Abstract The Upper Barremian–Albian Levant Platform was studied in North Sinai and Israel (Galilee and Golan Heights) by bio- and lithostratigraphy, facies analyses, and sequence stratigraphy. Integrating shallow-marine benthic foraminifera (mainly orbitolines), ammonite, and stable isotope data resulted in a detailed stratigraphic chart. Transects across the shallow shelf in both regions are based on facies analysis and form the basis for depositional models. In both transects five platform stages (PS I–V) were identified, which differ significantly in their stratigraphic architecture, mainly controlled by local tectonics, climate and second-order sea-level changes. In North Sinai, a transition from a shallow-shelf that is structured by sub-basins through a homoclinal ramp into a flat toped platform is recognized, while the sections in North Israel show a transition from a homoclinal ramp into a fringing platform. Local normal faults influenced the depositional architecture of the Upper Barremian–Lower Aptian strata in North Sinai and were attributed to syn-rift extensional tectonics. Four second-order sequence boundaries were identified, bounding Mid-Cretaceous Levant depositional sequences. These well-dated second-order sequence boundaries are MCL-1 (Late Barremian), MCL-2 (earliest Late Aptian), MCL-3 (Lower Albian), and MCL-4 (Late Albian). The sea-level history of the Levant Platform reflects the Late Aptian–Albian global long-term transgression, while the second-order sea-level changes show good correlation with those described from the Arabian plate.

Abstract Two Cenomanian–Turonian boundary (CTBE) sections (KB3 and GM3) of the Karak–Silla intra-platform basin of the Eastern Levant carbonate platform, Jordan, are correlated based on high-resolution calcimetry. KB3 contains black shales with over 7 wt% total organic carbon (TOC). GM3 was deposited at shallower water depth and reveals four conspicuous gypsum beds used for sea-level reconstruction. Spectral analysis of carbonate content and TOC reveals forcing, mainly by the 100 ka cycle of Earth's orbit eccentricity. Whole rock stable carbon isotope data show a conspicuous positive δ 13 C excursion representing the Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (OAE2). The carbon isotope records of KB3 and GM3 correspond well with the cycles in the δ 13 C record of the global stratotype (GSSP) at Pueblo (USA). The GSSP orbital timescale, thus, can be applied to the Jordan record. Furthermore, all stable isotope events defined in the English chalk reference record are recognized in Jordan. Our orbital model for the Jordan sequence-stratigraphical framework reveals approximately 1.2 (+0.2) Ma duration of a third-order sequence, proposed to represent one cycle of the long obliquity (1.2 Ma). This long-term period is superimposed on three fourth-order fluctuations of 400 ka length (long eccentricity; fourth-order sea-level fluctuations), each of which comprises four carbonate cycles (100 ka eccentricity; fifth-order sea-level fluctuations). Demise of the Levant platform occurred during the phase of decreasing δ 13 C values after OAE2 in the interval between the Cenomanian–Turonian (C–T) boundary and the end of the Early Turonian.

Abstract During Aptian to Albian times a major influx of terrigenous material from the emerged Arabian Shield led to the deposition of the Nahr Umr Formation within the intracratonic Bab Basin. This argillaceous facies interfingers in northern Oman with sediments shed from reefal complexes. We studied a 100 km transect across the zone of facies intercalation extending from the margin of the Neo-Tethys (northern Jabal Akhdar) into the fringes of the Bab Basin in northern Oman (Foothills). The age of formation boundaries and key beds and surfaces in a reference section (Wadi Bani Kharus; I) was dated by use of the graphic correlation method. Graphic correlation indicates that the Nahr Umr Formation is of uppermost Aptian to Upper Albian age. Two types of stratigraphic markers were recognized: limestone marker beds, successions, and disconformity surfaces. Calcareous marker beds are probably related to increased carbonate production during sea-level lowstands. Investigations of the geochemistry (stable isotopes, fluid inclusions) and sediment petrography of limestones beneath disconformities revealed that they are of combined submarine and subaerial origin. Evidence for a subaerial exposure stage is recognized along the basin margin (northern and southern Jabal Akhdar) but is found less frequently in the basinward settings of the Foothills. Marker-bed successions and disconformity surfaces are correlated throughout the sections and indicate coeval deposition of the Nahr Umr Formation in northern Oman.