Jurassic belemnite biostratigraphy of the Southern Hemisphere: A comparative study of Antarctica and Argentina

Traditionally, belemnites have been largely ignored as stratigraphical tools and consequently their level of utilisation has been low. In fact, belemnite rostra have considerable biostratigraphical potential. They are widespread, resistant fossils which are only very rarely found as impressions. Although turnover and diversity of belemnite species can not, in most instances, compare with those of co-existing ammonites, in the Jurassic species turnover is sufficient to support a viable biostratigraphy. Belemnites are significant components of some Southern Hemisphere successions, particularly in Antarctica. Recent researches indicate that from the Toarcian onwards belemnites are common in Argentina (Neuquen Basin and, in the late Jurassic, in the Austral Basin). This paper presents the basis for a belemnite biostratigraphy for Antarctica and Argentina which has implications for further correlations across the Southern Hemisphere.