Astronomic calibration of the late Eocene/early Oligocene Massignano section (central Italy)

Abstract

We present an astronomically tuned polarity timescale for the late Eocene/early Oligocene based on a cyclic limestone/marls sedimentary succession exposed at Massignano, Italy (GSSP for the Eocene- Oligocene boundary). Here we applied spectral analysis techniques to the high-resolution magnetic susceptibility record. The results provide clear evidence of a regular and cyclic signal that allows us to discard a stochastic mechanism as controlling these fluctuations. Conversely, these outcomes reveal the presence of stable and notable periodicities that are in tune with those associated with orbital forcing. Through a cyclostratigraphic analysis of the rhythmic sedimentary alternations and combination with the results of time series analysis of the proxy record, we refine the late Eocene portion of the GPTS. Through astronomical tuning of the rhythmic sedimentary alternations to recent astronomically calculated variations of Earth’s orbit we recalibrated the polarity boundaries ages and the main stratigraphic events recognized throughout the sedimentary record. Among these, an age of 33.714 Ma is proposed for the E/O boundary.