Dinantian conodont biostratigraphy of the Northumberland Trough

Abstract

Abstract. Conodont faunas from Dinantian strata of the Northumberland Trough and Tweed Basin are described. Five zones are recognised. These zones are correlated with the standard British Stages and where possible with European and American sections. Chadian and Arundian faunas are dominated by Taphrognathus, Cloghergnathus and Cavusgnathus which typically occur in shallow intertidal and shallow subtidal environments. Holkerian and Asbian strata are barren of conodonts. In the Brigantian deeper-water genera including Gnathodus are represented. The shallow water nature of the lower faunas causes difficulty in correlation with goniatite-bearing sequences in the Craven Basin but reasonable correlations can be made to Ravenstonedale and the Avon Gorge.