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A new version of the biozonation of the Lower Freshwater Molasse (Oligocene and Agenian) of Switzerland and Savoy on the basis of fossil mammals
... Hrubesch (1957) later suggested that an m3 from La Chaux in the MN2 Swiss Molasse Basin could belong to the same species. Werner (1994) and Engesser & Mödden (1997) then identified a very small assemblages of M. aff. schlosseri from the MN2 localities of Ulm-Uniklinik in Germany and La Chaux 7 in Switzerland, but a faunal list was only published from the latter site. ...
... Engesser & Mödden (1997) then reported two different Melissiodon taxa from La Chaux 7, which is an MN2 Switzerland site with similar age to Haslach. The remains were attributed to M. aff. ...
... schlosseri and M cf. dominans (Engesser & Mödden, 1997). However, without detailed descriptions, these attributions remain dubious. ...
Background
Melissiodon is a rare cricetid genus endemic to Europe, known from the Early Oligoceneto the Early Miocene. It is usually a very rare find, and even in the few localities where Melissiodon remains are found, those are scarce and fragmentary. Only a few Central European localities have yielded rich remains of the genus. Currently, two species are known from the Early Miocene: Melissiodon schlosseri, which is based on two teeth from the MN2 German locality of Haslach and only found in two other sites of similar age (Ulm-Uniklinik and La Chaux, from Germany and Switzerland respectively); and Melissiodon dominans, found in MN3 and MN4 localities across Europe, even though the scarce and fragmentary remains make some of these attributions dubious. For that reason, Melissiodon dominans has become a catch-all species. However, Mokrá-Quarry represents one of the best documented findings of Melissiodon remains from MN4 localities of Europe.
Methods
The Melissiodon assemblage from Mokrá-Quarry has been studied thoroughly, providing metrics and detailed descriptions of all teeth positions, as well as complete comparisons with other MN3 and MN4 localities bearing Melissiodon remains.
Results
In this work, new remains of Melissiodon have been identified as a new morphotype that clearly differs from Melissiodon dominans by its unique m1 morphology but still shows some resemblance with Melissiodon schlosseri. Based on that, we here propose the hypothesis of an evolutionary lineage starting from Melissiodon schlosseri , diverging from the lineage leading towards Melissiodon dominans. With this finding, there are at least two different taxa of Melissiodon known during the Early Miocene, prior to the genus extinction. This study arises the certainty that the evolution history of the genus is more complex than previously thought and that more studies are necessary to elucidate it, including a complete revision of the type material of Melissiodon dominans and Melissiodon schlosseri in the light of current knowledge of the genus, which will help to elucidate the attribution of the populations from Mokrá-Quarry. For the time being, the assemblage presented here is referred as Melissiodon aff. schlosseri.
... Late Oligocene, assemblage zone of Bumbach 1 or Mümliswil-Hardberg, MP 25 or MP 26a. Note: In contrast to former papers Mayo 1987, Engesser andMödden 1997), here we consider Mümliswil-Hardberg as being older than Oensingen. R e f e r r e d m a t e r i a l . ...
... There is little known about the ecological preferences of the Oligocene Cricetidae, but it seems clear, that the Oligocene members of this family occupied very different ecological niches. The Cricetidae show great diversity in many localities of the Late Oligocene: 10 species in Oensingen 11, 8 species in Mümliswil-Hardberg (Engesser and Mödden 1997), and it is most improbable that all these species had the same ecological demands. ...
... Biozonation of the Lower part of the Lower Freshwater Molasse of Switzerland and Savoy on the basis of fossil mammals (mainly after Engesser and Mödden 1997). Localities not as yet known or considered by Engesser and Mödden (1997) are in italics. Asterisk: the Mümliswil reference fauna is considered here to be older than the Oensingen reference fauna. ...
Two new small Eomys species of the Chattian Lower Freshwater Molasse of Central Switzerland are described. Eomys helveticus n. sp. and Eomys schluneggeri n. sp. from the localities Rigi 1 and Rigi 2 are characterized by their relatively small dimensions and the metalophid of the lower molars not being connected to the anterolophid. In addition, E. schluneggeri n. sp. shows some morphological similarity to the genus Eomyodon E ngesser , 1987. The two new Eomys species have so far never been found in any of the numerous MP 25 and MP 26 localities in Central Europe. In both faunas Eomyidae and Gliridae were extremely frequent, whereas the Theridomyidae, usually the most frequent rodent family in the Late Oligocene, were very rare or absent. We interpret these peculiarities as being linked with the special ecological conditions, namely a relatively wet, forested environment.
... Ebnater Sandstein) of the USM (Untere Süsswasser Molasse = Lower Freshwater Molasse), assumed to be late Chattian in age (Habicht, 1987). Taking into account the latest Oligocene age of the surrounding mammal localities of the Appenzeller Sandstein Formation, such as Ebnat-Kappel (MP28; Engesser & Mödden, 1997) or Halsen (MP28-30; Scherler et al., 2011), the Bühler locality could be dated to MP28-30. However, given the well-bounded stratigraphical range of D. asphaltense (it is strictly limited to MN1 localities; Becker et al., 2009; and the diachronic nature of fluvial sandstones, it would be also possible that these deposits are in fact dated from the MN1, and may then provide an earliest Miocene age for some deposits of the Appenzeller Sandstein Formation. ...
... The stratigraphical framework is based on geological time scales and European Land Mammal Ages (ELMA) for the Paleogene (Vandenberghe et al., 2012) . Successions of Mammal Paleogene levels (MP) and Mammal Neogene units (MN) were correlated by Berger (2011) based on biostratigraphic and magnetostratigraphic data (BiochroM'97, 1997;Engesser & Mödden, 1997;Kempf et al., 1997Kempf et al., , 1999Legendre & Lévêque, 1997;Mein, 1999;Steininger, 1999;Agustí et al., 2001). The concerned period ranges from the latest Arvernian (latest Oligocene, MP28-30) to the Agenian (Early Miocene, MN1-2). ...
... Stratigraphical range: Early Miocene (MN1-2). Occurrences: France, Germany, Switzerland (Duvernoy, 1853;Pomel, 1853;Roman, 1912Roman, , 1924Répelin, 1917;Lavocat, 1951;de Bonis, 1973;Tobien, 1980;Brunet et al., 1987;Duranthon, 1991;Engesser & Mödden, 1997;Hugueney, 1997;Heissig, 1999;Ginsburg, 2000;Becker, 2003;Boada-Sanã et al., 2007;Becker et al., 2009Becker et al., , 2010. . Also, the presence of an elongated entocuneiform-facet on the MtII is typical of teleoceratines (Fig. 4). ...
New specimens of rhinocerotids including a complete skull of Diaceratherium asphaltense and a series of associated dental and postcranial elements of D. aginense and Pleuroceros pleuroceros have been discovered in two localities of the Swiss Molasse Basin: Bühler (?latest Oligocene-earliest Miocene, Canton Appenzell-Ausserhoden) and Sous le Mont (Early Miocene, Canton Bern). The record of D. asphaltense in Bühler may push its First Appearance Datum back to the latest Oligocene. Pleuroceros pleuroceros and Diaceratherium aginense co-occur at Sous le Mont. This assemblage is typical of the Agenian age in Western Europe. Sous le Mont is the second Swiss occurrence of P. pleuroceros beside Wischberg (MN1).
... Le spécimen a été découvert à l'est d'une faille normale (coordonnées nationales : 532 400/166 710), dans un banc chenalisé de grès grossier appartenant au sommet de la formation des Marnes bariolées sensu lato (aussi connues sous la dénomination allemande Untere bunte Mergel ; Jordi 1995, Berger et al. 2005. Un niveau marneux à l'ouest de cette faille, nommé Éclépens 1, a été daté par charophytes à la zone à Ungeri et par restes de micromammifères à l'assemblage de référence suisse de Fornant 7 (Weidmann et al. 2014), dont l'âge équivaut au niveau mammalien européen MP 28 (Berger 1992, Engesser & Mödden 1997. Comme le banc de grès grossier se situe au-dessus du niveau Éclépens 1, l'âge maximum de la mandibule est MP 28, niveau européen repère à mammifères de l'Oligocène terminal (voir chapitre Matériel et méthode). ...
... Le cadre biostratigraphique est basé sur les corrélations chronologiques des niveaux européens repères à mammifères pour le Paléogène (MP-levels ; Brunet et al. 1987, Biochrom'97 1997, des zones à mammifères pour le Néogène (MN-Zones ; Mein 1999, Steininger 1999, les faunes de référence suisses (Engesser & Mödden 1997, Berger 2011 ...
... L'attribution du spécimen MJSN-ECL-001 à Mesaceratherim cf. gaimersheimense met en évidence le deuxième signalement du genre dans le registre fossile oligocène de Suisse, puisque M. gaimersheimense n'était documenté jusqu'alors que dans l'assemblage de Küttigen (canton d' Argovie), référence suisse pour la base du niveau MP 30 (Heissig 1969, Engesser & Mödden 1997. À l'échelle de l'Europe occidentale, ce taxon est également connu en Bavière (Gaimersheim et probablement Eichstätt ; Heissig 1969) ainsi qu'en France (Auzon, Thézels et peut-être Gaillac, Saint-Gérand-le-Puy et Caylus ; Roman 2012, Heissig 1969, Brunet 1979, de Bonis & Guinot 1987, Antoine et al. 2006, Blanchon 2016. ...
[English] The preparation of a Rhinocerotid mandible from the Late Oligocene molassic deposits of Éclépens region (canton of Vaud, Switzerland) allowed an attribution of the specimen to Mesaceratherium cf. gaimersheimense. This occurence, which is only the second one in Switzerland, perfectly fits the Late Oligocene European Rhinocerotid assemblages, characteristic of a gradual faunal renewal occuring in Western Europe during the Oligocene-Miocene transition.
[French] La restauration d’une mandibule de Rhinocerotidae découverte dans des dépôts de Molasse oligocène supérieur de la région d’Éclépens (canton de Vaud, Suisse) a permis l’attribution du spécimen à Mesaceratherium cf. gaimersheimense. Cette occurrence, qui est seulement la deuxième du genre en Suisse, s’intègre parfaitement dans les assemblages de rhinocérotidés européens de l’Oligocène terminal, caractéristiques d’un renouvellement faunique graduel opéré à l’échelle de l’Europe occidentale durant la transition Oligocène-Miocène.
... (2011). En accord avec Engesser & Mödden (1997), les « MP » sont traités ici comme des biozones appliquées au bassin molassique suisse, bien qu'à l'échelle du Paléogène européen ceux-ci soient définis comme des niveaux repères à mammifères (Schmidt-Kittler, 1987). De plus, pour les mammifères, une notable correction est introduite à la suite de l'étude de nouvelles et riches récoltes dans les localités types : contrairement à ce qui était indiqué dans les précédentes biozonations de la Molasse (Engesser & Mayo, 1987 ;Engesser & Mödden, 1997 ;Kempf et al., 1997), le niveau d'Oensingen 1 est dorénavant considéré comme étant plus jeune que celui de Mümliswil (Tabl. ...
... En accord avec Engesser & Mödden (1997), les « MP » sont traités ici comme des biozones appliquées au bassin molassique suisse, bien qu'à l'échelle du Paléogène européen ceux-ci soient définis comme des niveaux repères à mammifères (Schmidt-Kittler, 1987). De plus, pour les mammifères, une notable correction est introduite à la suite de l'étude de nouvelles et riches récoltes dans les localités types : contrairement à ce qui était indiqué dans les précédentes biozonations de la Molasse (Engesser & Mayo, 1987 ;Engesser & Mödden, 1997 ;Kempf et al., 1997), le niveau d'Oensingen 1 est dorénavant considéré comme étant plus jeune que celui de Mümliswil (Tabl. 1). ...
... L'âge de la faune de Talent 4 correspond très bien à celui de la localité d'Aarwangen (Engesser & Mayo, 1987). Le niveau évolutif des theridomyidés correspond à celui de Boningen (Engesser & Mödden, 1997), mais Eomys molassicus n'a jamais été trouvé dans des niveaux plus récents que Wynau 1. mann (1919 ;voir aussi Jordi, 1995). Le MGL conservait quelques échantillons de déblais de ces sondages, que nous avons lavés et qui ont livré des characées provenant toutes de la zone à Microcera [Nitellopsis (Tectochara) gr. ...
This article presents a detailed palaeontological and biostratigraphical study of the lower freshwater Molasse (USM), Oligocene-earliest Miocene, located in Western Switzerland between the "Plateau vaudois" and the first anticline of the Jura Mountains. Recent data on mammals (based mainly on isolated teeth) and charophytes allow determining the age of these USM deposits, which ranges from the base of the Rupelian (MP20-21) to the early Aquitanian (MN1). The "Marnes rouges" Member (MP22-23) in the lower part of the series shows almost no outcrops in the studied area and remains to be investigated. Among the mammals, rodents (Rodentia) are best represented with, by order of abundance, Theridomyidae, Cricetidae, Eomyidae, Gliridae, Melissiodontidae, Sciuridae, Aplodontidae and Castoridae. Many other groups of small mammals are also present with lagomorphs, marsupials (Didelphidae), insectivores (Soricidae, Talpidae, Erinaceidae) and bats. The remains of large mammals are much more uncommon with plant-eaters such as perissodactyls (Rhinocerotidae : Molassitherium albigense, Rhinocerotidae indet.) and artiodactyls (Ruminantia : Iberomeryx sp., Bachitherium curtum, Bachitherium insigne, Mosaicomeryx quercyi ; Suidae indet. ; Cainotheriidae ; Dichobunidae ; Anthracotheriidae), as well as indeterminate carnivores. Concerning the charophytes, the first occurrence in the Oligocene (late Chattian, MP 28-30) of Stephanochara gr. praeberdotensis and Nitellopsis (Tectochara) ginsburgi is noteworthy because both taxa were considered so far to be restricted to the Miocene.
... Other MP26 sites, such as Oensingen (fossils collected in 1916, cf. Engesser and Mödden, 1997) or St-Menoux (e.g., Hugueney, 1980; theridomyids poorly documented), which had yielded fossils for decades, did not have more "qualities" than Mas-de-Pauffié. But because the scientific community would have preferred such sites from fluviolacustrine basins rather than a karstic one, the geometric relationships with older or more recent sites, and with marine formations, would have been (in theory) more obvious. ...
... Since the definition of the MP26 standard-level, its rodent association -including marker species such as Issiodoromys pauffiensis, Protechimys major and Eucricetodon huerzeleri Vianey-Liaud (1972) -has since been found in new fluvio-lacustrine localities, such as Oensingen11 (Engesser and Mödden, 1997) and St-Privatdes-Vieux (Vianey-Liaud et al., 2015) for the richest, or Les-Milles (this paper) and Puycelsi (Astruc et al., 2003) for the poorest. Attempts to enrich the fauna of Masde-Pauffié have both met expectations and provided an additional challenge. ...
... In order to make clear definitely the question of the synonymy of the species geminatus and huerzeleri, the relative place of robustus, and their generic affiliation, it would be necessary to get and study new and better documented material, their variability remaining badly known. Until now, there are not abundant samples of these taxa, and, although more recent excavations have been done and new material collected from Oensingen (Oensingen11; Engesser and Mödden, 1997), it has not been described until now. ...
Abundant remains of Protechimys major Schlosser (1884) (Rodentia, Theridomyinae) from Mas-de-Pauffié (Lot, France; standard-locality MP26, e.g., BiochroM'1997; Early Chattian) are described and their morphological and dimensional variability are analyzed. At this locality, and also at Les-Milles (Bouches-du-Rhône), P. major is associated with a few teeth of Archaeomys-Blainvillimys sp. Due to this scarcity and to similar evolutionary trends in the pattern of lower molars, it is not possible to find accurate features likely to distinguish Protechimys from Archaeomys or advanced Blainvillimys, but lines of research are given. Their co-occurrence with Issiodoromys pauffiensis Vianey-Liaud (1976) is documented at localities with different depositional conditions; together with the analysis of precise and focused samples made in the limited outcrop, it contributes to demonstrate the temporal homogeneity of the MP26 rodent assemblage from Mas-de-Pauffié.
... However, this dating is most of time based on charophyte assemblages. Only the locality of SE Pré Godat (Canton Jura) and Waldenburg-Humbel (Canton Basel Land) were ascribed to the biozones MP30-MN1 on the basis of small mammal remains (see Theiler 1998 andEngesser &Mödden 1997). Additionally, Mojon et al. (1985) and Engesser & Mödden (1997) mentioned the well-known Aquitanian localities of Boudry (MN1) and La Chaux 7 (MN2). ...
... However, this dating is most of time based on charophyte assemblages. Only the locality of SE Pré Godat (Canton Jura) and Waldenburg-Humbel (Canton Basel Land) were ascribed to the biozones MP30-MN1 on the basis of small mammal remains (see Theiler 1998 andEngesser &Mödden 1997). Additionally, Mojon et al. (1985) and Engesser & Mödden (1997) mentioned the well-known Aquitanian localities of Boudry (MN1) and La Chaux 7 (MN2). ...
... Only the locality of SE Pré Godat (Canton Jura) and Waldenburg-Humbel (Canton Basel Land) were ascribed to the biozones MP30-MN1 on the basis of small mammal remains (see Theiler 1998 andEngesser &Mödden 1997). Additionally, Mojon et al. (1985) and Engesser & Mödden (1997) mentioned the well-known Aquitanian localities of Boudry (MN1) and La Chaux 7 (MN2). These localities belong respectively to the Grès et Marnes grises à Gypse and the Calcaires de La Chaux Formations and are located at the southern boundary of the Western Jura Mountains. ...
... For Lagomorpha, the nomenclature and the measurements follow Angelone and Sesé (2009) for ochotonids, whereas they follow López Martínez (1989) for stem lagomorphs. All other Rodentia and Eulipotyphla are typical and well-known species of the Agenian of the Swiss Molasse Basin (Engesser and Mödden 1997). Thus, they are not described in detail in this article. ...
... All measurements are given with a precision of 0.1 mm. The biochronological framework is based on chronological correlations of the European Land Mammal Zones (MN-Zones) (Mein 1999;Steininger 1999), the Swiss Reference Faunas (Engesser and Mödden 1997;Kempf et al. 1997), and the Paleogene and Neogene geological time scale (GTS 2012;Hilgen et al. 2012;Vandenberghe et al. 2012). The boundary MN2a/MN2b is used in this paper at the Swiss Molasse Basin scale (Engesser and Mödden 1997), although this subdivision of MN2 is no longer applied at the European biochronological scale due to a diachronic faunal turnover (Mein 1999). ...
... The biochronological framework is based on chronological correlations of the European Land Mammal Zones (MN-Zones) (Mein 1999;Steininger 1999), the Swiss Reference Faunas (Engesser and Mödden 1997;Kempf et al. 1997), and the Paleogene and Neogene geological time scale (GTS 2012;Hilgen et al. 2012;Vandenberghe et al. 2012). The boundary MN2a/MN2b is used in this paper at the Swiss Molasse Basin scale (Engesser and Mödden 1997), although this subdivision of MN2 is no longer applied at the European biochronological scale due to a diachronic faunal turnover (Mein 1999). All referred specimens in this work are curated in the MHNF. ...
Excavations of two fossiliferous layers in the Wallenried sand- and marl pit produced a very diversified vertebrate fauna. New material allows the reassessment of the taxonomic position of the ruminant taxa Andegameryx
andegaviensis and endemic Friburgomeryx wallenriedensis. An emended diagnosis for the second species is provided and additional material of large and small mammals, as well as ectothermic vertebrates, is described. The recorded Lagomorpha show interesting morphological deviations from other Central European material, and probably represent a unique transitional assemblage with a co-occurrence of Titanomys, Lagopsis and Prolagus. Rodentia and Eulipotyphla belong to typical and well-known species of the Agenian of the Swiss Molasse Basin. Abundant small mammal teeth have allowed us to pinpoint the biostratigraphic age of Wallenried to late MN2a. The biostratigraphic age conforms to data derived from the charophyte assemblages and confirms the oldest occurrence of venomous snake fangs. The palaeoenvironmental context is quite complex. Sedimentary structures and fauna (fishes, frogs, salamanders, ostracods) are characteristic for a humid, lacustrine environment within a flood plain system.
... Therefore, relevant for comparison are Rhodanomys transiens as marker for the uppermost Oligocene and the lower MN1, Rh. schlosseri and Rh. oscensis, both markers for the upper MN1, and Ritteneria molinae as a marker for the lowermost MN2 (Hugueney and Ringeade 1989;Engesser et al. 1993;Mödden 1996;Engesser and Mödden 1997;Engesser 1999;Mein 1999). From the Weisenau quarry a few eomyid teeth are known from different stratigraphical levels of the Oberrad-Formation, which were determined as Rh. ...
... Furthermore, Plesiosminthus myarion (Dipodidae) is considered to be restricted exclusively to the lower Agenium in the Lower Freshwater Molasse of southern Germany (Werner 1994;Engesser and Mödden 1997). Ziegler and Werner (1994) even regarded it as being restricted to MN1 in that region and, therefore, as a reliable MN1 marker throughout Central Europe. ...
... From Fornant 11, for instance, only three cricetid teeth have been described, although this locality produced approximately 3500 mammalian teeth, of which 95 % belong to rodents. Thereof more than 50 % belong to eomyids; the rest disperse more or less equally between P. myarion and various glirid genera (Engesser and Mödden 1997). Lautern 2 has a similar faunal distribution. ...
The Großberg-Bank from the limestone quarry Mainz-Laubenheim (Heidelberger Zementwerke AG) southeast of Mainz, which is part of the Oberrad Formation of the Mainz Basin, yielded a relatively rich earliest Miocene vertebrate association. Within the Hydrobia marl of the Großberg-Bank, a large number of disarticulated bones, about 480 teeth, and several mandible fragments of mainly medium-sized terrestrial mammals have been recovered in addition to other vertebrate faunas. Twenty taxa could be identified, thereof 13 small mammal taxa. Based on the coexistence of a progressive form of the eomyid Rhodanomys schlosseri and the moschids Pomelomeryx cf. boulangeri and Amphitragulus sp. the locality is placed within the uppermost MN1 zone, a similar level to that of the locality Lautern 2 (Lower Freshwater Molasse, southern Germany). Comparisons with the mammalian assemblages of various Central European MN1 and MN2 localities confirm this correlation. The terrestrial vertebrates of the Großberg-Bank have been washed in by streams with accompanying gallery forests pervading the apparently savannah-like hinterland of the Mainz Basin lagoon.
... Sciuridae Comtia n. gen., d'une chauve-souris Molossidae (Cuvierimops sp.), d'un probable Talpidae, et du Hyaenodontida ereutherium thylacodes Filhol, of a part of the mammalian taxa have been published separately from other contemporaneous localities (e.g., Vianey-Liaud et al. 1995, for Mas-de-Pauffié, Lot, France; Ménouret & Guérin 2009, for Saint- Henri/Saint-André, Bouches-du-Rhône, France; Freudenthal et al. 1994 , for Mirambueno4C, province of Teruel, Spain). In some cases, preliminary faunal lists only have been provided without any description or illustration (e.g., Engesser & Mödden 1997, for Oensingen11, Switzerland). Among these localities, Mas-de-Pauffié was recognized with some reticenses as the reference – locality for MP 26 (), because it is a fissure-filling. ...
... e two species of eridomyidae from Saint- Privat-des-Vieux, Issiodoromys pauffiensis and Protechimys major, are found together in the other localities, except in Saint-Menoux, where only I. pauffiensis was recorded. is species of Issiodoromys represents an evolutionary stage prior to I. quercyi from Boningen (Switzerland; MP 27) or Ehrenstein7 (Suevish Jura, Southern Germany; MP 27); the time range of Eucricetodon huerzeleri extends from MP 26 to MP 27, as it is known in Boningen (Vianey-Liaud 1972; Engesser & Mödden 1997), whereas that of Pseudocricetodon incertus is longer (?MP 24 to MP 27). e teeth of the bat Cuvierimops represents a new evolutionary stage, more progressive than the one from Garouillas (MP 25 standard-level). ...
... Fossils from Mümliswyl-Hardberg (Solothurn, Switzerland) are known since e.g., Stehlin (1922), and were collected at differents epochs. e diversity of rodents is a little higher than in Saint-Henri/ Saint-André (16 species instead of 13 in the latter); this high diversity is mainly due to cricetids, with eight species reported (Engesser & Mödden 1997), that is never observed in other Upper Oligocene localities (four to five), except Oensingen11, from the same area. Oensingen11 (Solothurn, Switzerland ) displays really a surprising diversity for lipotyphlans and rodents. ...
This fauna results from the short-time excavation of a restricted fossiliferous level, following the opening of a trench for the installation of a gas conduit. Even if the amount of sediment is limited, the diversity of the fauna approaches that of other contemporaneous localities. Among the 40 vertebrate species, a few are amphibious, and most terrestrial. Among them, biochronological markers like Issiodoromys pauffiensis Vianey-Liaud, 1987 (Rodentia, Theridomyidae) are better defined. This species is compared with the type population of the MP 26 Mammalian Paleogene standard-level (Mas-de-Pauffie, Lot; early Chattian). In addition, evolutionary grades hitherto unknown are described for several less well represented species: a sciurid rodent Comtia n. gen., a molossid bat (Cuvierimops sp.), a probable talpid, and the hyaenodontid Thereutherium thylacodes Filhol, 1876. The familial assignment of the snake Platyspondylia Rage, 1974 is discussed. The locality yielded the possible earliest shinisaurian lizard. The diversity of this new vertebrate fauna is compared to that of several localities from the same biochronological level (mainly Mas-de-Pauffid, Saint-Menoux, Saint-Henri/Saint-Andre, Mumliswil-Hardberg and Oensingen 11). The choice of Mas-de-pauffie as the reference-locality for MP 26 is therefore supported.
... The micromammals of this locality (Theridomyidae, Cricetidae and Eomyidae) are closely related to those of Gaimersheim and Pech du Fraysse [46]. Ebnatt Kappel is dated to MP28 [9], [47]. No less than 26 plant species (see [48] for a complete list), and four large mammals (Protopirus bavaricus, Ronzotherium romani, Microbunodon minimum, Dremotherium cf. ...
... The referred material is stored in the Bayerische Staatssammlung für Paläontologie und Geologie (München, Germany: Gaimersheim1), the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle (Paris, France: Mailhat), the Université Montpellier 2 (France: Pech Desse and Pech du Fraysse), the Naturmuseum Solothurn (Switzerland: Balstahl Bännli), and the private collection of Urs Oberli (St Gallen, Switzerland: Ebnat Kappel). Already mentioned by Scherler et al. [47], the latter is a "non-profit institution" and is accessible to the public. "Visits can be arranged with the Naturhistorisches Museum of St. Gallen". ...
... Thus, numerous authors use biozones instead of reference levels in the Paleogene of Europe (e.g. [23], [47], [59]). To facilitate the reading and the comprehension of this article, biozones will be used instead of reference levels. ...
The Earth already experienced numerous episodes of global warming and cooling. One of the latest impressive events of temperature rising was the Late Oligocene Warming that occurred around 25 Mya. An increase of the marine temperature of 2 to 4°C has been observed in a short time interval. In Europe, this major climatic event can be correlated to the continental faunal turnover " Microbunodon Event ". This event is marked by a huge faunal turnover (40% of the ungulate fauna during the first 500k years) and environmental changes. Drier conditions associated to the appearance of the seasonality lead to new environmental conditions dominated by wooded savannahs. This is correlated to a major arrival of Asiatic immigrants. Moreover, from a homogenous fauna during the main part of the Oli-gocene, local climatic variations between the European Western coast and the more central Europe could have provided faunal regionalism during the latest Oligocene and earliest Miocene. Considering the ruminants, this event is the major ever known for this group in Eu-rope. A total renewal at the family level occurred. Thanks to a precise stratigraphic succession , major evolutionary elements are highlighted. Typical Oligocene species, mainly Tragulina, were adapted to wooded environments and were leaves/fruits eaters. They disappeared at the end of MP27 or the early MP28. This corresponds to the appearance of the Asiatic immigrants. The Tragulina (Lophiomerycidae, Bachitheriidae) and stem Pecora gave way to more derived stem and maybe crown Pecora (e.g. " Amphitragulus " , Baba-meryx, Dremotherium). These newcomers were adapted to more open environments and mixed feeding. The disappearance of the Tragulina is probably linked to environmental and vegetation changes, and competition. They give way to more derived ruminants having a more efficient metabolism in drier conditions and a better assimilation of less energetic food.
... The biochronological framework is basically that of Engesser and Mödden (1997), Gradstein et al. (2004), andBerger et al. (2005b). ...
... MP30-base MN4 (e.g., Antoine et al. , 2006Becker et al. 2013) Agenian occurrences. (Noulet 1861;Roman 1912Roman , 1924Richard 1948;Astre 1959;Bonis 1973;Ginsburg and Hugueney 1980;Duranthon 1991;Hugueney 1997;Heissig 1999;Ginsburg et al. 1991;Steininger et al. 1996;Ginsburg and Bulot 2000;Antoine et al. 2011;Becker et al. 2013) Germany: Budenheim, MN2; Ulm-Westtangente, MN2 (Roman 1912(Roman , 1924Bruijn et al. 1992;Cerdeño 1992;Heissig 1999;Uhlig 1999;Costeur et al. 2012) Spain: Valquemado, MN2; Loranca del Campo, MN2 (Cerdeño 1989(Cerdeño , 1992Bruijn et al. 1992;Antunes and Ginsburg 2000;Ménouret and Guérin 2009) Switzerland: La Chaux, MN2 (Schaub and Hürzeler 1948;Bruijn et al. 1992;Cerdeño 1992;Engesser and Mödden 1997;Becker 2003;Becker et al. 2009) Protaceratherium minutum (Cuvier, 1822) is the type species of Protaceratherium Abel, 1910, an extinct genus which includes small and slender hornless stem rhinocerotids with tapir-like dimensions and habits (cursorial browserforest dweller; Antoine 2002). Up to now, Protaceratherium was considered as comprising also another Western European species, ''Acerotherium albigense Roman, 1912'', from the Oligocene (e.g., Roman 1912;Lihoreau et al. 2009), and sharing similar dimensions and proportions-but no synapomorphy-with P. minutum (Becker et al. 2013). ...
... Diaceratherium aginense (Répelin, 1917) (Duvernoy 1853;Pomel 1853;Roman 1912;Répelin 1917;Lavocat 1951;Bonis 1973;Brunet et al. 1987;Duranthon 1991;Hugueney 1997;Ginsburg 2000;Ginsburg and Bulot 2000;Boada-Saña et al. 2008;Becker et al. 2009Becker et al. , 2010 Germany: Tomerdingen, MN1; Budenheim, MN2; Hessler, MN2 (Roman 1924;Tobien 1980;Heissig 1999;Becker et al. 2009 (Engesser and Mödden 1997;Becker 2003;Becker et al. 2009Becker et al. , 2010Mennecart 2012) Diaceratherium aginense was first described by Répelin (1917), based on splendid associated cranial and postcranial remains from Laugnac (MN2). We propose a life reconstruction of this taxon, based on the concerned elements (Fig. 4). ...
The Agenian is the earliest Neogene European Land Mammal Age. It encompasses the mammalian zones MN1 (23.03–22.7 Ma) and MN2 (22.7–20.0 Ma) and roughly coincides with the Aquitanian standard age. Agenian mammalian assemblages from Western Europe encompass a mixture of rhinocerotid taxa of Oligocene affinities and of Miocene newcomers, mostly recorded in France, Germany, Switzerland, and to a lesser extent, Spain. Rhinocerotidae are documented by seven species referred to five genera (Pleuroceros pleuroceros, Protaceratherium minutum, Plesiaceratherium aquitanicum, Mesaceratherium paulhiacense, Diaceratherium lemanense, D. asphaltense, and D. aginense), further attesting to a low suprageneric diversity. Their systematics, morphology, ecology, stratigraphical and geographical ranges are detailed in the present article. Occurrences and geographical ranges of all seven rhinocerotid species are illustrated on palaeogeographical maps of the circum-Mediterranean region at 23 Ma (MN1) and 21 Ma (MN2). The richest Agenian localities (Paulhiac, MN1; Laugnac, MN2) record a specific diversity similar to that of Orleanian rhinocerotid assemblages, with up to five/six associated species. All Agenian rhinocerotid species from Western Europe are endemic to the concerned region, which is consistent with the complete geographic isolation of Western Europe by earliest Miocene times. However, all five genera are documented by twin species in coeval localities of South and Central Asia, which implies (1) vicariant speciation events by latest Oligocene times and (2) the existence of intermittent pathways for terrestrial megamammals such as rhinocerotids during the concerned interval.
... (2011). En accord avec Engesser & Mödden (1997), les « MP » sont traités ici comme des biozones appliquées au bassin molassique suisse, bien qu'à l'échelle du Paléogène européen ceux-ci soient définis comme des niveaux repères à mammifères (Schmidt-Kittler, 1987). De plus, pour les mammifères, une notable correction est introduite à la suite de l'étude de nouvelles et riches récoltes dans les localités types : contrairement à ce qui était indiqué dans les précédentes biozonations de la Molasse (Engesser & Mayo, 1987 ;Engesser & Mödden, 1997 ;Kempf et al., 1997), le niveau d'Oensingen 1 est dorénavant considéré comme étant plus jeune que celui de Mümliswil (Tabl. ...
... En accord avec Engesser & Mödden (1997), les « MP » sont traités ici comme des biozones appliquées au bassin molassique suisse, bien qu'à l'échelle du Paléogène européen ceux-ci soient définis comme des niveaux repères à mammifères (Schmidt-Kittler, 1987). De plus, pour les mammifères, une notable correction est introduite à la suite de l'étude de nouvelles et riches récoltes dans les localités types : contrairement à ce qui était indiqué dans les précédentes biozonations de la Molasse (Engesser & Mayo, 1987 ;Engesser & Mödden, 1997 ;Kempf et al., 1997), le niveau d'Oensingen 1 est dorénavant considéré comme étant plus jeune que celui de Mümliswil (Tabl. 1). ...
... L'âge de la faune de Talent 4 correspond très bien à celui de la localité d'Aarwangen (Engesser & Mayo, 1987). Le niveau évolutif des theridomyidés correspond à celui de Boningen (Engesser & Mödden, 1997), mais Eomys molassicus n'a jamais été trouvé dans des niveaux plus récents que Wynau 1. mann (1919 ;voir aussi Jordi, 1995). Le MGL conservait quelques échantillons de déblais de ces sondages, que nous avons lavés et qui ont livré des characées provenant toutes de la zone à Microcera [Nitellopsis (Tectochara) gr. ...
Palaeontology and biostratigraphy of the Molasse of the Oligocene and the earliest Miocene in the Talent and other localities of the “Plateau vaudois” (Switzerland). - This article presents a detailed palaeontological and biostratigraphical study of the lower freshwater Molasse (USM), Oligocene–earliest Miocene, located in Western Switzerland between the “Plateau vaudois” and the first anticline of the Jura Mountains. Recent data on mammals (based mainly on isolated teeth) and charophytes allow determining the age of these USM deposits, which ranges from the base of the Rupelian (MP20-21) to the early Aquitanian (MN1). The “Marnes rouges” Member (MP22-23) in the lower part of the series shows almost no outcrops in the studied area and remains to be investigated. Among the mammals, rodents (Rodentia) are best represented with, by order of abundance, Theridomyidae, Cricetidae, Eomyidae, Gliridae, Melissiodontidae, Sciuridae, Aplodontidae and Castoridae. Many other groups of small mammals are also present with lagomorphs, marsupials (Didelphidae), insectivores (Soricidae, Talpidae, Erinaceidae) and bats. The remains of large mammals are much more uncommon with plant-eaters such as perissodactyls (Rhinocerotidae: Molassitherium albigense, Rhinocerotidae indet.) and artiodactyls (Ruminantia: Iberomeryx sp., Bachitherium curtum, Bachitherium insigne, Mosaicomeryx quercyi; Suidae indet.; Cainotheriidae; Dichobunidae; Anthracotheriidae), as well as indeterminate carnivores. Concerning the charophytes, the first occurrence in the Oligocene (late Chattian, MP 28-30) of Stephanochara gr. praeberdotensis and Nitellopsis (Tectochara) ginsburgi is noteworthy because both taxa were considered so far to be restricted to the Miocene.
... These 41 geological formations yielded many vertebrate localities, unfortunately recording mostly 42 incomplete assemblages and only a few large mammal species ( Scherler et al. 2013). However, 43 Agenian land mammal associations are remarkably well documented in the locality of Wischberg 44 (MN1; Schaub & Hürzeler 1948, Engesser & Mödden 1997, Engehalde (MN2; Becker et al. 45 2010) and Wallenried (MN2; Becker et al. 2001, Mennecart et al. 2016. 46 From the area of Langenthal (Bern Canton, Switzerland), Gerber (1932,1936) first reported 47 fossil rhinocerotids originating from the Wischberg locality (latitude 47.199157894°/longitude 48 7.763943664°; Fig. 1). ...
... More recently, Lagomorpha have been reviewed by 51 Tobien (1975) and part of large mammals by Becker (2003) and Scherler et al. (2011Scherler et al. ( , 2013. 52 Since the work of Engesser & Mödden (1997) on the mammal biozonation of the Lower 53 Freshwater Molasse of Switzerland, the mammal assemblage of Wischberg (Tab. 1) can be 54 considered as one of the most important and complete in the Swiss Molasse Basin, consistently 55 pointing to an early Aquitanian age (MN1 biozone; Agenian European Land Mammal Age). Schaub & Hürzeler (1948), the cranio-mandibular, dental, and postcranial remains 69 from Wischberg are here attributed to two different rhinocerotid species, instead of three. ...
Background. Wischberg is a Swiss locality in Bern Canton which has yielded numerous vertebrates remains from the earliest Miocene (= MN1). It has a very rich faunal diversity, one of the richest in Switzerland for this age. Among all the mammals reported in the original faunal list 70 years ago, three rhinocerotid species were identified. The material consists of two fragmentary skulls, cranial fragments, several mandibles, teeth and postcranial bones, in a rather good state of preservation.
Results. After reexamination of the material from this locality (curated in three different Swiss museums), and comparison with holotype specimens, we show that all rhinocerotid specimens from Wischberg can be referred to just two species. Most of the material can be attributed to the large size teleoceratine Diaceratherium lemanense , while only a few specimens, including a skull and mandible, belong to the much smaller sized Pleuroceros pleuroceros . We describe and illustrate for the first time most of these fossil remains. However, the systematics of the genus Diaceratherium is currently controversial, and we attempt to elucidate it based on our new observations, though a large-scale phylogenetic study should be done in the future to resolve it. The rhinocerotid association found in Wischberg is nonetheless typical of the MN1 biozone, which results from a faunal renewal occurring just before the end of the Oligocene.
... These 41 geological formations yielded many vertebrate localities, unfortunately recording mostly 42 incomplete assemblages and only a few large mammal species ( Scherler et al. 2013). However, 43 Agenian land mammal associations are remarkably well documented in the locality of Wischberg 44 (MN1; Schaub & Hürzeler 1948, Engesser & Mödden 1997, Engehalde (MN2; Becker et al. 45 2010) and Wallenried (MN2; Becker et al. 2001, Mennecart et al. 2016. 46 From the area of Langenthal (Bern Canton, Switzerland), Gerber (1932,1936) first reported 47 fossil rhinocerotids originating from the Wischberg locality (latitude 47.199157894°/longitude 48 7.763943664°; Fig. 1). ...
... More recently, Lagomorpha have been reviewed by 51 Tobien (1975) and part of large mammals by Becker (2003) and Scherler et al. (2011Scherler et al. ( , 2013. 52 Since the work of Engesser & Mödden (1997) on the mammal biozonation of the Lower 53 Freshwater Molasse of Switzerland, the mammal assemblage of Wischberg (Tab. 1) can be 54 considered as one of the most important and complete in the Swiss Molasse Basin, consistently 55 pointing to an early Aquitanian age (MN1 biozone; Agenian European Land Mammal Age). Schaub & Hürzeler (1948), the cranio-mandibular, dental, and postcranial remains 69 from Wischberg are here attributed to two different rhinocerotid species, instead of three. ...
Background. Wischberg is a Swiss locality in Bern Canton which has yielded numerous vertebrates remains from the earliest Miocene (= MN1). It has a very rich faunal diversity, one of the richest in Switzerland for this age. Among all the mammals reported in the original faunal list 70 years ago, three rhinocerotid species were identified. The material consists of two fragmentary skulls, cranial fragments, several mandibles, teeth and postcranial bones, in a rather good state of preservation.
Results. After reexamination of the material from this locality (curated in three different Swiss museums), and comparison with holotype specimens, we show that all rhinocerotid specimens from Wischberg can be referred to just two species. Most of the material can be attributed to the large size teleoceratine Diaceratherium lemanense , while only a few specimens, including a skull and mandible, belong to the much smaller sized Pleuroceros pleuroceros . We describe and illustrate for the first time most of these fossil remains. However, the systematics of the genus Diaceratherium is currently controversial, and we attempt to elucidate it based on our new observations, though a large-scale phylogenetic study should be done in the future to resolve it. The rhinocerotid association found in Wischberg is nonetheless typical of the MN1 biozone, which results from a faunal renewal occurring just before the end of the Oligocene.
... One tooth of Plesiosminthus sp. (Engesser and Mödden, 1997) from Mümliswil-Hardberg, Switzerland (MP26 according to Engesser and Mödden;MP27 according to Biochrom, 1997). A doubtful occurrence is reported from Mirambueno 4C and Mirambueno 4D, Spain (MP26) by Freudenthal (1997); no teeth were found, only some fragments of grooved incisors, which are relatively large for Plesiosminthus. ...
... One tooth of Plesiosminthus sp. (Engesser and Mödden, 1997) from Mümliswil-Hardberg, Switzerland (MP26 according to Engesser and Mödden;MP27 according to Biochrom, 1997). A doubtful occurrence is reported from Mirambueno 4C and Mirambueno 4D, Spain (MP26) by Freudenthal (1997); no teeth were found, only some fragments of grooved incisors, which are relatively large for Plesiosminthus. ...
... Based on its faunal composition it is now possible to formally refer Peublanc to the MP 30 mammalian level. Indeed, the faunal list of Peublanc contains several characteristic taxa which are also known in Coderet-Bransat (Hugueney, 1997: Caenotherium geoffroyi, Amphitragulus fenin grei, Amphechinus pomeli, Geotrypus antiquus, Rhizospalax poirrieri and Archaeomys arvernensis) and also in the other contemporaneous Swiss locality Küttigen for Rhizospalax poirrieri (Engesser & Mödden, 1997). Archaeomys and Rhizospalax both indicate a late Oligocene age for Peublanc as for Coderet-Bransat. ...
The late Oligocene faunas from central France are often rich and provide crucial information for understanding the evolution of mammals during the Oligocene-Miocene transition. The locality of Coderet-Bransat, where Amphechinus arvernensiswas so far the only known hedgehog, yielded new specimens hitherto identified as Galerix minor and Amphechinus pomeli. The new specimen of Amphechinus pomeli, together with a new study of the type specimens from Peublanc, confirm the previously questioned validity of this species, the smallest of all hedgehogs. The similarities between the faunal lists of Coderet-Bransat and Peublanc indicate a very close age (MP30), whereas some aquatic taxa only found in Peublanc suggest a slightly different palaeoenvironmental context compared to
Coderet-Bransat.
... antiquus furthermore occurs at a number of MP 23/MP 24 localities in France: Itardies, Pech Crabit, Mounayne, Mège, Saint-Martin-de-Castillon C and F (Comte and Vianey-Liaud 1989;Maridet et al. 2010). Engesser and Mödden (1997) reported an E. aff. antiquus from the French MP 23 locality Lovagny (= Eomys nov. ...
A collection of approx. 150 isolated cheek teeth of the eomyid rodent Eomys antiquus which was obtained from a very thin layer in the Hamstead Member of the Bouldnor Formation at Bouldnor Cliff (Isle of Wight, England, UK) is described. The material is post-Grande Coupure, and earliest Oligocene in age. Comparison is made with and new data are given on teeth of Eomys from localities of a similar age situated elsewhere in Europe: Eomys antiquus from Hoogbutsel (Belgium), and Möhren 13, 19, and 20 (Germany), and Eomys aff. antiquus from Montalbán 1D (Spain), and Kocayarma (Turkish Thrace, Turkey). Teeth from Bouldnor Cliff and Hoogbutsel (Mammal Paleogene zone 21) are morphologically close to those from Möhren 13 (Mammal Paleogene zone 22), but tend to be larger. Size decrease in the course of time is also suggested by the smaller size of the teeth from Montalbán 1D (Mammal Paleogene zone 23). The morphological differences observed between the English, Belgian, and German material at the one side, and the Spanish and Turkish material at the other, confirm that the species from Montalbán 1D and Kocayarma is a different, although closely related form. The taxonomic history of Eomys antiquus is reviewed. The species is the commoner of the two oldest European Eomyidae known. General knowledge on the ecology of the eomyids suggests that at the time of deposition of the Eomys -containing layer in the Hampshire Basin forest was close by.
... Die Masse im Lauftext und in den Tabellen sind in Millimetern angegeben. Die Biostratigrafie stützt sich auf die europäischen Referenz-Niveaus für Säugetiere aus dem Paläogen (MP-Levels) (Brunet etal., 1987;BiochroM'97, 1997), die Säugetierzonen des Neogens (MN-Zonen) (Mein, 1999;Steininger, 1999), Schweizerische Referenzfaunen (Engesser & Mödden, 1997;Berger, 2011) • Lunare. Es ist vollständig. ...
The fossiliferous locality of Rickenbach (SO) is particularly well known as the reference locality of the mammal level MP29 (Late Oligocene, ca. 23.5 million years) of the European mammalian biochronology. The revision of the specimens of Rhinocerotidae housed in the Olten natural history Museum has permitted to describe for the first time the association of three species, Ronzotherium romani, Mesaceratherium gaimersheimense and Diaceratherium lamilloquense. This unique association completes the original definition of the MP29 mammalian level. With the last occurrence of a survivor of the «Grande Coupure» (earliest Oligocene) and two representatives of a faunal renewal associated to the «Microbunodon Event» (MP28), this locality is set in the context of the evolutionary history of ungulates during the Oligo-Miocene transition.
... The stratigraphical framework is based on the geological timescales and European Land Mammal Ages (ELMA) for the Neogene (Hilgen et al. 2012). Successions of Mammal Neogene (MN) units were correlated based on biostratigraphic and magnetostratigraphic data (BiochroM'1997(BiochroM' 1997Engesser and Mödden 1997;Kempf et al. 1997Kempf et al. , 1999Legendre and Lévêque 1997;Mein 1999;Steininger 1999;Agustí et al. 2001;Hilgen et al. 2012). ...
The early middle Miocene (European Land Mammal Zone MN5-earliest MN6) locality Gračanica (Bugojno Basin, Bosnia-Herzegovina) has yielded numerous well-preserved dental remains of two Anchitheriinae species: Anchitherium hippoides and Anchitherium ezquerrae. This anchithere assemblage is typical of the Orleanian European Land Mammal Age and is recorded for the first time in Southeastern Europe.
... Mammal Neogene units were correlated by Berger (2011) based on biostratigraphic and magnetostratigraphic data (BiochroM'97, 1997;Engesser & Mödden, 1997;Kempf et al., 1997Kempf et al., , 1999Mein, 1999;Steininger, 1999;Agustí et al., 2001). Body masses of the rhinocerotid species found in Wischberg are estimated from dental and postcranial measurements. ...
Background: Wischberg is a Swiss locality in Bern Canton which has yielded
numerous vertebrates remains from the earliest Miocene (= MN1). It has a very rich
faunal diversity, one of the richest in Switzerland for this age. Among all the mammals
reported in the original faunal list 70 years ago, three rhinocerotid species were
identified. The material consists of two fragmentary skulls, cranial fragments, several
mandibles, teeth and postcranial bones, in a rather good state of preservation.
Results: After reexamination of the material from this locality (curated in three
different Swiss museums) and comparison with holotype specimens, we show that all
rhinocerotid specimens from Wischberg can be referred to two species only. Most of
the material can be attributed to the large-sized teleoceratine Diaceratherium
lemanense, while only a few specimens, including a skull and mandible, belong to the
much smaller sized Pleuroceros pleuroceros. We describe and illustrate for the first
time most of these fossil remains. However, the systematics of the genus
Diaceratherium is currently controversial, and based on our new observations we
consider seven species as valid, though a large-scale phylogenetic study should be
done in the future to resolve it. The rhinocerotid association found in Wischberg is
nonetheless typical of the MN1 biozone, which results from a faunal renewal
occurring just before the end of the Oligocene.
... The Gannat fauna yielded 13 families and 16 species of which only five are rodents (Fig. 2). The same faunal pattern is recognized in other Limagne localities such as La Roche-Blanche/Gergovie (Hugueney et al., 1999) and Cluzel, and also in Rottenbuch 8 (Germany) (Fahlbusch and Heissig, 1987) and Boudry 2 (Switzerland) (Engesser and Mödden, 1997). ...
Continental environments are very sensitive to climatic variations. A unique opportunity to study the climate changes around the Oligocene/Miocene boundary is offered by the Limagne graben Basin (France) where this stage boundary is well constrained by fossils. Indeed, some localities of the Limagne Graben Basin are so rich in mammal remains that they have become a European reference for mammal biostratigraphy. The dominant sedimentary facies of the lacustrine deposits in the northern part of the Limagne Graben Basin are composed of poorly cemented marls and calcarenites containing various plants and animals remains (e.g. algae, fish bones and teeth, gastropods, ostracods, mammals, birds and reptiles remains) associated with stromatolites. Mammal remains, well described in this area from the literature, were used to constrain the chronostratigraphic context of this lacustrine basin, with refinement thanks to new carbon and oxygen isotope measurements, palynological and sedimentological data. In this work, the available information obtained from a classical paleoecological study has been refined by new carbon and oxygen isotope analyses of carbonates and fish teeth retrieved from the washed sediment residues. The results of this study confirm that the Oligocene/Miocene boundary in Europe was a general period of aridity, associated with a cooler climate, which could be the cause of the decline in mammal paleodiversity observed during this period. The gradual evolution from brackish to fresh waters is indicated by the presence of ostracods and gastropods, and the major development of caddisflies. This period is associated to humid climatic conditions while a gradual increase in temperature took place throughout the second part of the Aquitanian. These environmental changes were driven by strong variations of temperatures and a contrasted seasonality.
... The stratigraphical framework is based on geological time scales and European Land Mammal Ages (ELMA) for the Neogene (Hilgen et al. 2012). Successions of Mammal Neogene units (MN) were correlated based on biostratigraphic and magnetostratigraphic data (BiochroM'97 1997;Engesser and Mödden 1997;Kempf et al. 1997Kempf et al. , 1999Legendre and Lévêque 1997;Mein 1999;Steininger 1999;Agustí et al. 2001;Hilgen et al. 2012). ...
The early middle Miocene (European Land Mammal Zone MN5) locality Gračanica (Bugojno Basin, Bosnia-Herzegovina) has yielded numerous well-preserved dental remains of four Rhinocerotidae species: Brachypotherium brachypus, Lartetotherium sansaniense, Plesiaceratherium balkanicum sp. nov. and Hispanotherium cf. matritense. This rhinocerotid assemblage is typical of the Orleanian European Land Mammal Age and indicates a mesic woodland with diverse habitats from swampy forest to drier and more open environment.
... = million years; MP = standard mammal level (see Biochro'M, 1997). Calibrations from Engesser and Mödden (1997); Escarguel et al. (1997); Vianey-Liaud (1998); Picot et al. (2008); Vianey-Liaud and Schmid (2009). The mid-Oligocene glaciation (transition Rupelian-Chattian) is dated about 28,1 m.y. ...
... Le dernier MP est corrélé avec des niveaux marins à Carry-le-Rouet (MP30/MN1) : il est antérieur au chron C6B et daté autour de 23 Ma (e.g., . MP28b est corrélé à la fois par la magnétostratigraphie autour du chron C7n (e.g., Schlunegger et al., 1996, Engesser & Mödden, 1997 et radiochronologiquement (Mertz et al., 2007), autour de 24,5 Ma. ...
Résumé : L’étude des rongeurs Theridomorpha permet de suivre le déroulement d’une radiation adaptative pendant toute sa durée (Eocène moyen-Oligocène terminal), sur un territoire restreint à l’extrémité ouest de l’Europe Occidentale. Dans ce papier, la phylogénie de ce groupe est établie à partir d’une analyse cladistique reposant sur l’examen de 315 caractères (310 dentaires). Le groupe d’intérêt comprend 110 des 32 espèces (24 genres) de Theridomyoidea et deux genres encore inclus jusqu’ici dans les Reithroparamyinae qui rejoignent les Theridomorpha. Les groupes externes comprennent des glires basaux, Cocomys, Tanquammys et 16 Ischyromyiformes. Un cadre phylogénétique robuste est produit, qui permet de clarifier la systématique des Theridomorpha. La position des Remyoidea (nov. supfam.) au sein des Ischyromyiformes, extérieure aux Theridomorpha, est confortée. Les Protadelomys et Tardenomys sont à la base des Theridomyoidea, avant la séparation en deux clades correspondant aux familles Pseudosciuridae et Theridomyidae. Les sous-familles sont consolidées : Pseudosciurinae et Sciuroidinae pour les Pseudosciuridae ; Issiodoromyinae, Oltinomyinae, Columbomyinae, Theridomyinae, auxquelles s’ajoute au moins une nouvelle sous-famille (Patriotheridomyinae), pour les Theridomyidae. Les chrono-espèces (sensu Simpson), traitées antérieurement comme lignées évolutives, apparaîssent dans la plupart des cas sous forme de clades successifs, émergeant dans l’ordre stratigraphique. L’analyse des caractères aux principaux noeuds permet de consolider les caractères diagnostiques des taxons et les tendances évolutives, et de discuter des divers parallélismes et convergences dans l’évolution des structures et patrons dentaires (e.g., émail des incisives unisérié chez les Issiodoromyinae et les Patriotheridomyinae, ou pseudo-multisérié chez les Blainvillimys les plus hypsodontes, les Protechimys et Archaeomys ; patrons dentaires téniodontes ; allongement des dents déciduales chez les Patriotheridomyinae, Issiodoromyinae et Theridomyidae ; sélénodontie ou lophodontie). Les dynamiques évolutives traduites par les changements morphologiques sont mises en relation avec les variations environnementales. Enfin, les implications biochronologiques de l’évolution des Theridomyoidea sont discutées. //
Abstract: The adaptive radiation of the rodents Theridomorpha occurred during a limited time window (middle Eocene to late Oligocene), on an area restricted to Western Europe. In this paper, the phylogeny of this group is established via a cladistic assessment of 315 morphological characters (310 dental). The group of interest encompasses 110 upon 132 species (24 genera) of Theridomyoidea, and two genera formerly included within the Reithroparamyinae, and which are included here within the Theridomorpha. The outgroups include basal glires, Cocomys, Tanquammys and 16 Ischyromyiformes. A robust pylogenetic frame is produced, which allows clarifying the systematics of the Theridomorpha. Within the Ischyromyiformes, the Remyoidea (nov. supfam.) are set apart from the Theridomorpha. Protadelomys and Tardenomys represent the earliest offshoots of the Theridomyoidea, before the dichotomy between Pseudosciuridae and Theridomyidae. This topology supports the former subfamilies Pseudosciurinae and Sciuroidinae within the Pseudosciuridae; and for the Theridomyidae: the Issiodoromyinae, Oltinomyinae, Columbomyinae, Theridomyinae, with at least one new subfamily (Patriotheridomyinae). The chronospecies (sensu Simpson), formerly considered as evolutionary lineages, appear in most cases as successive clades emerging in the stratigraphic order. The analysis of characters supporting the main nodes allows consolidating the diagnostic characters of the taxa and their evolutionary trends, as well as discussing the various cases of parallelism and convergence in the evolution of structures and dental patterns (e.g., uniserial incisor enamel for Issiodoromyinae and Patriotheridomyinae, or pseudo-multiserial for the most hypsodont Blainvillimys, Protechimys and Archaeomys; taeniodont dental patterns; lengthening of deciduous premolars for Patriotheridomyinae, Issiodoromyinae and Theridomyidae; selenodonty or lophodonty). Evolutionary dynamics are analysed with respect to environmental changes. Finally, biochronological implications of the evolution of Theridomyoidea are discussed.
... Säugerfaunen im tieferen Bereich der Oberrad-Formation (Straßeneinschnitt Weisenau Horizonte 34b und fraglich 32g) werden in den jüngeren Abschnitt der Säugerzone MN 1 gestellt, die als die älteste Zone des Miozäns (frühes Aquitanium) angesehen wird. Im höchsten Bereich der Oberrad-Formation wurde eine Fauna der tiefen Zone MN 2a beschrieben (Engesser et al. 1993, Engesser & Mödden 1997, die ebenfalls dem Aquitanium zugeordnet wird. In älteren Faunenlisten ist Fossilmaterial dieser Formation mit dem des Liegenden ("Cerithienschichten") oder des Hangenden ("Corbiculaschichten", "Inflataschichten") vereinigt worden. ...
... Rappelons que le niveau de bentonite d'origine volcanique repéré dans la Molasse aquitanienne de Bois Genoud près de Lausanne (Mumenthaler et al. 1981) est un peu plus ancien que le niveau 21c/4 de La Chaux, puisqu'il se rattache à la biozone des Bergières (Engesser et Mödden 1997). ...
After a short description of the topography and geology of the famous vertebrate locality of La Chaux, a historical survey of the different excavations and palaeontological studies based on unpublished documents is given. The detailed description of the layers with their very diverse fossil content is founded on observations we could make during the extensive road works in 1994. These observations permit the reconstruction of the sedimentation conditions and of the palaeo-ecological circumstances. The precise datation of the fossiliferous layers is based on the analysis of the small mammal teeth. A detailed study of this material of several thousand isolated teeth will be published separately.
... Säugerfaunen im tieferen Bereich der Oberrad-Formation (Straßeneinschnitt Weisenau Horizonte 34b und fraglich 32g) werden in den jüngeren Abschnitt der Säugerzone MN 1 gestellt, die als die älteste Zone des Miozäns (frühes Aquitanium) angesehen wird. Im höchsten Bereich der Oberrad-Formation wurde eine Fauna der tiefen Zone MN 2a beschrieben (Engesser et al. 1993, Engesser & Mödden 1997, die ebenfalls dem Aquitanium zugeordnet wird. In älteren Faunenlisten ist Fossilmaterial dieser Formation mit dem des Liegenden ("Cerithienschichten") oder des Hangenden ("Corbiculaschichten", "Inflataschichten") vereinigt worden. ...
... = million years; MP = standard mammal level (see Biochro'M, 1997). Calibrations from Engesser and Mödden (1997); Escarguel et al. (1997); Vianey-Liaud (1998); Picot et al. (2008); Vianey-Liaud and Schmid (2009). The mid-Oligocene glaciation (transition Rupelian-Chattian) is dated about 28,1 m.y. ...
Theridomyids were the most diverse and abundant rodents from the Late Eocene to Late Oligocene in Western Europe. As they lived in an archipelago, almost completely (Late Eocene) or partly (Oligocene) isolated from other continental areas, their evolution remained mainly insular, leading to an increase in evolutionary rates. Theridomyids are most often known from isolated teeth, but partial postcranial material is also available. A few subcomplete skeletons of a ricochetal theridomyid (i.e. Issiodoromys) have already been studied, but their locomotor adaptations were probably not restricted to leaping habits, especially in the basal members of the group. The numerous isolated postcranial bones collected in the Paleogene Quercy localities of France and other Western European areas allow us, for the first time, to describe the anatomy of the pivotal bones of the theridomyid locomotor apparatus, in order to enhance our understanding of their specificity and diversity. We performed Factorial Discriminant Analyses (DA) to evaluate theridomyid locomotory behaviour and body shape in comparison with extant taxa. Despite the limited number of taxa for which postcranial data are available, at least four different types of locomotion and postural behaviour can be characterized: (1) the quadrupedal possibly semi-fossorial Suevosciurus; (2) the occasionally bipedal ricochetal Issiodoromys; (3) the scansorial Theridomys bonduelli; and (4) the cursorial Blainvillimys.
... Auf der Basis des unterschiedlichen Evolutionsgrades einiger Vertreter der ausgestorbenen Säugetierfamilie Eomyidae konnten so verschiedene stratigraphische Niveaus der jüngeren Mainzer Becken-Abfolge mit den durch Engesser & Mayo (1987) in der Unteren Süßwassermolasse der Schweiz und Savoyens definierten Säugetier-Zonen korreliert werden (Engesser et al. 1993;Reichenbacher & Mödden 1996;Mödden 1996Mödden , 1998. Darüber hinaus führte die Entdeckung von neuen Säugerfundstellen in der Schweiz und in Savoyen und die anschließende Bearbeitung des hieraus gewonnenen Fossilmaterials zu einer modifizierten Version der Biozonierung auf der Basis von fossilen Säugetieren (Engesser & Mödden 1997). Auch aus dem Neuwieder Becken konnten Sedimente nachgewiesen werden, die sich anhand von Säugetierresten mit Ablagerungen der Unteren Süßwassermolasse in der Schweiz und in Savoyen korrelieren lassen (Heizmann & Mörs 1994). ...
Ostracods and foraminifers of the Findreuse section (Lower Freshwater Molasse, Département Haute-Savoie, France) are described and illustrated. Ilyocypris molassica n.sp. (Ostracoda) is introduced as a new taxon. By means of ostracods the palaeoecological conditions can be reconstructed as temporarily but strongly affected by fluctuations of salinity, and the deposition area was probably subdivided into different salinity-controlled aquatic biotopes. Occurrences of the ostracods Hemicyprideis dacica (Héjjas, 1894) and Hemicyprideis rhenana (Lienenklaus, 1905) within the Findreuse section permit a correlation with sediments of the Upper Rhinegraben area. A palaeogeographic connection probably existed between the Molasse Basin and the Upper Rhinegraben area during deposition of the Untere Cerithienschichten [= Weisenau-Formation in the Mainz Basin].
... Säugerfaunen im tieferen Bereich der Oberrad-Formation (Straßeneinschnitt Weisenau Horizonte 34b und fraglich 32g) werden in den jüngeren Abschnitt der Säugerzone MN 1 gestellt, die als die älteste Zone des Miozäns (frühes Aquitanium) angesehen wird. Im höchsten Bereich der Oberrad-Formation wurde eine Fauna der tiefen Zone MN 2a beschrieben (Engesser et al. 1993, Engesser & Mödden 1997, die ebenfalls dem Aquitanium zugeordnet wird. In älteren Faunenlisten ist Fossilmaterial dieser Formation mit dem des Liegenden ("Cerithienschichten") oder des Hangenden ("Corbiculaschichten", "Inflataschichten") vereinigt worden. ...
Explanatory notes for the Geological Map of Switzerland, Sheet Zurich. The original text is in German; here the abstract in English:
The bedrock of the area of the Atlas sheet Zurich consists mainly of rocks of the Upper Freshwater Molasse (OSM, ca. 16 –13 Ma). Only in the northwestern region is the Upper Marine Molasse (OMM) revealed in outcrops. The slightly SE-dipping rocks of the OSM comprise predominantly sand, silt and mudstone, and only minor proportions of freshwater limestone and conglomerate are present. The OSM reaches a maximum thickness of nearly 900 m at the Uetliberg peak. Proportionally, the Hörnli alluvial beds dominate. In the western part of the map area, the easternmost portion of the deposits related to the Napf alluvial fan as well as the micaceous East-West alluvial beds of the basin’s axial zone are also observed. Special attention goes to thin layers of fossil ash within the OSM – bentonite – which can be dated numerically and represent excellent marker horizons. A characteristic rock is the Meilen limestone, which is also applicable as a marker horizon, but it is restricted to the northern part of the map area, where it outcrops. The fossils (plant and animal remains) discovered in the Upper Freshwater Molasse document a warm-temperate climate with average annual temperatures of 15 to 17 ° C.The oldest Quaternary (Pleistocene) deposits in the area of the Atlas sheet Zu-rich are represented by the Höhere Deckenschotter. This firmly cemented conglomerate, with a moraine at its base, constitutes the uppermost layer of the Uetliberg peak. After deposition of the Deckenschotter, during the Middle Pleistocene, large over-deepened channels and basins formed. These over-deepened channels were only locally filled with the remaining Middle Pleistocene sediments. During the Middle and Late Pleistocene, glacial advances re-eroded a large portion of the basin fill.During the last Ice Age, the Rhine-Linth glacier advanced across the depression of Lake Zurich as far as the vicinity of Killwangen (c. 23 – 24 ka ago). Only a few areas, such as the peaks of the Uetliberg-Albis chain, remained ice-free. In the area NW of Birmensdorf, a westward f lowing lobe of the Rhine-Linth glacier looped around the Uetliberg and collided with an eastern side lobe of the Reuss glacier. After its maximum advance, the Rhine-Linth glacier retreated successively, with repeated stagnations or brief re-advances. During these stagnations, it created characteristic terminal moraines. The best known moraine stadia are those of Killwangen, Schlieren and Zurich. The clearest example of a terminal moraine remnant (Zurich Stage) is the Lindenhof hill. During the Zurich Stage, a lake («Schlieren-see») formed downstream of the Limmat valley and was filled with partially coarse gravel deposits that originated mainly from the Sihl. About 18 ka ago, the Rhine-Linth glacier retreated into the Lake Zurich basin. In late- to post-glacial time, washed-away and mostly fine-grained molasse and moraine material («Uetliberg Loam») formed a rim of alluvial fans on the slopes of Uetliberg. Human colonization of the Lake Zurich basin took place no later than the 4th millennium B. C.
The Miocene sands of the Swiss Jura Mountains, long exploited in quarries for the construction industry, have yielded abundant fossil remains of large mammals. Among Deinotheriidae (Proboscidea), two species, Prodeinotherium bavaricum and Deinotherium giganteum, had previously been identified in the Delémont valley, but never described. A third species, Deinotherium levius, from the locality of Charmoille in Ajoie, is reported herein for the first time in Switzerland. These occurrences are dated from the middle to the late Miocene, correlating to the European Mammal biozones MN5 to MN9. The study is completed by a discussion on the palaeobiogeography of deinotheres at the European scale
Simplomys, a dormouse with a simple dental morphology compared to other glirids, shows a continuous evolution in Spain during the end of the Ramblian and up to the middle Aragonian, the stratigraphic frame considered in this work. In contrast, the record of the genus in Central Europe is reduced to a few localities spanning from the early to the middle Miocene. We review the record from the Burdigalian to Langhian equivalent to the deposition of the uppermost Upper Marine Molasse (OMM) to the lower part of the Upper Freshwater Molasse (OSM) and conclude the occurrence of three distinct species. The youngest species, Simplomys simplicidens, is recognised in Schönenberg (Germany, MN5) and Courrendlin-Solé (Switzerland; MN4). Material from a fissure filling near Glovelier (Switzerland, MN4) supplied the new species, Simplomys hugi, whereas the localities Petersbuch 2 and Erkersthofen 2 (both fissure fillings from Germany, MN4) contain species closely related to it. Finally, and pending further advances in the taxonomy of the Iberian Simplomys, the oldest population from the fissure filling of Schnaitheim (Germany; MN3) remains in open nomenclature (Simplomys sp.). The genus Simplomys has not been recorded eastwards from the Swabian and Franconian Jura Plateaus from Germany and its youngest occurrence in Schönenberg is correlated to the South German local scale OSM C+D, at around 15.5 Ma.
At the “International Symposium on Mammalian Biostratigraphy and Paleo-ecology of the European Paleogene” in 1987 in Mainz, Néstor Mayo and I have presented a biozonation of the Lower Freshwater Molasse based on mammals (see Engesser and Mayo, 1987). In this biozonation the Lower Freshwater Molasse was subdivided into 18 mammal zones. In contrast to previous zonations, complete mammal faunas were used, not only one or two families. These zones are based on the evolutionary level of well known evolutionary lines, the first and the last record of certain taxa, and on typical associations. Each zone is defined by a so-called “reference fauna.” In addition, as many as possible molasse faunas of about the same age were integrated into each zone.
New stratigraphic data on the Molasse in the Greater Geneva area are provided through the study of numerous samples from boreholes and civil engineering works carried out during the last thirty years. Most of the samples studied come from various boreholes in or around the Canton Geneva: Peissy-1 and geothermal borehole of Thônex in Canton Geneva; seven boreholes drilled by BP-France around the Canton Geneva; numerous boreholes drilled on behalf of the CERN (the Centre européen de recherche nucléaire); various other boreholes specially for the motorway tunnel of the Mont Sion in nearby France. Four units in the Molasse have been lithologically described and dated essentially by micromammals and charophytes, as well as by otoliths and ostracods: the «Calcaires inférieurs»: MP 27 to MP 28 zones, or «middle» Chattian; the «Marnes et Grès bariolés»: MP 28 to MP 30 zones or upper Chattian; the «Grès et marnes gris à gypse: MP 30 to MN 1 zones, or uppermost Chattian-lowermost Aquitanian; the lower part of the the «Aquitanian auct.», or «Molasse grise de Lausanne»: MN 1 zone or lower Aquitanian. The «Gompholite» could not be precisely dated, it might belong to the MP24-25 zones. Moreover, the Mesozoic substrate underlying the Tertiary deposits displays a more pronounced structuration than previously thought: the Molasse overlies different Lower and Upper Cretaceous formations (the lower member of the Chambotte, «Calcaires roux», «Complexe des Marnes d'Hauterive et de la Pierre jaune de Neuchâtel, Urgonian limestones). This structuration has probably generated a pronounced palaeogeomorphology. In particular, it is responsible for the lithological facies diversification at the base of the Molasse, especially that of the «Gompholite» and «Calcaires inférieurs». Molasse deposits form the bedrock underlying Quaternary sediments in the Greater Geneva area. A better knowledge of the Molasse stratigraphy in this region provides highly valuable informations for future civil engineeringlarge projects. From this point of view, a lithological and palaeontological systematic study of cuttings from geothermal boreholes would be a plus...
The locality Oberleichtersbach near Bad Brückenau, Germany, includes 38 micromammalian species, representing 32 genera and 16 families of marsupials, insectivores, rodents, and pikas. New are the species Plesiosorex martinii n. sp., Dinosorex pusillus n. sp., Asthenoscapter ziegleri n. sp., Dimyloides hecki n. sp., and Pseudotheridomys werneri n. sp. The micromammals mirror a highly diverse ecosystem of woods, water bodies, dense herbaceous cover, thickets, and open spaces. Based essentially on the short-lived rodent taxa Rhodanomys aff. hugueneyae, R. transiens, Pseudotheridomys werneri, Eomyodon mayoi, Euericetodon longidens, and Plesiosminthus winistoerferi, the fauna can be precisely referred to the latest Oligocene (upper part of the Paleogene mammal zone MP 30). It corresponds in age with faunas such as Brochene Fluh 53 and Findreuse 8 (western Molasse of Switzerland and Savoy), Eggingen-Mittethart 1 and 2 and Eggingen-Erdbeerhecke (Ulm region) and Coderet (France). Micromammals experienced great changes during late Oligocene time. Among Oberleichtersbach genera, Archaeomys, Adelomyarion and Rhizospalax vanished at the end of the Oligocene, while Asthenoscapter, Blackia and Amphilagus first appeared in MP 30. Especially the upper part of MP 30 was a time when numerous, mostly very short-lived species (see above) evolved. These faunal changes are robably correlated with a drop of temperature and humidity toward the Oligocene/Miocene boundary. © E. Schweizerbart'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung (Nägele u. Obermiller), 2008.
Ostracods and foraminifers of the Findreuse section (Lower Freshwater Molasse, Département Haute-Savoie, France) are described and illustrated. Ilyocypris molassica n. sp. (Ostracoda) is introduced as a new taxon. By means of ostracods the palaeoecological conditions can be reconstructed as temporarily but strongly affected by fluctuations of salinity, and the deposition area was probably subdivided into different salinity-controlled aquatic biotopes. Occurrences of the ostracods Hemicyprideis dacica (Héjjas, 1894) and Hemicyprideis rhenana (Lienenklaus, 1905) within the Findreuse section permit a correlation with sediments of the Upper Rhinegraben area. A palaeogeographic connection probably existed between the Molasse Basin and the Upper Rhinegraben area during deposition of the Untere Cerithienschichten [= Weisenau-Formation in the Mainz Basin].
The otolith-zonation presented here is a regional zonation, mainly valid for brackish and lacustrine deposits of the Western Paratethys. Fourteen zones have been defined. The calibration with the chronostratigraphy of the two Eocene zones is based on foraminiferal data. The Oligocene and Miocene zones are calibrated based on mammal data. For zones OT-M3 to OT-M6, lithostratigraphic data were used as additional stratigraphic correlation tool. The new otolith zones contribute to the biostratigraphy of continental, non-marine deposits in which the "classical" marine microfossils are generally absent.
New stratigraphic data on the Molasse in the Greater Geneva area are provided through the study of numerous samples from boreholes and civil engineering works carried out during the last thirty years. Most of the samples studied come from various boreholes in or around the Canton Geneva: Peissy-1 and geothermal borehole of Thônex in Canton Geneva; seven boreholes drilled by BP-France around the Canton Geneva; numerous boreholes drilled on behalf of the CERN (the Centre européen de recherche nucléaire); various other boreholes specially for the motorway tunnel of the Mont Sion in nearby France. Four units in the Molasse have been lithologically described and dated essentially by micromammels and charophytes, as well as by otoliths and ostracods:
the "Calcaires inférieurs": MP 27 to MP 28 zones, or "middle" Chattian;
the "Marnes et Grès bariolés: MP 28 to MP 30 zones; or upper Chattian;
the Grès et marnes gris à gypse: MP 30 to MN 1 zones, or uppermost Chattian-lowermost Aquitanian;
the lower part of the "Aquitanian auct.", or "Molasse grise de Lausanne": MN 1 zone or lower Aquitanian.
The "Gompholite" could not be precisely dated, it might belong to the MP 24-25 zones.
Moreover, the Mesozoic substrate underlying the Tertiary deposits displays a more pronounced structuration than previously thought: the Molasse overlies different Lower and Upper Cretaceous formations (the lower member of the Chambotte, "Calcaires roux", "Complexe des Marnes d'Hauterive et de la Pierre jaune de Neuchâtel, Urgonian limestones). This structuration has probably generated a pronounced palaeogeomorphology. In particular, it is responsible for the lithological facies diversication at the base of the Molasse, especially that of the "Gompholite" and "Calcaires inférieurs".
Molasse deposits form the bedrock underlying Quaternary sediments in the Greater Geneva area. A better knowledge of the Molasse stratigraphy in this region provides highly valuable informations for future civil engineering large projects. From this point of view, a lithological and palaeontological systematic study of cuttings from geothermal boreholes would be a plus...
Abstract A new molasse outcrop at Dürrenberg (Canton Jura, NW Switzerland) yielded 53 micromammal teeth. The coexistence of the rodent taxa Blainvillimys cf. helmeri Vianey-Liaud, 1972, Theridomys cf. lembronicus Bravard, in Gervais, 1848–52, Toeniodus curvistriatus Pomel, 1853, and Issiodoromys minor var. 1 Filhol, 1876 enables a correlation with the European MP 24 reference level. Compared with the Delémont basin, the Oligocene sedimentation started remarkably later in the Dürrenberg area, because it is situated on the eastern slope of the “Rauracian depression”. Therefore the new site is important for the reconstruction of the dimension and geometry of this structure that connected the alpine foreland basin with the southern Rhine Graben during the Late Rupelian and Chattian.
Zusammenfassung Ein neuer Molasseaufschluss bei Dürrenberg (Kanton Jura, NW-Schweiz) lieferte 53 Kleinsäugerzähne. Die Vergesellschaftung der Taxa Blainvillimys cf. helmeri Vianey-Liaud, 1972, Theridomys cf. lembronicus Bravard, in Gervais, 1848–52, Toeniodus curvistriatus Pomel, 1853 und Issiodoromys minor var. 1 Filhol, 1876 ermöglicht die Einstufung in die europäische Säugetierzone MP 24. Zu dieser Zeit erfolgte im weiter westlich gelegenen Delsberger Becken bereits die Ablagerung von alpinen fluviatilen Sanden der Molasse alsacienne, währenddessen bei Dürrenberg erst im obersten Teil des Profils der Einfluss von alpinen Schüttungen feststellbar ist. Das Profil Dürrenberg lag seinerzeit auf der östlichen Grabenschulter der “Raurachischen Senke”, die das Gebiet des heutigen Juras querte und während des späten Rupeliums und Chattiums das alpine Vorlandbecken mit dem Oberrheintalgraben verband.
To reconstruct the development of the western Swiss Molasse Basin, a detailed sedimentological analysis of 11 magnetostraphically and biostratigraphically dated sections was combined with lithologic and petrographic data from 15 wells and interpretation of 21 seismic lines. Orogenic detritus was transported by rivers into the Molasse Basin from Rupelian to Langhian times (i.e., during 20 my). During the Rupelian a narrow marine basin existed in the southern part of the study area. In the late Rupelian, the Molasse Basin widened significantly towards the north and a meandering river system established in its distal part parallel to the basin axis. The paleoenvironment remained a very low gradient plain close to base level during deposition of the USM in the Chattian and Aquitanian time. Palustrine conditions indicate a reduced drainage at some stages during USM, possibly triggered by sea level changes and/or prograding alluvial fans in the central or eastern Molasse Basin. Shallow marine conditions were established again during the following OMM stage (Burdigalian). The complete flooding and opening of the E-W OMM seaway occurred at about 20.2 Ma within a relatively short time interval. At the southern basin margin the marine transgression was diachronous because of the interaction with the radial dispersal systems draining the Alpine orogen. Deposition of continental sediments persisted while the distal parts were already flooded by the Burdigalian sea.
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