Age of the Wealden in North-Western Europe

Abstract

AbstractThe Wealden of the Weald is mainly post-Tithonian/pre-Aptian in age. The formation probably comprises the fullest non-marine record of the interval in north-western Europe, spanning most of Berriasian (Infra-Valanginian), Valanginian, Hauterivian and Barremian time. It is well suited to be the standard succession for purposes of direct correlation.The term “ Wealden ” should, if used for beds outside the English basin, be applied only to those non-marine formations (1) clearly lying within the Berriasian–Barremian range and, if possible, (2) correlatable directly with the standard. Otherwise “ Wealden facies ” should be used.Beds claimed as “ Wealden ” elsewhere in north-western Europe are examined in this light.