Preliminary investigations of an Aptian GSSP candidate at the historical Bedoulian locality near Cassis (Bouches-du-Rhône) and complementary section at the stratotype Barremian locality at Angles (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)

Abstract

This report presents preliminary investigations of a new candidate for the Aptian Global boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) at Cassis (Bouches-du-Rhône, France), within the historical Bedoulian stratotype area, and a complementary section at Angles (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France). Fieldwork in 2025 identified a promising continuous section (13022-BGD) in the Vallat des Brayes–Brigadan area of Cassis, exposing the lower Aptian La Bédoule Formation. Preliminary observations of Pseudocrioceras and Deshayesites indicate that the Barremian/Aptian boundary likely occurs within a narrow interval. Despite partial coverage, the section is accessible, correlatable, and located on protected municipal land, making it a strong GSSP candidate. Complementary research at Angles confirms comparable faunal successions in a pelagic context, notably at the Combe-Lambert section, now fully exposed and protected within the National Geological Nature Reserve. Together, these sites provide an integrated framework for defining the base of the Aptian Stage.