The Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) for Base of the Bathonian Stage (Middle Jurassic), Ravin du Bes Section, SE France

The Bathonian GSSP is defined at the base of limestone bed RB071 in the Ravin du Bes Section, Bas-Auran area, southern Subalpine Chains (France). This section satisfies most of the requirements recommended by the International Commission on Stratigraphy. The exposure extends over 13 m in thickness. No vertical biofacies, ichnofacies or taphofacies changes, stratigraphic gaps or hiatuses have been recorded at the Bajocian-Bathonian transition. Structural complexity, synsedimentary and tectonic disturbances, or important alterations by metamorphism are not relevant constraints. There is a well-preserved, abundant and diverse fossil record, with key markers (ammonites and nannofossils). The base of Bathonian Stage and Zigzag Zone corresponds to the first occurrence level of Gonolkites convergens Buckman that coincides with the first occurrence of Morphoceras parvum Wetzel. Calcareous nannofossils are present in all beds. The GSSP is below the Tethyan calcareous nannofossil NJT10b/11 zonal boundary (lowest Watznaueria barnesiae) and above the Boreal nannofossil NJ10/11 boundary (lowest Pseudoconus enigma). Regional analyses of sequence stratigraphy and manganese chemostratigraphy are available. Spectral gamma-ray data corroborate interpretation of an Early Bathonian deepening half-cycle of second order The criteria of accessibility, conservation and protection are assured by the "Reserve Naturelle Geologique de Haute Provence". The Cabo Mondego Section (Portugal) is the Bathonian auxiliary section and point (ASSP). The proposal was voted by the Bathonian Working Group in December, 2007, and by the International Subcommission on Jurassic Stratigraphy in March, 2008, approved by the ICS in June 2008, and ratified by the JUGS in July, 2008.