The Relevance of Iberian Sedimentary Successions for Paleogene Stratigraphy and Timescales

Throughout most of the 19th and 20th centuries, studies of Paleogene stratigraphy carried out in the Iberian Peninsula lagged behind those of northern Europe. More recently, however, Iberian contributions on this topic have increased in both number and importance. This is highlighted by the definition of several global stratotype sections and points (GSSPs) and auxiliary stratotype sections and points (ASSPs). Geographically, the Basquee Cantabrian region of the western Pyrenees is especially significant for late Cretaceouse early Paleogene stratigraphy, as it hosts five GSSPs and two ASSPs in less than 9000 km2. In addition, the potential of other prospective Paleogene GSSPs in the region has also been extensively evaluated. Another reference area is the NE part of the Betic Cordillera, where one ASSP has been defined and several internationally significant sections occur. This review shows that to date most of the Iberian contributions to Paleogene stratigraphy have been limited to the Paleocene-middle Eocene interval, meaning that there are still promising opportunities for future research. More specifically, expanded upper EoceneeOligocene marine successions are well exposed in some western Pyrenean areas and, more extensively, in the Betic Cordillera. Many of these sections have not yet been studied in detail. Similarly, the Paleogene successions from the Iberian interior basins also have great potential for continental chronostratigraphic refinements. It is therefore hoped that this review will create new interest in the area and will be of practical help to potential researchers in selecting the most appropriate sections for their work.