbedded in claystones 45–60 cm below the unconformity at the
this volume), stable isotopes of the bulk fine fraction, and Lenticulina base of the sandstone complex (Fig. 13B), and can be traced laterally
species. over 20–30 m before it dips below the creek bed level. Originally the
Maastrichtian: In the Cottonmouth Creek waterfall area (CMAW) yellow clay was thought to be a bentonite (Hansen et al., 1987).
the 1.05 m of claystone below the sandstone complex and 40 cm above Bentonite originates from altered volcanic glass and consists of 80–
it show gradually decreasing planktic foraminiferal assemblages 90% montmorillonite (a member of the smectite group). Similarly,
deposited during the latest Maastrichtian zone CF1 and Micula prinsii altered impact spherules consist predominantly of montmorillonite.
zone (CC26b, Fig.14). As in all other Brazos sections, Heterohelix and Mineralogical analysis of the yellow clay layer and the two reworked
Guembelitria dominate the assemblages. The decrease in species impact spherule layers at the base of the sandstone complex reveal
richness accelerates in the sandstone complex and above, although 100% Mg montmorillonite, or cheto smectite (Fig. 13B; Keller et al.,
there is no significant change in the dominant species abundances. As 2007a). This means the smectite origin could be either altered volcanic
in other Brazos sections, this decrease can be explained by the sea-level glass or Chicxulub impact glass. However, since the smectite of the
fall from middle-neritic to inner-neritic depths (Keller et al., 2007a; yellow clay and the layers of reworked impact spherules are identical,
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FIGURE 15.—Lithology and Ir concentrations at Cottonmouth Creek CM4 section, located about 100 m down creek from CMB. This section has a
10-cm-thick sandstone (HCS) layer with increased Ir concentrations above it.
and since there are no minerals of volcanic origin present in the yellow set at the first peak of the negative d13C excursion at 10 cm above the
clay (Schulte et al.’s (2010) claim of sanidine could not be confirmed), KT boundary. The subzone P1a(1)–P1a(2) is defined by the first
we can assume that the cheto smectite is derived from altered appearances of Parasubbotina pseudobulloides and Subbotina trilo-
Chicxulub impact spherules. In addition, cheto smectite has been culinoides (Plates 4, 5) at 1.08 m above the sandstone complex. In the
or
documented from impact glass spherule layers in Guatemala, Belize, CMAW-CMB section subzone P1a(2) is very condensed or missing,
and Mexico (Debrabant et al., 1999; Keller et al., 2003b). The altered with zone P1b juxtaposed over P1a(1). This is suggested by the
impact-spherule layers at the CMAW sections (yellow clay and two absence of P. eugubina, above the first appearances of P. pseudobul-
spherule-rich layers in the sandstone complex) are strong evidence that loides and S. triloculinoides, the abrupt disappearances of the survivor
the Chicxulub impact predates the sandstone complex. Further strong H. globulosa and the early Danian P. extensa, and the abrupt increase in
evidence in support of the pre-KT age comes from lithified clasts with Globoconusa daubjergensis, all coinciding with a lithologic change
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impact spherules at the base of the sandstone complex in various from dark claystone to light gray silty claystone (Fig. 14). In addition,
sections (Fig. 3; Keller et al., 2007a). well developed Danian species . 150 lm characteristic of zone P1b
KT Boundary: The KTB and mass extinction is well marked at 40 and P1c first appear above this lithological change and mark a hiatus.
cm above the sandstone complex by the negative d13C excursion and Calcareous nannofossils indicate the NP1a–NP1b boundary near this
the first appearance of three Danian species (Woodringina horner- lithologic change (Tantawy, this volume).
stownensis, Globoconusa daubjergensis, Parvularugoglobigerina ex-
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tensa; Fig. 14, Plates 2, 3). There is no lithological change and no Ir Cottonmouth Creek CM4 Sections
anomaly at the KT boundary, although elevated Ir concentrations (0.3
to 0.6 ppb) were measured below. The mass extinction is gradual, as In 1987 Hansen collected two Cottonmouth Creek sections labeled
also observed at Mullinax-1, KT1, and Brazos-1. Most species range CM1 and CM4, which are about 120 m apart and were analyzed as a
10–20 cm into the basal Danian, possibly as a result of reworking and/ composite section for planktic foraminifera (Keller, 1989a) and
or upward excavation by burrowing invertebrates (Rodriguez-Tovar et macrofossils (Hansen et al., 1993a; Hansen et al., 1993b). The CM4
al., 2009). At least six and possibly eight species range into zone P1a section was collected downstream from CMB (Fig. 15). We recollected
and are known as short-term survivors (Heterohelix globulosa, H. the CM4 section up to 1.8 m above the sandstone complex and found
navarroensis, H. dentata, Hedbergella monmouthensis, Globigerinel- no difference, except that the limestone concretions are 0.8 m above the
loides aspera, and possibly Pseudoguemelina costellifera and P. sandstone complex, rather than 0.6 m as noted by Keller (l989a) Keller
costulata (Barrera and Keller, 1990; Pardo and Keller, 2008). As in all (1989b), and Hansen et al. (1993a). The difference can be ascribed to
KTB sections, Guembelitria cretacea is the sole long-term survivor measurement error or slight outcrop variation.
and rapidly increased to dominate assemblages above the KTB. We reanalyzed planktic foraminifera to update species concepts and
Danian: Parvularugoglobigerina eugubina and P. longiapertura search for rare species, conducted stable isotope measurements on the
first appear 20 cm above the KT boundary, but these P0–P1a marker benthic Lenticulina spp. and planktic Heterohelix globulosa, and
species are rare and may not represent the first evolutionary measured Ir concentrations. Figure 15 shows the litholog and outcrop
occurrences. For this reason, the P0–P1a zone boundary is tentatively collected in 2007. Figure 16 shows the biostratigraphy, faunal, and
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FIGURE 16.—Planktic foraminiferal analysis, stable isotopes, and Ir concentrations in the Cottonmouth Creek CM4 section, located about 100 m
down creek from CMB. This section is similar to CMB, including the Ir concentrations between the sandstone and KTB.
isotope analyses based on the 2007 sample collection and the updated cretacea dominates in the early Danian (Fig. 16). There is no
dataset of Keller (l989a). The lithology, biostratigraphy, diversity, and lithological change at the KTB. Because of the low species richness in
relative species abundance variations of the CM4 section are very this shallow inner-neritic environment, as a result of the exclusion of all
or
similar to CMB, although the latter section ends at 1.4 m above the deeper water dwelling species that went extinct at the KTB, the mass
sandstone complex. extinction at CM4 as well as in other Brazos sections is gradual. Most
Maastrichtian: Species richness in CM4 is low (20 species) and Cretaceous species present are tolerant of significant environmental
reflects the shallow, inner-neritic environment in the 35 cm above the changes and range 10–20 cm above the KTB, with some Cretaceous
sandstone complex. Heterohelix globulosa dominates and Guembeli- survivors ranging into zone P1a (Fig. 16), as first observed at the El
tria cretacea is the second most common species, as also observed in Kef stratotype section (Keller, 1988).
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all other Brazos sections (Fig. 16). No Danian species are present, Danian: Zone P0 spans about 15 cm (to FA P. eugubina), though the
contrary to the report by Keller (l989a). Stable isotopes reflect late exact thickness depends on sample spacing. The d13C shift reached its
Maastrichtian values. In the absence of Danian species and absence of maximum at about 18 cm above the KTB. As in the CMAW-CMB
the d13C shift, this interval must be considered as latest Maastrichtian, section, zone P1a(1) ranges up to the lithologic change and
consistent with other Brazos sections. This study, therefore, does not unconformity 0.60–0.65 m above the KTB. The upper part of zone
support the KT placement at the top of the sandstone complex by P1a, or subzone P1a(2), is therefore missing. This is indicated by the
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Keller (1989a). simultaneous FA of Parasubbotina pseudobulloides and Subbotina

Hansen et al. (1993a) reported an Ir anomaly of 0.6 to 1.1 ppb in the triloculinoides, a decrease in G. cretacea abundance, an abrupt
10 cm above the sandstone complex. Newly measured Ir concentra- increase in G. daubjergensis, and abrupt disappearances of survivor
tions reveal a diffuse pattern of elevated iridium with peak values of 0.6 species (Fig. 16). Zone P1b marks the interval up to the FA of
and 0.5 ppb at 1 cm and 20 cm above the sandstone complex, Subbotina varianta (Plate 4) and is characterized by peak abundance in
respectively, and background values of 0.2 ppb persisting into the early Globoconusa daubjergensis and decreased Guembelitria abundance.
Danian (Figs. 15, 16). Similarly, Ir concentrations were measured in the This trend is reversed in the upper part of zone P1b and reflects a
CMAW-CMB section up to 40 cm above the sandstone complex (Fig. change in the environment.
14). As in all Brazos sequences, the Ir distribution is complex, in
variable lithologies and stratigraphic layers, without a single peak Cottonmouth Creek CM1 Section
anomaly and difficult to interpret (see Gertsch et al., this volume).
Therefore, it cannot be used to identify the KT boundary in the Brazos Previous Studies: Thor Hansen first collected the Cottonmouth
sections. Creek CM1 section in 1987 and supplied a set of samples for analysis
KT Boundary: The KTB is marked by the mass extinction, the first to G. Keller (l989a) who published the planktic foraminiferal record as
Danian species (P. extensa, W. hornerstownensis, W. claytonensis, G. part of a composite section with CM4. The CM1 section was likely
daubjergensis) and the onset of the d13C shift at 35 cm above the collected at or near the waterfall outcrops CMA and CMW (Fig. 1).
sandstone complex. Heterohelix globulosa decreases and Guembelitria This is evident by the very similar litholog described and illustrated for
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FIGURE 17.—Lithologic comparison of Cottonmouth CMAW with the CM1 section of Hansen et al. (l987) and Keller (l989a) shows that CM1 is
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also from outcrops near the waterfall. Note that Hansen observed the yellow clay layer and labeled it as bentonite.
CM1 by Hansen et al. (1987), as shown in Figure 17 in comparison interpreted as altered Chicxulub impact glass spherules (Figs. 13B)
with the CMAW section using the same lithology symbols. The main (Keller et al., 2007a). The upper orange (Fe) stained ‘‘bentonite’’ at the
difference between CM1 and CMAW is the 20 cm thicker sandstone base of the sandstone complex corresponds to the two layers of
complex, which is likely due to lateral variation in thickness of these reworked impat spherules (Fig. 13B).
channel deposits. Hansen et al. (l987) also noted a Thalassinoides The obvious similarities between CM1 and CMAW obviate the need
burrow crosscutting the HCS layers (Fig. 17). Such burrows were also to reproduce the faunal record of CM1 (Keller, l989a), inasmuch as this
noted in Mullinax-1 and the Riverbed outcrops (Gale, 2006; Keller et record is already documented for CMAW (Fig. 14).
al., 2007a).
Most notable is Hansen’s description of a thin ‘‘orange-limonite Cottonmouth Creek Well KT3
bentonite’’ with a scoured top about 50 cm below the sandstone
complex and the ‘‘bentonite altered to orange limonite’’ at the base of Previous Studies: Cottonmouth Creek well KT3 was drilled in 1986
the sandstone complex. The lower ‘‘bentonite’’ and discontinuity above by Thor Hansen and Earl Kauffman on a meadow about 150 m from
it correspond to Keller et al.’s (2007a) yellow clay between 45–60 cm the Cottonmouth Creek waterfall (Fig. 1). Keller (l989a) analyzed the
below the sandstone complex in CMA and CMW, which was planktic foraminifera and labeled the well ‘‘Brazos core’’. Barrera and
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FIGURE 18.—Planktic foraminiferal analysis and stable isotopes in the Cottonmouth Creek well KT3, located at about 150 m from the
Cottonmouth waterfall. The KTB is well marked above the sandstone complex by the mass extinction, the first Danian species and the d13C
shift.
or
Keller (1990) conducted stable isotope analysis on the benthic the base of the sandstone complex marks reworked species at the
foraminifer Lenticulina sp. and planktic Heterohelix globulosa and unconformity, as also suggested by the increased abundance of benthic
demonstrated that H. globulosa was a KTB survivor based on Danian species.
d13C signals in specimens from the Danian. In these studies, samples Throughout the interval below the sandstone complex, across it, and
were analyzed at 2.5 cm to 5 cm intervals from 50 cm below the up to the KTB, dominant species show normal variations. As in all
sandstone complex through the early Danian zone P1a and at 20 cm Brazos sections, Heterohelix globulosa is the dominant species,
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sample spacing above and below this interval. Preliminary paleomag- followed by Guembelitria cretacea, H. planata, H. dentate, and H.
netic data for core KT3 was done by W. Gose (written communication, navarroensis. Guembelitria populations show a significant decrease in
1987) and published in Hansen et al. (1993a). However, the the sandstone complex with the concurrent increase in H. globulosa
Maastrichtian signals are erratic and difficult to interpret or correlate and H. planata/dentata. It is unclear whether this reflects a change in
with biostratigraphic data. Follow-up studies by two laboratories have the environment or differential preservation reducing the abundance of
been unsuccessful to obtain paleomagnetic or magnetic susceptibility the fragile G. cretacea specimens. Zone CF1 index species Plummerita
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signals of the new Mullinax wells due to the very high clay content. hantkeninoides is rare and sporadically present, with the first
This Study: Planktic foraminifera of KT3 were reanalyzed for this occurrence at about 1.4 m below the sandstone complex.
study to update species concepts, search for rare species, and compare Stable isotopes show 1–2ø fluctuations in planktic and benthic
the sequence with the new outcrops and Mullinax wells. Well KT3 is values (Barrera and Keller, 1990). However, they cannot be directly
very similar in all aspects to the other Brazos sections, except that the compared with those of Mullinax-1 because of lower sample resolution
sandstone complex is less than 20 cm thick and contains more common at 20–25 cm sample spacing as compared with 5 cm in Mullinax-1. The
foraminifera that may or may not be reworked. For this reason, species negative excursion in the sandstone complex probably reflects
abundance and isotopic data are shown across the sandstone where diagenetic alteration.
they show relatively minor abundance changes (Fig. 18). KT Boundary: The KT boundary is marked by the onset of the d13C
Maastrichtian: The upper Maastichtian below the sandstone shift in Lenticulina sp. and H. globulosa, the extinction of all but
complex has species richness in zone CF1 comparable to that in survivor species, and the FA of G. daubjergensis, W. hornerstownensis,
Mullinax-1 and CMAW sections. Total species richness varies between P. extensa, and Eoglobigerina eobulloides (Fig. 18, Plates 2, 3). The
30 and 37 species and abruptly decreases in the sandstone complex and sporadic presence of Cretaceous species in the 10–20 cm above the
above it (Fig. 18). The gradual decrease in species richness begins d13C shift is observed in all Brazos sections and is likely due to
below the sandstone complex and can be attributed to the sea-level fall reworking. Eight other species are considered survivors, as suggested
that culminated in scoured channels and deposition of the sandstone by their common occurrences in zone P1a and some at the base of P1b,
complex. Within this decreasing trend the unusual peak of 37 species at including H. globulosa, H. navarroensis, H. dentata, H. planata,
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FIGURE 19.—Lithology of the Brazos-2 section, located 30 m downstream from Brazos-3. Brazos-2 and Brazos-3 can be correlated in outcrops and
show very similar lithologies with two limestone concretion layers above a burrowed glauconite-rich sandstone layer (Photos by Dale Beeson).
Hedbergella monmouthensis, Guembelitria cretacea, Globigerinel- sequence is exposed at Brazos-2 about 30 m downstream along the
loides aspera, P. costulata, and P. costellifera. Guembelitria cretacea is embankment of the Brazos River (Fig. 1). These sections were reported
or
the sole long-term survivor. by Hansen et al. (1987) and Beeson (1992) and collected by Keller and
Stable isotope analysis of H. globulosa in well KT3 show that this MacLeod in l990. At the same time Keller and Beeson collaborated on
species has Cretaceous values below the KTB, rapidly shifts across the these sections. During fieldwork in 2007, these outcrops were covered
boundary in parallel with Lenticulina sp., and retains Danian values in by mudbanks left from the previous flood. For this study both Beeson’s
the Danian, including one sample in P1a (dotted line, Fig. 18). Danian samples and Keller’s samples were available.
d13C values were also measured for H. globulosa and G. cretacea in This Study: Brazos-2 and Brazos-3 can be lithologically correlated
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well KT1 and outcrop CM4 (Fig. 8, 16). This confirms that H. based on two distinct marly limestone layers with concretions about
globulosa is a KTB survivor, as first observed by Keller (1988), Keller 25–30 cm apart (Fig. 19). At Brazos-3, the sandstone complex is
(1989a) and Barrera and Keller (1990), as well as the survivorship of exposed near the base of the exposure and consists of a single 10 cm
other species (Pardo and Keller, 2008). thick coarse glauconite, phosphate and shell-rich sandstone layer with
Danian: The first appearance of Parvularugoglobigerina eugubina burrows. A 1 cm thick Fe-stained sand marks the base of this layer. At
may not be present in KT3 because of a 15 cm core gap. For this Brazos-2, this sand layer is buried just below the base of the outcrop
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reason, the zones P0–P1a boundary is tentatively placed just below the exposure, but it can be excavated (Fig. 19). Above and below the sand
core gap and coincident with the trough of the d13C shift, which marks layer are silty claystones with common shells and burrows. Two peaks
this boundary elsewhere in Brazos sections (e.g., Mullinax-1, KT1, of elevated Ir concentrations (0.5–0.7 ppb) occur just above the
Brazos-1, CMAW-CMB, CM4). The first appearances of Para- sandstone and below the KTB in both localities (Gertsch et al., this
subbotina pseudobulloides and Subbotina triloculinoides coincide volume). Lithologically, Brazos-2 and Brazos-3 are very similar to the
with a sudden increase of G. daubjergensis to 40%, as also observed in Cottonmouth Creek CM-4 section (Figs. 15, 16), including the elevated
other sections (Figs. 7–9, 14, 16). This suggests a short hiatus with the Ir concentrations above the sandstone layer.
upper part of zone P1a, or subzone P1a(2) missing, as also indicated by Maastrichtian: Planktic foraminifera at Brazos-3 reveal similar
a lithologic change to silty shale with shells. Above the hiatus zone P1b faunal turnovers as in other Cottonmouth Creek sections. The
is dominated by Guembelitria spp. and G. daubjergensis. The same maximum Cretaceous species richness (30 species) occurs below the
hiatus was documented in other Brazos sections (e.g., KT1, CMAW- sandstone and gradually decreases upsection. The overall low diversity
CMB, CM4; Figs. 8, 14, 16). marks a shallow middle-neritic (, 100 m) environment with only rare
and sporadic occurrences of the larger, ornate, deeper-dwelling
Brazos-2 and Brazos-3 globotruncanids (e.g., Globotruncana aegyptiaca, G. arca, G. rosetta,
G. dupeublei) and multi-globular species (Planoglobulina brazoensis,
Previous Studies: Brazos-3 is located near the entry of the Racemiguembelina fructicosa, R. intermedia; Fig. 20). The gradual
Cottonmouth Creek tributary to the Brazos River, and the same diversity decrease above the sandstone reflects the shallow, inner-
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FIGURE 20.—Planktic foraminiferal analysis and Ir concentrations at the Brazos-3 section, located at the entry of Cottonmouth Creek into the
Brazos River. This section is similar to other Cottonmouth Creek outcrops, except that the KTB is 10 cm above the sandstone layer, indicating
greater erosion. Elevated Ir values are observed immediately above the sandstone layer and near the KTB. (Ir data from Rocchia, written
communication, 1993).
or
neritic depth, which excludes most subsurface dwellers (Li and Keller, Darting Minnow Creek Waterfall Section DMCW
1998a; Abramovich et al., 2003; Keller et al., 2009a).
The change in water depth in the latest Maastrichtian can also be The Darting Minnow Creek waterfall (DMCW section) is located
observed in the ratio of benthic and planktic species. In relatively about 1.2 km to the south of Cottonmouth Creek (Fig. 1). As in
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deeper middle-neritic waters, planktics are more abundant than benthic Cottonmouth Creek, a waterfall drapes over the resistant beds of the
species, as observed below the sandstone where benthics average 20– sandstone complex about 700 m up-creek from the Brazos River (Fig.
25%. Above the sandstone and into zone P1a, benthic species dominate 21). This outcrop is important in that it boasts the most expanded (;
by 55–65% indicating very shallow, inner-neritic conditions, as also 1.0 m) sandstone complex in the Brazos area. Hansen et al. (1987) and
observed in Mullinax-1 (Fig. 9). Bourgeois et al. (1988) interpreted the lithology of this outcrop as the
KT Boundary: The KT boundary is marked by the FA of deposit of an impact-generated tsunami and therefore assumed to be
Au
Parvularugoglobigerina extensa and Woodringina hornerstownensis KTB in age. However, the biostratigraphy of the section remained
followed by Globoconusa daubjergensis at 12 cm above the KTB. As largely undocumented. Sediment exposure below the sandstone
in all other Brazos sections, extinctions are gradual, rather than sudden, complex is poor and limited to about 1 m. Sediments above the
due mainly to the low diversity and exclusion of the large extinction- sandstone complex are buried in the creek bed and largely inaccessible.
prone deeper-dwelling species and the presence of survivors and other The sandstone complex infills a narrow incised valley of about 20 m
possibly reworked small species above the KTB. Commonly present width, as suggested by seismic studies (Mark Everett, personal
species are considered survivors (e.g., Pseudoguembelina costulata, communication, 2006).
Globigerinella aspera, Hedbergella monmouthensis, Heterohelix Lithology: During fieldwork in 2004 to 2007 the DMC waterfall
dentata, H. navarroensis, H. globulosa, G. cretacea). Among these, (DMCW) section was examined, described, photographed, and
H. globulosa is dominant and begins the terminal decrease at the KTB, sampled at 5–10 cm intervals across the sandstone complex and five
whereas G. cretacea becomes dominant. samples were recovered from the creek bed above (Fig. 22). The
Danian: Zone P1a (FA of P. eugubina) begins at 17 cm above the lithology is similar to other Brazos outcrops. An erosional surface
sandstone layer and continues to the top of the section. The FA of marks the base of the 1 m thick sandstone complex. Below are dark
Parasubbotina pseudobulloides marks the subdivision between P1a(1) gray claystones with common shell fragments. Above the unconfor-
and P1a(2) at 50 cm above the sandstone (Fig. 20). The hiatus observed mity is a 10-cm-thick glauconite and shell hash with common lithified
in many other Brazos sections was not observed, possibly due to clasts, some of which contain impact spherules and occasional
outcrop limitations. mudcracks infilled with spherules (Fig. 3A, D). These lithified clasts
provide evidence of an earlier spherule depositional event that was

followed by subaerial exposure, lithification, erosion, and transporta-
tion (Keller et al., 2007a).
A 10-cm-thick glauconite- and spherule-rich layer with small
mudclasts overlies the lithified clast-rich interval, followed by a 20-cm-
thick glauconite and shell hash with some spherules. The upper 60 cm
consist of laminated, glauconitic sandstone layers alternating with
hummocky crossbeds (Fig. 22). Dark gray claystones overlie the
sandstone complex but are poorly exposed in the creek bed. Five
samples were taken from the creek bed above the sandstone complex at
about 10–15 cm intervals by digging below the loose sand to the
underlying claystones. These samples span about 0.5 m above the
t
sandstone complex. A major lithologic change from dark gray
claystone to gray siltstone with large Ophiomorpha burrows marks a
in
hiatus about 1 m above the sandstone complex.
Maastrichtian: No anomalous Ir concentrations were detected in the
sandstone complex. Planktic foraminifera are of lower diversity and
lower abundance than in other Brazos sections (e.g., Cottonmuth Creek
and Brazos River to the north; Fig. 1). Latest Maastrichtian FIGURE 21.—Darting Minnow Creek waterfall (DMCW) section has
assemblages consist of 15–20 species, except below the sandstone the most expanded sandstone complex but poor exposure of
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complex, where reworking is ubiquitous. Heterohelix globulosa and G. sediments above and below.
cretacea dominate the assemblages (Fig. 22). The latest Maastrichtian
zone CF1 index species (P. hantkeninoides) was not observed, but it is
present in the nearby Mullinax-2 and Mullinax-3 wells, which indicates continued well into the early Danian. The nearby Mullinax-2 and 3
that deposition below the sandstone complex occurred within zone wells provide further clues.
CF1, as in all other Brazos sections. Only Cretaceous survivor species
are consistently present (heterohelicids, hedbergellids, globigerinell-
sporadic. Large, deeper-dwelling species are absent.

E-
ids, guembelitrids, pseudoguembelinids). Other species are rare and
An influx of species into this assemblage is observed in the 20 cm

Darting Minnow Creek Wells Mullinax-2 and Mullinax-3
The DMC waterfall section with its expanded sandstone complex
piqued our interest to drill two wells with overlapping cores to assure
below the unconformity at the base of the sandstone complex, raising
that a complete sedimentary sequence could be recovered. We located
species richness to 25. Many of these specimens show signs of
wells Mullinax-2 and 3 on the nearest meadow (Fig. 23), which is
reworking (e.g., poor preservation, discoloration, broken specimens),
about 150 m from the DMC waterfall, and recovered the upper
which suggests an influx of eroded sediments due to the sea-level
Maastrichtian sequence to 23.7 m depth below surface. The KT
fall prior to the scouring of the channel and subsequent infilling
by the sandstone complex. Similar reworking was observed in well transition interval from 3 to 11 m was analyzed for this study.
or
Mullinax-3. Surprisingly, no sandstone complex was encountered. (See description
KT Boundary: Unlike other Brazos sections, there is a major KTB of lithology.)
unconformity. This is evident by the subzone P1a(2) assemblage Maastrichtian: Mullinax-3 was analyzed from 3 m to 11 m depth for
directly overlying the sandstone complex, including G. daubjergensis, both small (. 63 lm) and larger (. 150 lm) size fractions in order to
W. hornerstownensis, E. eobulloides, E. edita, P. extensa, P. evaluate assemblage changes and biotic stress conditions. The . 63
pseudobulloides, S. triloculinoides, and G. pentagona. This diverse lm fraction is shown for biostratigraphic purposes. Samples were
th
Danian assemblage characterizes the upper part, subzone P1a(2), of the analyzed at 5 cm and 10 cm intervals, with closer spacing in intervals
P. eugubina zone (P1a) and indicates that the uppermost Maastrichtian approaching the KT boundary (Fig. 24). Within the root zone interval,
above the sandstone complex, the KTB and zone P0, and P1a(1) contamination was avoided by carefully sampling claystones not cut by
intervals are missing (Fig. 4). Survivor species are still common in rootlets. A total of 5.5 m of upper Maastrichtian sediments in
P1a(2) and benthic species are dominant (. 70%; Fig. 22). Mullinax-3 were analyzed for this study. The entire interval is in
Clues to the major KT unconformity in the DMC area can be gained nannofossil Micula prinsii zone and planktic foraminiferal zones CF1
Au
from lithology and foraminiferal assemblages compared with other and CF2 (Fig. 24). Zone CF1 spans 3 m, which is comparable to
Brazos sections. Planktic foraminiferal assemblages at the DMCW Mullinax-1. This expanded interval appears to be due to high sediment
section are overall similar to other Brazos sections in species accumulation rates as a result of increased terrigenous influx in this
composition, but they differ in lower diversity and overall smaller nearshore area. Planktic foraminiferal assemblages are similar to those
morphologic sizes of species. Benthic foraminifera are also of very low observed in other Brazos well sections, with some important
diversity and very small size (, 100 lm) and dominated by small low- differences (e.g., Mullinax-1, KT3). Although the same survivor
oxygen tolerant Epistominella minuta. Claystones above and below the species dominate, Heterohelix globulosa is more dominant than in
sandstone complex are organic-rich with abundant pyrite framboids other Brazos sections and Globigerinelloides aspera is more common.
indicating low-oxygen (hypoxic) conditions. Planktic and benthic This may reflect the shallower water depth, salinity variations, and low
foraminifera are few in these organic-rich sediments, and the dwarfed oxygen conditions at Mullinax-3. All other species are sporadically
species sizes indicate high-stress conditions. In the sandstone complex present.
low planktic species richness and dwarfing coupled with high Species richness is variable in this late Maastrichtian interval, with
percentage of benthic specimens reflects reflect very shallow, inner- lower diversity near the base (17–25 species) and maximum diversity
neritic conditions with high energy and high terrigenous influx. A (25–30 species) between 7 and 10 m. In the interval of maximum
period of subaerial exposure and erosion is indicated by the spherule- diversity, 2/3 of the assemblages consist of larger species (. 150 lm),
rich lithified clasts with mudcracks at the base of the sandstone which are rare and sporadically present. They may indicate a deeper
complex (Keller et al., 2007a), and nondeposition appears to have environment accommodating more species, or a shallower environment
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FIGURE 22.—Litholog and foraminiferal analysis of the Darting Minnow Creek waterfall (DMCW) section shows lower species diversity and
higher abundance of benthic foraminifera below the sandstone complex, which indicates a shallower, inner-neritic environment than at
Cottonmouth Creek. Above the sandstone complex, the uppermost Maastrichtian and lower Danian zone P0 and subzone P1a(1) are missing
due to either erosion or nondeposition.
th
with in situ assemblages contaminated by erosion and reworking. The DMCW section, and the sandstone complex in all other Brazos
latter appears more likely, as suggested by the very shallow sections.
environment above it, where species richness drops abruptly from Wells Mullinax-2 and 3 are thus important for their very different
25–30 to 10–15 species. This diversity drop coincides with a lithology below and across the KT boundary interval, for the absence
Au
lithological change at 6.95 m to a silty mudstone with common of a sandstone complex with impact spherules, and for the presence of
rootlets, which continue to the KTB unconformity at 5.5 m, except for frequent disconformities and erosion surfaces and common roots,
one sample at 5.9 m (Fig. 24). indicating a coastal to lagoonal environment. Details of the lithology
The sample at 5.9 m contains common reworked specimens in a were described in the section on lithology (see also Adatte et al., this
glauconitic sandy mudstone with clasts, phosphate nodules, oysters, volume).
gastropods, and desiccation cracks. Desiccation cracks in the KT Boundary: The KT unconformity is marked at 5.45 m by a sharp
sediments are filled with coarse sand and are rimmed by secondary lithologic change from the sandy mudstone and weathered light brown
gypsum, which suggests increased evaporation and temporary sediments surrounding rootlets and cracks to dark gray mudstone
subaerial exposure. Only dwarfed survivor species are common above. This mudstone contains a well-developed early Danian subzone
through this interval, but they decrease rapidly below the KTB P1a(2) (upper P. eugubina zone) assemblage (G. daubjergensis, P.
unconformity. In particular, H. globulosa decreased from 60% to 15%, eugubina, P. extensa, W. claytonensis, W. hornerstownensis, P.
whereas the disaster opportunist G. cretacea increased from 15% to pseudobulloides, E. eobulloides, E. edita; Fig. 24), which indicates
50%, which indicates increased stress conditions prior to the KTB that the uppermost Maastrichtian in zone CF1, the KTB zone P0, and
unconformity (Fig. 24). These data indicate that sea level likely fell the lower part of P. eugubina zone are missing due to erosion and/or
through the upper part of zone CF2 and the lower part of CF1 to nondeposition at this unconformity. The extent of this hiatus is similar
culminate in subaerial exposure in Mullinax-3, coeval with the to that at the nearby DMC waterfall outcrop, but the hiatus differs in the
formation of the sandstone complex and unconformity in the nearby latter section where thick sandstone infills an incised valley.
Danian: A hiatus may be present in P1a(2) at 4.5 m, as suggested by

the abrupt disappearance of Cretaceous survivor species. The last
occurrence of P. eugubina marks the P1a–P1b boundary at 4 m
subsurface depth and above a short core gap. A major lithologic change
at 3.45 m marks another unconformity and the zones P1b–P1c
boundary (first appearance of Subbotina varianta).
The shallow water environment in Mullinax-3 is also reflected by the
stable isotope data of planktic and benthic foraminifera (Fig. 24). d13C
values for the benthic Lenticulina spp. and planktic Heterohelix
globulosa and Pseudoguembelina costulata are largely overlapping
with minimal surface-to-deep gradient, as would be expected in very
shallow water environments. A minor though distinct surface-to-deep
t
gradient is apparent in the d18O values that likely reflect salinity effects
and possibly warmer surface waters. There are two major isotope
in
excursions. One is near the base of zone CF1 and stratigraphically
corresponds to a similar excursion in CMAW associated with the
yellow clay that represents the primary Chicxulub impact spherule
ejecta layer now altered to cheto smectite (Figs. 14). The second
excursion is across the KTB and begins in the root zone interval where
d13C and d18O values decrease by 3 permil in planktic foraminifera and
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to a lesser extent in benthic foraminifera. This negative d13C shift
partly represents the productivity drop across the KTB, but may be FIGURE 23.—Location of Darting Minnow Creek wells Mullinax-2 and
amplified by the shallow water conditions and multiple emersions (e.g., 3, located on a meadow about 150 m from the waterfall DMCW
salinity effects and paleosoil formation). Recovery in subzone P1a(2) section. Drilling was done by DOSECC.
reflects the global trend. The negative shift near the top of the analyzed
interval coincides with a hiatus. E- extinction. Brazos sections do not support these assumptions. No
CORRELATION OF SECTIONS anomalous Ir concentrations are observed at the KTB. Instead, Ir
enrichments are at variable stratigraphic levels, usually associated with
Brazos River Sections: Transect 1 laminated sandstone or clay layers, sometimes within the sandstone
complex and most often just above it and reaching background
The Brazos sections can be grouped into three distinct areas based concentrations well below the KTB. At Brazos-1, the Ir anomaly is
on geographic and paleoenvironmental locations, lithology, stable double peaked, with the maximum concentration (1.4 ppb) at the base
isotopes, and biostratigraphy. Transect 1 consists of Brazos Riverbed of a thin (1 cm) sand layer about 17–20 cm above the sandstone
outcrops, Brazos-1, and wells Mullinax-1 and KT1-KT2 (Fig. 1). All complex (Fig. 6; Rocchia et al., 1996). The second, broad Ir anomaly
have similar sandstone complexes with multiple reworked spherule
or
begins above the thin sand layer with concentrations of 0.9 ppb and
layers, laminated sands, and one or more hummocky cross-bedded tails upward to 0.3 ppb over 17 cm (Fig. 25). The KTB is 80 cm above
sandstone layers at relatively constant thickness of 40–50 cm (Fig. 25). the Ir peak concentration (Fig. 7). However, at the Brazos River bed
Biostratigraphy places the sandstone complex in the middle or upper outcrop BR1, the maximum Ir concentrations (1.2 ppb) are recorded in
part of zone CF1, depending on the amount of erosion and downcutting a thin spherule-rich clayey layer between sandstones in the middle of
at the unconformity at the base of the sandstone complex. Since zone the sandstone complex (Figs. 11, 25).
CF1 spans the last 300 ky of the Maastrichtian based on the time scale
th
In contrast, at Mullinax-1 the maximum Ir concentrations (1.5 ppb)

of Cande and Kent (1995), but only 160 ky based on the time scale of
are recorded near the base of the laminated sandstone at the top of the
Gradstein et al. (2004), the sandstone complex was likely deposited as
sandstone complex. Above this maximum, Ir values decrease to
much as 100–150 ky or as little as 60–70 ky before the KTB.
background over 20 cm. No anomalous Ir concentrations are present at
Organic-rich, dark gray claystones with burrows, shells, and late
the KT boundary 1 m above the Ir anomaly (Figs. 9, 25). At the same
Maastrichtian planktic foraminiferal assemblages of zone CF1 overlie
locality in well KT1 Ir values above the sandstone complex reach just
the sandstone complex. Lithology, stable isotopes, and mineralogical
Au
data in this interval are similar to the claystones below the sandstone 0.3 ppb and remain at background values through the early Danian. No
complex (Keller et al., 2007a). The KTB as defined by standard samples were available from the sandstone complex for Ir measure-
paleontological and stable isotope criteria (e.g., mass extinction, ments. These studies show that although there is no precise
evolution of first Danian species, and negative carbon isotope shift) is stratigraphic consistency in the position of the Ir anomalies in the
0.8 to 1.0 m above the sandstone complex in Mullinax-1 and Brazos-1, Brazos sections, the anomalies tend to fall just above the sandstone
respectively (Fig. 25). Note that the 1.6 m interval observed in the old complex and significantly below the KT boundary. The Brazos River
KT1 well may be due to drilling disturbance (see section on lithology). section BR1 may be one exception, though this remains unknown since
Alternatively, basin or trough deposition could account for the double no sediments could be recovered above the sandstone complex. The
thickness, although this seems less likely since the sections were drilled relatively minor stratigraphic variations in the level of Ir enrichments
next to each other. In all three sections the KTB is marked by the may be due to topographic variations with variable sediment
negative d13C shift that characterizes the KTB and mass extinction accumulation rates in high and low areas, or postdepositional alteration
event globally. Brazos River Transect 1 sections thus show a clear of Ir concentrations (Gertsch et al., this volume).
stratigraphic separation between the sandstone complex and the KTB
that defies any cause-and-effect relationship between the two. Cottonmouth Creek Sections: Transect 2
Anomalous Ir concentrations in sediments are commonly used to
identify the KTB based on the assumption that the Ir influx is the result This transect includes all sections analyzed along the Cottonmouth
of the Chicxulub impact and that this impact caused the KT mass Creek between the waterfall and the Brazos River, including Brazos-2
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FIGURE 24.—Planktic foraminifera and stable isotope analyses of planktic and benthic foraminifera of well Mullinax-3 reveal a major KTB hiatus
similar to the DMCW section, but no sandstone complex. Instead, root traces below the KTB indicate an estuarine to marshy environment
below the KTB and probably correlative with the sandstone complex in DMCW. In this shallow interval only the most environmentally tolerant
species are present, and in very low numbers. Reworking accounts for the influx of additional Cretaceous species in the 0.5 m below the KTB.
or
and 3 (Fig. 1). In this transect, the sandstone complex is best developed The KTB is identified by standard criteria (e.g., mass extinction, first
(65 cm thick) and most similar to transect 1 near the waterfall where Danian species, d13C shift) well above the sandstone complex, similar
two reworked spherule layers and two hummocky cross-bedded layers to transect 1 (Fig. 26). Stable isotope data are shown for the KT3 well
are present (Figs. 13, 26). Over a distance of only 20 m the sandstone and the CMAW-CMB and CM4 outcrops (Figs. 14, 16, 18).
complex is reduced to 15–20 cm and then to just one 10 cm thick Ir concentrations are variable, but the stratigraphic position is similar
hummocky cross-bedded layer at 120–150 m down creek (Fig. 12). At in all sections. Maximum concentrations (0.6–0.7 ppb) are generally
th
the entry of the Cottonmouth Creek into the Brazos River, just a 10-cm- recorded in the sediments immediately above the sandstone complex
thick glauconitic sand layer marks the sandstone complex (Fig. 19). (except for CMAW), followed by one or two additional peaks (0.5–0.6
This lateral thinning of the sandstone complex reveals the nature and ppb) below the KTB (e.g., CMAW, CMB, CM4, Brazos-2, Brazos-3;
local variations of incised valleys in the shallow inner-neritic Brazos Fig. 26). In CM4, Brazos-3, and Brazos-2, Ir concentrations are
environment. Compared with Brazos River sections of Transect 1, slightly elevated (0.3–0.4 ppb) in zone P0, though not in CMB or
sediment deposition likely occurred in a shallower, possibly subtidal to
Au
CMAW. Ir measurements in the sandstone complex and claystones of

lagoonal environment during the KT transition, including deposition of the CMAW section show background values (, 0.1 to 0.2 ppb). This
the sandstone complex, as further discussed below.
iridium distribution pattern is overall similar to transect 1 in that peak
Sediments below the sandstone complex consist of dark gray,
concentrations are at or above the sandstone complex and below the
organic-rich claystones with variable abundances of shells and
KTB, but it differs in the precise stratigraphic position, probably as a
burrows. A prominent thin (3 cm) yellow clay layer is 45–60 cm
result of erosion and/or condensed sedimentation. The variable Ir
below the sandstone complex in the Cottonmouth Creek waterfall area.
This yellow clay consists of cheto smectite derived from altered enrichments may reflect the nature and rate of sediment deposition
Chicxulub impact glass, similar to the clay altered impact glass in the rather than the original signal. Remobilization and concentration of Ir
two reworked impact-spherule layers near the base of the sandstone could also explain the observed pattern (see Gertsch et al., this
complex (Fig. 13B; Keller et al., 2007a). No samples were available volume). Whether or not the original Ir influx occurred at the KTB or
from the KT3 core to test for this yellow clay. was associated with the much earlier Chicxulub impact cannot be
Overlying the sandstone complex is a dark gray organic-rich determined based on the Brazos sections.
claystone with common burrows, scattered shells, and pyrite
framboids, suggesting a stagnant lagoonal environment. The abrupt Darting Minnow Creek: Transect 3
lithologic change marks a disconformity in most sections. This is also
apparent by the 20–40 cm interval between the sandstone complex and Only two localities are available in the Darting Minnow Creek
the KTB, as compared with 80–100 cm in the Brazos River transect 1. transect (Fig. 27). In the DMC waterfall section, the sandstone complex
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FIGURE 25.—Correlation of transect 1 of the Brazos River sections shows very similar thickness of the sandstone complex and a large interval (; 1
m) of uppermost Maastrichtian sediments between the sandstone complex and the KTB. Note that the KTB is marked by independent KTB-
defining criteria (extinction, evolution) and the d13C shift, a global KTB-supporting criterion. The Ir anomaly is well below the KTB.
th
is well developed and about 1 m thick with repeated sandstone layers DISCUSSION
truncated by erosion. Impact spherules are abundant in the glauconitic
and shell hash sandstone in the lower 30 cm, including spherules within KT Boundary and Chicxulub Impact
lithified clasts, some with desiccation cracks infilled with spherules
Au
that reveal the presence of an older spherule layer eroded and Placement of the KT boundary in the Brazos sections has been
redeposited (Fig. 3; Keller et al., 2007a). The uppermost Maastrichtian controversial, primarily because of ideological convictions, namely the
and early Danian (zones P0 and P1a(1)) are missing at an unconformity belief that the Chicxulub impact caused the KT mass extinction and
above the sandstone complex. No Ir anomaly was detected in the therefore any impact evidence (iridium, impact spherules, and/or
claystones. Abundant Ophiomorpha burrows in gray siltstone mark impact breccias) must define the KTB (e.g., Bourgeois et al., 1988;
another unconformity at about 1–1.5 m above the sandstone complex. Hansen et al., 1993a; Smit et al., 1996; Rocchia et al., 1996; Arenillas
et al., 2006; Schulte et al., 2006; Schulte et al., 2008; Schulte et al.,
In Mullinax-3, only 150 m from the DMC waterfall, there is no
2010). This approach has been favored mainly because it confirms the
evidence of a sandstone complex. Instead, a paleosol and rootlets mark
popular KTB impact hypothesis. But it has also led to circular
a shallow (mangrove?) coastal to lagoonal environment. The KTB reasoning—Chicxulub is KTB in age, therefore Chicxulub defines the
unconformity is of the same magnitude as in the DMCW section. The KTB—and hindered objective evaluation of the age and nature of the
Darting Minnow Creek sections thus reveal a significantly shallower Chicxulub impact and its environmental consequences. Clearly,
environment than Cottonmouth Creek or Brazos River sections. Chicxulub impact evidence cannot define the KTB when the age of
Whereas the latter reflect a relatively deeper inner-neritic environment the impact itself is under dispute and ample evidence indicates that this
to the north, Cottonmouth Creek reflects a shallower, possibly subtidal impact predates the KTB in northeastern Mexico, the Chicxulub crater
to lagoonal environment with further shallowing to intertidal swamp or on Yucatán, and in Texas (Keller et al., 2003a; Keller et al., 2004a;
marsh conditions in the Darting Minnow Creek area to the south. Keller et al., 2004b; Keller et al., 2007a). This study yields further
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FIGURE 26.—Correlation of transect 2, Cottonmouth Creek sections, shows decreasing thickness of the sandstone complex from the waterfall to
the Brazos River. In all sections the KTB is above the sandstone complex and elevated Ir concentrations occur in the interval above the latter.
The thickness of the claystone between the sandstone complex and the KTB decreases towards the Brazos River and is overall more reduced
compared with the Brazos River transect to the north. This is likely due to the shallower depositional environment and increased erosion
or
towards the south.
evidence that Chicxulub impact spherules are stratigraphically well anomalies and impact spherules in the same stratigraphic horizons, and
below the KTB and that an Ir anomaly alone is unreliable as KTB they were never found at the KTB. Note that the Ir anomaly in a thin
th
marker (Figs. 25, 26; see also Keller, 2008). spherule-rich layer in the sandstone complex of the Brazos River
The KTB must be defined based on a set of internationally accepted section (BR1, Fig. 11) is associated with reworked spherules and
and globally recognized paleontologic defining criteria, namely the limited to just one of multiple spherule-rich clay layers in this
mass extinction of all tropical–subtropical planktic foraminifera and sandstone complex. It can therefore not be considered the primary Ir
evolution of the first Danian species. In addition, supporting criteria fallout from an impact. Multiple impact-spherule layers are present in
Au
include the d13C shift, global Ir anomaly, and the KTB clay layer. In the the sandstone complex of most Brazos sections, and all are reworked
Brazos area only the d13C shift is a useful KTB-supporting criterion. from an older (primary) deposit, as indicated by lithified clasts with
An Ir anomaly is frequently considered a KTB-defining criterion, but it spherules (Fig. 3; Keller et al., 2007a).
is not a unique signal and is unreliable in Brazos sections. As the global
The primary impact-spherule layer was discovered in a thin yellow
iridium dataset has accumulated, so have the queries regarding the
clay layer 45–60 cm below the sandstone complex (Figs. 12, 13). This
origin, nature, and original stratigraphic position of this signal (Graup
et al., l989; Grachev et al., 2005; Keller, 2008; Miller et al., 2010; yellow clay consists of glass-altered clay (montmorillonite or cheto
Racki et al., 2011; Gertsch et al., this volume). Nowhere is this problem smectite) characteristic of volcanic or impact glass. The absence of any
more apparent than in the Brazos sections where Ir concentrations are other volcanic minerals, and the presence of this cheto smectite also in
never found at the KTB or in the impact-spherule layer(s) and there is two reworked spherule layers at the base of the sandstone complex,
no consistent pattern of Ir distribution (Figs. 25, 26). An Ir anomaly indicate that the clay was derived from altered impact spherules (Keller
therefore may be supporting evidence for the KTB, provided that it et al., 2007a), as also observed in impact-spherule layers of Belize and
coincides with independent paleontological and oceanographic Guatemala (Debrabant et al., 1999; Keller et al., 2003b). The Brazos
supporting criteria, but by itself it cannot define the KTB. data thus unequivocally demonstrate the stratigraphic separation of the
In this study we documented the position of the KTB based on KTB and the Chicxulub impact-spherule ejecta, as well as the
standard paleontological and d13C criteria, as well as stratigraphically stratigraphic separation of the KTB and the sandstone complex with its
located Ir concentrations and impact-spherule layers. We never found Ir reworked impact-spherule ejecta.
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FIGURE 27.—Correlation of transect 3, Darting Minnow Creek sections, shows the most expanded sandstone complex at the waterfall, but absence
in Mullinax-3 only about 150 m away. The corresponding interval to the sandstone complex shows a highly weathered claystone with roots,
th
clasts, pebbles, and mudcracks. This reveals a coastal to lagoonal environment to the south.
Age of the Chicxulub Impact about 300 6 30 ky (Keller et al., 2002; Keller et al., 2003a; Keller et
al., 2004a; Keller et al., 2004b; Keller et al., 2009b). These calculations
The database of 11 Brazos sections reveals the sequence of events were based on the older time scale (Cande and Kent, 1995; Berggren et
Au
from the Chicxulub impact to deposition of the sandstone complex, al., 1995). Gradstein et al. (2004) placed the KTB around 65.5 Ma, but
which infills scoured submarine channels, and a consistent strati- this age is currently also under revision based on zircon dating which
graphic separation between the sandstone complex and the KTB mass suggests that paleomagnetic chron 29r below the KTB may be
extinction. In all Brazos sections, the claystones below the sandstone significantly shorter (Bowring, personal communication, 2008; Rene,
complex contain low-diversity microfossil assemblages indicative of personal communication, 2008). Because these age revisions are still
the latest Maastrichtian nannofossil Micula prinsii and planktic under study, we refrain from applying new age calculations for the
foraminifer CF1 zones. At Mullinax-1, KT3, and CMAW the CF1 Chicxulub impact. However, the new ages are likely to significantly
index species (Plummerita hantkeninoides), which spans the last 300 shorten the time interval between the KTB and the Chicxulub impact.
ky of the Maastrichtian based on the time scale of Cande and Kent
(1995) (Pardo et al., 1996) or the last 160 ky based on Gradstein et al. Depositional Environment, Climate, and Sea-level
(2004), first appears up to 2.5 m below the unconformity at the base of Changes
the sandstone complex (Figs. 9, 14, 18). At the CMAW sections, the
primary Chicxulub impact-glass layer (now altered to cheto smectite) is Brazos sections are unique in that they reveal three stratigraphically
in zone CF1 45–60 cm below the unconformity at the base of the separate events: the Chicxulub impact, a sea-level fall accompanied by
sandstone complex. sandstone deposition, and the KTB mass extinction (Fig. 28). The only
In previous studies based on sections from northeastern Mexico the other area where these three events can be observed is in northeastern
age of the Chicxulub impact was estimated as predating the KTB by Mexico, though the sandstone complex is much thicker (1–8 m) and
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FIGURE 28.—Interpretation of the Brazos depositional environment during the late Maastrichtian and early Danian based on sedimentology, faunal
analysis, stable isotopes, and sea-level changes.
the interval between it and the KTB reduced or missing (Lopez-Oliva decreasing species diversity and a falling sea level prior to deposition
and Keller, 1996; Keller et al., 2003a). This difference is likely due to
or
of the sandstone complex (Fig. 9). The climate warming in CF1 reflects
the very different environmental settings: shallow inland seaway in the global climate warming recognized near the end of the
Texas vs. deep upper slope in northeastern Mexico with high Maastrichtian, which is frequently attributed to Deccan volcanism
terrigenous sediment influx from the rising Sierra Madre Oriental to (e.g., Kucera and Malmgren, 1998; Li and Keller, 1998a, 1998c;
the west (Fig. 29). Olsson et al., 2001; Abramovich and Keller, 2003; Nordt et al., 2003;
Wilf et al., 2003; MacLeod et al., 2005; Keller and Abramovich, 2009).
Upper Maastrichtian below the Sandstone Complex: Lithologic,
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foraminiferal, and stable isotope data from the Brazos sections indicate In deep-sea sections, the CF1 climate warming generally shows a
that sediment deposition during the upper Maastrichtian below the single peak that is close to the KTB (e.g., Li and Keller, 1998a). In
sandstone complex occurred in a middle-shelf to inner-shelf contrast, in Brazos sections this warming consists of two pulses and
environment with high terrigenous influx from the nearby continental precedes the latest Maastrichtian cooling. These differences can be
areas. Planktic foraminiferal assemblages show relatively low diversity easily explained by the lower sediment accumulation rates (condensed
(25–30 species) due to the general absence of larger, deeper-water- sedimentation) in the deep sea, as compared with the high sediment
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dwelling species that are typical of middle-shelf to inner-shelf accumulation rates in the shallow-shelf Brazos sections. Indeed, this is
environments (Keller and Abramovich, 2009). In all Brazos sections, the first expanded latest Maastrichtian climate and sea-level record,
there are only few larger, complex and specialized species (e.g., plus the evidence of the Chicxulub impact that reveals environmental
globotrncanids, planoglobulinids, racemiguembelinids), and these are conditions during the latest Maastrichtian prior to the KTB.
rare and sporadically present. Given the depth ranking of planktic Based on correlation of Mullinax-1 with CMAW (Figs. 9, 14), the
species in the water column based on stable isotopes (Abramovich et Chicxulub impact represented by the yellow clay altered impact-glass
al., 2003), this indicates that the paleodepth at Brazos prior to the spherule layer (cheto smectite) struck Yucatán during the early part of
sandstone complex was probably less than 100 m. A major
the end-Maastrichtian cooling phase and just preceding the sea-level
unconformity at the base of the sandstone complex marks erosion
fall that resulted in erosion and deposition of the sandstone complex.
and scouring of submarine channels associated with a sea-level drop
and a sequence boundary (Yancey, 1996; Gale, 2006; Keller et al., Apart from this prominent 3-cm-thick yellow clay altered impact-
2007a; Adatte et al., this volume). Foraminifera in this sandstone spherule layer, there is no lithological change in claystone deposition,
complex are largely reworked. no significant change in species abundances, and no species
During the latest Maastrichtian zones CF1–CF2, sediment deposi- extinctions (Keller et al., 2009a). However, a disconformity is observed
tion occurred in two phases of rapid climate warming. The first rapid above the yellow clay layer (Hansen et al., 1987; Keller et al., 2007a;
warming occurred at the base of CF1 and the second in the lower part Keller, this study) and suggests increased current activity and possibly
of CF1. This interval is followed by rapid cooling accompanied by erosion.
Upper Maastrichtian Sandstone Complex: Maximum cooling

and the sea-level lowstand occurred perhaps less than 100–150 ky prior
to the KTB and were marked by deposition of the sandstone complex
(Figs. 9, 28). This sandstone complex is commonly interpreted as an
impact-generated tsunami event and marking the KTB (e.g., Bourgeois
et al., 1988; Smit et al., 1992; Smit et al., 1996; Smit et al., 2004;
Heymann et al., 1998; Smit, 1999; Schulte et al., 2006; Schulte et al.,
2008). However, the stratigraphic position clearly places this event well
below the KTB in all Brazos sections (Figs. 25–27).
The sandstone deposition, the maximum abundance of benthic
foraminifera, and the decreased diversity and abundance of planktic
foraminifera indicate that by this time sea level had dropped to inner-
t
neritic depths. Submarine channels or incised valleys formed at very
shallow water depths to the north (Mullinax-1, Brazos-1, KT1; Fig.
in
25), and intermittent estuarine to subaerial conditions prevailed to the
south (e.g., Darting Minnow Creek and Mullinax-2 and 3; Fig. 27).
Coincident with the sea-level fall, planktic foraminifera decreased in FIGURE 29.—Paleolocation of the Brazos sections in the shallow
diversity and abundance due to elimination of deeper subsurface interior seaway close to land. In contrast, northeastern Mexico
habitats and high-stress conditions due to nutrient influx from sections are located on the upper slope at about 500 m depth, where
terrigenous runoff. Benthic foraminifera reached their maximum
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sandstone complexes with abundant Chicxulub impact spherules
diversity and abundance, exceeding 65% of the foraminiferal were deposited in deep submarine channels. In both localities,
assemblages. However, reworking within the sandstone complex may scouring of submarine channels and subsequent infilling occurred
have affected these abundance numbers. during the latest Maastrichtian sea-level fall and following sea-level
There is significant variation in the thickness of the sandstone
rise. In both localities the Chicxulub impact-spherule ejecta predate
complex from north to south in the Brazos area. The most expanded
sandstone complex is observed in the Darting Minnow Creek waterfall the sandstone complex, which predates the KTB.
section (DMC) where the unconformity at the base contains large
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lithified clasts with spherules and desiccation cracks infilled with
spherules (Fig. 3). Only 150 m away in wells Mullinax-2 and 3, there is
no sandstone complex, but a weathered silty claystone 1 m thick with Variations in sediment deposition from north to south continued
between the sandstone complex and the KTB due to paleotopography.
roots, clasts, and mudcracks indicates subaerial exposure in a coastal to
lagoonal environment. Thus, the Darting Minnow Creek localities This is indicated by the more expanded sedimentary records of Brazos-
represent the shallowest sequences in the Brazos River area. 1, Mullinax-1, and KT1-KT2 sections between the top of the sandstone
In all sections with a well developed sandstone complex an influx of complex and the KTB (Fig. 25). In contrast, Cottonmouth Creek
clasts, abundant glauconite, spherules, and shell hash overlies the basal sections show much reduced sedimentation and some erosion in this
unconformity and forms two to three upward-fining spherulitic interval (Fig. 26). The shallowest area and closest to the shoreline is
or
sandstones (Mullinax-1, CMAW-CMB, BR-1; Figs. 2, 11, 12, 28) that found at the Darting Minnow Creek localities, where uppermost
mark separate depositional events (possibly tempestites). Periods of Maastrichtian and lowermost Danian sediments (P0 to upper P1a) are
rapid sediment influx alternated with normal sedimentation, including missing at an unconformity, presumably due to a combination of
well-sorted sand, multiple episodes of suspension settling, upward- subaerial exposure, nondeposition, and erosion.
fining sand layers, and burrowed horizons. Two or more hummocky During the interval between the top of the sandstone complex and
cross-bedded units overlie the spherule-rich units, and laminated fine the KTB, sea level continued to rise, and climate remained cool
th
sand layers mark decreasing hydrodynamic conditions. The presence followed by warming into the basal Danian and a major drop in
of truncated large and small burrows indicate colonization of the sea primary productivity (d13C shift; Figs. 9, 28). There is no lithologic
floor by burrowing invertebrates, which were wiped out by the sudden change at the KTB and no Ir anomaly. Maximum flooding was reached
influx of sands during tempestites (Gale, 2006). The top of the in zone P0. Claystone deposition with low carbonate and increasing
sandstone complex shows upward-fining calcareous mudstones clay and organic contents prevailed through the early Danian. Low-
followed by the return to claystone deposition (Fig. 2). These diversity microfossil assemblages, the presence of few macrofossil
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sedimentary patterns are inconsistent with tsunami formation or a shells, and burrows infilled with pyrite framboids mark inner-neritic
single depositional event. They reflect long-term sediment deposition dysoxic conditions high in influx of terrestrial organic matter.
in a shallow nearshore environment with repeated high-energy events
(e.g., seasonal tempestites). KTB Mass Extinction
KT Transition above the Sandstone Complex: Foraminifera are The mass extinction at Brazos is frequently identified as occurring at
of significantly lower diversity (15–20 species) and generally very the base of the sandstone complex, based on the reduction in diversity,
small, dwarfed size above the sandstone complex (MacLeod et al., abundance and size of microfossils, and near absence of macrofossils
2000; Keller and Abramovich, 2009). These assemblages indicate a above. These low-diversity Maastrichtian assemblages above the
high-stress inner-neritic environment after the sea-level fall and sandstone complex are assumed to be due to selective settling from
gradually increasing across the KTB and into the early Danian. There the water column after the tsunami event in the post-impact catastrophe
is no evidence of a major hiatus at the KTB in Brazos sections, except (Hansen et al., 1987; Smit et al., 1996; Schulte et al., 2006; Schulte et
in the Darting Minnow Creek area, where the uppermost Maastrichtian al., 2008). This interpretation fails to take into account that settling
and the lower part of zone Pla (subzone P1a(1)) are missing at a major from the water column can be demonstrated only for the first 10–20 cm
unconformity. In all Brazos sections, an unconformity and a sea-level above the sandstone complex and not for the entire 80–100 cm interval
drop occurred at the zone P1a–P1b boundary and may indicate a up to the KT boundary in Mullinax-1, KT1, and Brazos-1 sections
sequence or parasequence boundary. (Keller et al., 2007a; Keller et al., 2009a; Adatte et al., this volume).
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PLATE 1.—SEM illustrations of characteristic and/or common upper Maastrichtian planktic foraminifera from zone CF1 in the Brazos sections
(Cottonmouth Creek and Mullinax-1). Scale bar ¼ 50 lm.
1, 2. Plummerita hantkeninoides Brönnimann. Mullinax-1, sample 110, 5–2, 11.09 m.
3. Rugoglobigerina reicheli Brönnimann. Mullinax-1, sample 89, 4–3, 9.8 m.
4. Rugoglobigerina macrocephala Brönnimann. Mullinax-1, sample 85, 4–3, 9.55 m.
5, 6. Rugoglobigerina rugosa (Plummer). 5. Mullinax-1, sample 85, 4–3, 9.55 m. 6. Mullinax 1, sample 85, 4–3, 9.55 m.
The common and selective occurrence of Cretaceous species in this and truncated erosion surfaces, and 2–3 upward-fining impact-
interval along with Cretaceous carbon isotope signals and absence of spherule layers.
Danian species clearly indicates that deposition occurred during the
Lithified clasts with impact spherules and mud cracks at the base of
uppermost Maastrichtian, albeit in a high-stress environment. In this
interval organic-rich dark claystones with burrows frequently infilled the sandstone complex indicate the presence of an older primary
by pyrite and the presence of pyrite framboids indicate deposition in a impact-spherule deposit that was exposed in nearshore areas or
quiet, nutrient-rich, and possibly eutrophic, low-oxygen environment. topographic highs, lithified, eroded, and redeposited in submarine
In this environment, the small species size, low diversity but high channels.
species abundance are indicative of high-stress conditions that are The primary Chicxulub impact-ejecta layer was discovered 45–60
typical of shallow marginal environments globally (e.g., inner-neritic to
cm below the sandstone complex in a 3-cm-thick yellow clay layer in
estuarine environments) as documented from Madagascar (Abramo-
the upper Maastrichtian claystones deposited during planktic
vich et al., 2002), southern Tunisia, Argentina, and Denmark (Keller et
foraminiferal zone CF1. This yellow clay consists of cheto smectite
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al., 1993; Keller et al., 1998; Keller et al., 2007b; Hart et al., 2005). In
the Brazos area these environmentally catastrophic conditions were not derived from altered impact-glass spherules, as also apparent in the
in
caused by the Chicxulub impact, but rather by the sea-level fall from 2–3 layers of reworked impact spherules at the base of the sandstone
middle-neritic to inner-neritic depths and high influx of terrigenous complex (Keller et al., 2007a).
nutrients (Keller et al., 2007a). This is indicated by the major increase The KTB is up to 1 m above the sandstone complex and is identified
in benthic abundance (. 60%), the disappearance of all subsurface- based on globally recognized defining criteria, the mass extinction of
dwelling planktic foraminifera, and the disappearance of all larger planktic foraminifera, the evolution of the first Danian species, and
species (. 150 lm). Only surface dwellers and small low-oxygen
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the d13C shift, a globally recognized supporting criterion.
tolerant species survived in this shallow environment (Keller and
Abramovich, 2009). Thus, the reason for the low diversity and small Sediments between the sandstone complex and KTB consists of
species size is high environmental stress associated with inner-neritic black organic-rich claystones with pyrite framboids, burrows, shells,
depth. and dwarfed high-stress, low-oxygen tolerant late Maastrichtian
planktic foraminifera deposited in a shallow, inner-neritic environ-
CONCLUSIONS ment. There is no lithologic change across the KTB.
The Brazos River sections are unique in that they contain the
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stratigraphic and temporal separation of three major events: (1) the
primary Chicxulub impact-spherule ejecta layer in Maastrichtian
claystones, (2) a prominent sandstone complex with reworked
Sediment deposition during the upper Maastrichtian zone CF2 and
the lower part of zone CF1 occurred in a middle-shelf environment
(, 100 m) that shallowed to inner-shelf depth (0–30 m) near the end
impact spherules at the base, also deposited during the late of the Maastrichtian, followed by a rising sea level across the KTB.
Maastrichtian, and (3) the KTB mass extinction 40–100 cm above High abundance of benthic relative to planktic foraminifera reflects
the sandstone complex. this shallowing sea.
High-resolution quantitative planktic foraminiferal analysis, stable No Iridium anomaly is present at the KTB in the Brazos sections.
isotopes, and sedimentology of 11 outcrops and wells along the Iridium concentrations are complex, with multiple small anomalies
or
Brazos River reveal these sections as among the most complete KT between the sandstone complex and below the KT boundary, but not
sequences worldwide and comparable with the El Kef stratotype in coinciding with either the KTB or the impact-spherule layer.
Tunisia.
Chicxulub impact-glass spherule deposits are not found in sediments
The sandstone complex with its reworked Chicxulub impact at or near the KT boundary and mass extinction in Brazos sections.
spherules at the base is the most prominent feature of the Brazos The same observation was made in sections throughout northeastern
sections and is frequently, but erroneously, identified as the KTB
th
Mexico and the Chicxulub impact crater.

deposit generated by the Chicxulub impact. Deposition occurred in
the late Maastrichtian zone CF1 during a sea-level fall to inner- Chicxulub impact-spherule ejecta and Ir concentrations are never at
neritic depths, which carved submarine channels that were the same stratigraphic level in the Brazos sections, nor have they
subsequently infilled with eroded and transported sediments. been observed in the same stratigraphic level in Mexico or Central
Long-term deposition is evident by upward-fining units, burrowed America.
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7. Heterohelix globulosa (Ehrenberg). Mullinax-1, sample 88, 4–4, 9.73 m.

8. Heterohelix planata (Cushman). Mullinax-1, sample 88, 4–3, 9.73 m (16–17).
9. Pseudoguembelina hariaensis Nederbragt. Mullinax-3, sample 34, 4–2, 6.55 m.
10. Pseudoguembelina palpebra Bronnimann and Brown. Note the relatively large sized pores. Mullinax-1, sample 90, 4–3, 9.89 m.
11. Pseudoguembelina costulata (Cushman). sample 98, 5–1, 10.4 m.
12. Heterohelix navarroensis, Mullinax-1, sample 73, 4–2, 9.13 m.
13. Globigerinelloides volutus, Mullinax-3, sample 66, 5–1, 8.69 m.
14, 15. Globigerinelloides aspera (Ehrenberg). Mullinax-1, sample 359, 24–3, 40.47 m.
16. Globigerinelloides multispinus (Lalicker). Mullinax-3, sample 61, 5–3, 8.38 m, specimen with two lateral ultimate chambers.
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PLATE 2.—Late Maastrichtian Zone CF1 and Early Danian Zones P0 and P1a, Brazos core Mullinax-1, and Cottonmouth Creek CMA-CMB, scale
bar ¼ 50 lm for 1–8, scale bar ¼ 10 lm for 9–17.
1–4. Globoconusa daubjergensis (Bronnimann). Mullinax-1, sample 5, 1–1, 5.63 m.
5. Guembelitria trifolia (Morozova). CMB, sample 1, 0 cm, zone CF1.
6, 7. Guembelitria cretacea Cushman. Mullinax-1, sample 5, 1–1, 5.63 m.
8. Guembelitria irregularis Morozova. Mullinax-1, sample 16, 3–1, 7.07 m.
9. Woodringina claytonensis Loeblich and Tappan. Mullinax-1, sample 11, 2–1, 6.03 m.
10, 11, 13–17. Woodringina hornerstownensis Olsson. Mullinax-1, sample 5, 1–1, 5.63 m, sample 11, 2–1, 6.03 m.
12. Guembelitria danica Hofker. Mullinax-1, sample 15, 2–1, 6.24 m.
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PLATE 3.—Early Danian Zones P0, P1a and P1b, Brazos core Mullinax-1 and Cottonmouth Creek CMA-B section, scale bar ¼ 10 lm.
1–7. Parvularugoglobigerina extensa (Blow). (1–4) Mullinax-1, sample 11, 2–1, 5.94 m. (5–7) CMB, sample 12, 60 cm.
8, 12. Parvularugoglobigerina longiapertura (Blow). Mullinax-1, sample 16, 3–1, 7.07 m, sample CMB sample 16, 78 cm.
9–11. Parvularugoglobigerina eugubina (Luterbacher and Premoli Silva). (9) CMB, sample 8, 39 cm, (10–11) Muillinax-1, sample 6, 1–1,
5.70 m.
13–15. Eoglobigerina trivialis (Subbotina). Millinax-1, 6, 1–1, 5.70 m.
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PLATE 4.—Early Danian Zones P1a and Pb, Cottonmouth Creek CMA-B and CM4 sections. Scale bar ¼ 50 lm.
1–3. Eoglobigerina eobulloides Morozova. CMB, sample 12, 60 cm, zone P1a (1).
4, 8, 12. Globigerina (Eoglobigerina) taurica Morozova. (4, 8) CM4, sample 14, 125 cm, Zone P1a(1), (12) CMB sample 23, 115 m, zone
P1a(2).
5–7. Eoglobigerina edita (Subbotina). CM4, sample 8, 60–70 cm, zone P1a(1).
9–11, 13–16. Globigerina (Eoglobigerina) pentagona Morozova. (9–11) CM4, sample 18, 165 cm, zone P1b, (13–16) CMB sample 24, 125
cm, zone P1a(2).
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PLATE 5.—Early Danian zone P1c. Cottonmouth Creek CM4, Scale bar ¼ 50 lm.
1–3. Parasubbotina varianta (Subbotina). CM4, sample 17, 155 cm, zone P1c.
4–6. Parasubbotina pseudobulloides (Plummer). CM4, sample 13, 115 cm, zone P1b.
or
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Mahajanga Basin, Madagascar: A multidisciplinary approach: Marine

Micropaleontology, v. 47, p. 17–70.
We thank the reviewers Alfonso Pardo and Ahmed El-Sabbagh for ABRAMOVICH, S., KELLER, G., STÜBEN, D., AND BERNER, Z., 2003, Characteriza-
their comments and suggestions. We are grateful to Jerry Baum for tion of late Campanian and Maastrichtian planktonic foraminiferal depth
habitats and vital activities based on stable isotopes: Palaeogeography,
sharing his expertise in sequence stratigraphy and leading the drilling
th
Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, v. 202, p. 1–29.

effort, Tom Yancey for sharing his intimate knowledge of the Brazos ADATTE T., STINNESBECK W., AND KELLER G., 1996, Lithostratigraphic and
outcrops, splitting cores, and description of lithology. We thank Dale mineralogical correlations of near-KT boundary clastic sediments in
Beeson for sharing samples from Brazos 2 and 3. A special thank you northeastern Mexico: Implications for mega-tsunami or sea level changes?,
to the owners of the Brazos Rose Ranch, Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie and in Ryder, G., Fastovsky, D., and Gartner, S., eds., The Cretaceous–Tertiary
Jackie Mullinax, who not only permitted drilling on their land but also Event and Other Catastrophes in Earth History: Geological Society of
took intense interest in the geology and so graciously hosted our many America, Special Paper 307, p. 197–210.
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visits. We gratefully acknowledge the drilling crew of DOSECC and ADATTE, T., KELLER, G., AND STINNESBECK, W., 2002, Late Cretaceous to early
logging support from Schlumberger during two drilling phases. The Paleocene climate and sea-level fluctuations: Palaeogeography, Palaeoclima-
material of this study is based upon work supported by the U.S. tology, Palaeoecology, v. 178, p. 165–198.
National Science Foundation through the Continental Dynamics ALEGRET, L., MOLINA, E., AND THOMAS, E., 2001, Benthic foraminifera at the
Cretaceous–Tertiary boundary around the Gulf of Mexico: Geology, v. 29, p.
Program and Sedimentary Geology Program under NSF Grants
891–894.
EAR-0207407 and EAR-0447171. Analytical work (PGE and stable ARENILLAS, I., ARZ, J.A., GRAJALES-NISHIMURA, J.M., MURILLO-MUNETON, G.,
isotopes) was carried out with the financial support of the Deutsche ALVAREZ, W., CAMARGO-ZANGUERA, A., MOLINA, E., AND ROSALES-DOMINGUEZ,
Forschungsgemeinschaft DFG Project STU 169/34. C., 2006, Chicxulub impact event is Cretaceous/Paleogene boundary in age:
New micropaleontological evidence: Earth and Planetary Science Letters, v.
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Author E-Print 1/3/2012

BIOSTRATIGRAPHY, AGE OF CHICXULUB IMPACT, AND DEPOSITIONAL

The End-Cretaceous Mass Extinction and the Chicxulub Impact in Texas

(e.g., Brazos-2 and 3).

The base of the sandstone complex commonly contains large (5–10

early Danian record may indicate some drilling disturbance, as

Maastrichtian to lower Danian sequence. This goal was accomplished

of the sandstone complex, species richness gradually decreased by 9

KTB sections. As in other Brazos sections, the mass extinction in this

Keller (1989a). simultaneous FA of Parasubbotina pseudobulloides and Subbotina

provide evidence of an earlier spherule depositional event that was

sporadic. Large, deeper-dwelling species are absent.

An influx of species into this assemblage is observed in the 20 cm

Danian: A hiatus may be present in P1a(2) at 4.5 m, as suggested by

In contrast, at Mullinax-1 the maximum Ir concentrations (1.5 ppb)

CMAW. Ir measurements in the sandstone complex and claystones of

Upper Maastrichtian Sandstone Complex: Maximum cooling

Mexico and the Chicxulub impact crater.

7. Heterohelix globulosa (Ehrenberg). Mullinax-1, sample 88, 4–4, 9.73 m.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Mahajanga Basin, Madagascar: A multidisciplinary approach: Marine

Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, v. 202, p. 1–29.

ceous Research, v. 22, p. 163–171.

Chicxulub Crater: Meteoritics & Planetary Science, v. 39, p. 1113–1126.

Tertiary boundary in the El Tecolote section (northeastern Mexico): An

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