Author E-Print 1/3/2012

AGE AND ORIGIN OF THE CHICXULUB IMPACT AND SANDSTONE COMPLEX,

BRAZOS RIVER, TEXAS: EVIDENCE FROM LITHOSTRATIGRAPHY AND
SEDIMENTOLOGY

THIERRY ADATTE
Geological and Paleontological Institute, Anthropole, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
e-mail: thierry.adatte@unil.ch

GERTA KELLER

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Department of Geosciences, Princeton University, Princeton NJ 08544, U.S.A.

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AND

GERALD R. BAUM
Lewis Energy Group, 10101 Reunion Square, Suite 1000, San Antonio, Texas 78216, U.S.A.

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ABSTRACT: Multidisciplinary investigations based on the lithology, sedimentology, mineralogy, and biostratigraphy of upper Maastrichtian to lower
Danian boundary (KTB) sequences along 3.5 km of the Brazos River in Falls County, Texas, reveal depositional sequences, including an impact-
spherule-rich sandstone complex, characteristic of sequence stratigraphic models applied to shallow shelf areas, such as incised valleys, lag
conglomerate, storm deposits, and repeated bioturbation. The top of the Corsicana Formation coincides with a channel, which we interpret as an incised
valley. The erosion surface marks a major depositional sequence boundary (SB) associated with the latest Maastrichtian sea-level fall. Initial channel
deposits consist of coarse shelly glauconitic sand with large lithified clasts containing impact spherules and large bored and encrusted phosphatized
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concretions, which we interpret to indicate that the Chicxulub impact occurred well prior to the lithification, erosion, and redeposition at the base of the
channel. The primary Chicxulub ejecta layer lies about 40–65 cm below the sandstone complex in a 3-cm-thick yellow clay layer that consists of cheto
smectite (altered impact glass) interbedded in claystones of the Corsicana Formation. Above the sandstone complex, claystones, and mudstones are
burrowed and correspond to a condensed interval interpreted as a maximum flooding surface (MFS). Based on biostratigraphy and the d13C shift, the KT
boundary is up to 1 m (50–100 ky) above the sandstone complex and coincides with increased sediment accumulation during the early Danian sea-level
rise (HST). These features are inconsistent with a single catastrophic bolide impact on Yucatán and associated megatsunami deposition as commonly
interpreted.
The biostratigraphy and KT characteristic d13C shift of the Brazos sections indicate that the KTB, the sandstone complex, and the Chicxulub impact
occurred as three different stratigraphic events during the late Maastrichtian planktic foraminiferal zone CF1. These are represented by: (1) the Chicxulub
or
impact sequence deposited about 200–300 ky prior to the KTB, (2) the sandstone complex with reworked impact spherules deposited in incised valleys
during the latest sea-level fall about 100–150 ky prior to the KTB, and 3) the KTB event during the subsequent HST and following the condensed MFS.

KEY WORDS: Cretaceous–Tertiary boundary, Age of Chicxulub impact, Brazos River, Texas, lithostratigraphy, sedimentology, sequence stratigraphy,
mineralogy, organic matter, sea level, depositional environment, incised valley, tsunami, storms
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INTRODUCTION
Chicxulub impact spherules, commonly found at the base of a
sandstone complex that infills submarine channels in stratigraphic
proximity to the Cretaceous–Tertiary boundary (KTB) in Mexico and
North America, are considered the strongest evidence that this impact
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and indicates a long period of no spherule input (Keller et al., 2003a),
(3) reworking, transport, and redeposition of spherules from shallow
nearshore areas (Keller et al., 1994; Alegret et al., 2001), (4) multiple
horizons of burrowing in the top unit of the sandstone complex that
indicate that sediment deposition was repeatedly interrupted by
colonization of the ocean floor (Ekdale and Stinnesbeck, 1998), (5)

caused the KT mass extinction (Smit, 1999; Schulte et al., 2010).
Deposition of the sandstone complex is commonly interpreted as the
result of megatsunami waves generated by the impact (Smit et al., l992;
Smit et al., 1996; Yancey, 1996; Schulte et al., 2006; Schulte et al.,
2008; Schulte et al., 2010). This scenario has been controversial from
the beginning because supporting evidence is weak, and the
depositional environment of the sandstone complex cannot be
reconciled with sediment deposition over a period of hours to days
(Stinnesbeck et al., l993; Keller et al., 1997).
In northeastern Mexico, major evidence in the sandstone complex
contradicting the impact scenario includes: (1) up to three discrete
bentonite layers that reveal volcanic input (Adatte et al., 1996), (2) a
limestone layer with burrows that separates two spherule-rich layers
the primary spherule layer present in Maastrichtian marls 5 m below
the base of the sandstone complex, which reveals that the Chicxulub
impact is substantially older than the KTB event (Keller et al., 2009),
(6) a limestone layer that stratigraphically separates the impact breccia
from the KTB mass extinction in Yucatán wells, including the crater
core Yaxcopoil-1, which also reveals that the Chicxulub impact
predates the KTB mass extinction (Ward et al., 1995; Keller et al.,
2004a; Keller et al., 2004b). In the recent Schulte et al. (2010)
publication, this evidence was largely ignored or misrepresented and
the authors concluded that all evidence supports an impact-tsunami
origin for the spherule-rich sandstone deposits.
Brazos River sections provided further evidence that contradicted
the impact-tsunami scenario. For example, the KTB boundary is

The End-Cretaceous Mass Extinction and the Chicxulub Impact in Texas

SEPM Special Publication No. 100, Copyright Ó 2011
SEPM (Society for Sedimentary Geology), Print ISBN 978-1-56576-308-1, CD/DVD ISBN 978-1-56576-309-8, p. 43–80.
 Author E-Print
44 THIERRY ADATTE, GERTA KELLER, AND GERALD R. BAUM
globally identified based on the mass extinction of planktic
foraminifera, nannofossils, the KTB characteristic d13C shift, and Ir
anomaly (Keller, this volume). However, Schulte et al. (2008) and
Schulte et al. (2010) placed the KTB at the base of the sandstone
complex, arguing that the Chicxulub impact is KTB in age and
therefore impact spherules define the KTB. This circular reasoning,
based on belief rather than data-based assessment, prevents evaluation
of the true age of the Chicxulub impact. Data that indicate a pre-KTB
age for the Chicxulub impact include: (1) an interval of claystones (0.4
to 1.6 m) between the top of the sandstone complex and the KTB
horizon, which was explained by upward-fining after the impact-
generated tsunami event (Smit et al., 1996; Schulte et al., 2008; Schulte
et al., 2010), but this study shows that upward-fining is restricted to the
lower 20 cm; (2) burrows truncated at the top and bottom in some units
of the sandstone complex (Gale, 2006; Keller et al., 2007a), which
were ignored by Schulte et al. (2010); (3) the yellow clay layer below
the sandstone complex consisting of cheto smectite or altered impact
glass (Keller et al., 2007a; Keller et al., 2008), was interpreted by
Schulte et al., (2010) as a sanidine of volcanic origin without
supporting data; (4) the same yellow clay present in the altered impact
spherule layers at the base of the sandstone complex (Keller et al.,
2007a) was ignored. This study examines these and many other aspects
of the Brazos River sections based on multidisciplinary investigations
to assemble a rigorous dataset to assess the KTB events.
To test these challenging results from northeastern Mexico, the
Yucatán impact crater wells, and the Brazos River sections, the
National Science Foundation (NSF-EAR) supported new drilling by
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DOSECC along the Brazos River, Falls County, Texas (Fig. 1). This
area was chosen for: (1) its greater distance (; 1700 km) from the
impact crater, (2) the undisturbed sedimentary record across the KTB
transition, (3) the complete stratigraphic sequences comparable to the
KTB boundary stratotype section at El Kef, Tunisia, (4) the absence of
significant tectonic activity, (5) excellent preservation of microfossils,
and (6) the presence of a sandstone complex with impact spherules
comparable to the sandstone complex observed in northeastern Mexico
(Hansen et al., l987; Bourgeois et al., l988; Smit et al., l996; Heymann
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et al., l998; Schulte et al., 2006), or sea-level lowstand ‘‘event deposit’’
(Keller, 1989; Yancey, 1996; Gale, 2006; Keller et al., 2007a).
The Brazos sections are thus an ideal test case for the results
observed in Mexico. To this end, this report focuses on the nature and
depositional environment of the sandstone complex based on
multidisciplinary investigations of lithology, sedimentology, mineral-
th
ogy, and sequence stratigraphy of seven outcrops and four wells located
over 3.5 km along the Brazos River and its tributaries the Cottonmouth
and Darting Minnow Creeks (Fig 1). This investigation aims to
reconstruct the sea-level changes and depositional environment based
on sequence stratigraphic analysis and determine the timing of the
Chicxulub impact relative to the KTB.
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LOCATION OF SECTIONS
The Cretaceous–Tertiary transition in south-central Texas can be
found along the Brazos River between Waco and Hearne, and more
precisely near the crossing of Texas Highways 413 and 1773 in Falls
County, Texas (Fig. 1). In this area, between 15 and 20 outcrops and
cores have been documented extending approximately 3 km to the
southwest (Hansen et al., 1987; Hansen et al., 1993a; Hansen et al.,
1993b; Yancey, 1996; Keller et al., 2007a). The sections are clustered
in three areas: near Hwy 413 Bridge along the riverbanks and in the
riverbed, and along the tributaries of the Cottonmouth and Darting
Minnow Creeks southwest of the Brazos River floodplain (Fig.1).
We document twelve stratigraphic sections, including two new
Brazos wells drilled in 2005 by DOSECC with a CS-500 rig (Keller et
al., 2007a). Well Mullinax-1 is located on a meadow about 370 m
downstream from the Hwy 413 Bridge (GPS Location 318 07 0 53.00 N,
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968 49 0 14 W). At this locality an undisturbed sequence with 95% core
recovery from the early Danian through the late Maastrichtian was
recovered. The KT transition of Mullinax-1 was first reported in Keller
et al. (2007a). Mullinax-1 was drilled at the same location as the old
side-by-side wells KT1 and KT2, which were rotary drilled in 1986 and
encountered drilling disturbance (Hansen, written communication,
1987). Schulte et al. (2006) analyzed the old KT1-KT2 wells (note that
labeling of these old cores has varied over time; see Keller et al., this
volume). A second location was drilled in overlapping wells (Mullinax-
2 and Mullinax-3) four feet apart on a meadow about 150 m above the
Darting Minnow Creek waterfall (GPS Location 318 06.55’ N, 968
50.28 W). Core recovery was nearly 100%.
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We also examined excellent outcrop sections, although with limited
exposures, along the Cottonmouth and Darting Minnow Creeks, which
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are two small tributaries of the Brazos River (Fig. 1). At both localities
the best outcrops are located at or near small waterfalls marked by
prominent sandstone complexes that contain reworked Chicxulub
impact spherules at the base. The Cottonmouth Creek (CM) is located
about 1.8 km down river from the Hwy 413 Bridge and 1.2 km from the
Mullinax-1 core (Fig. 1). At this locality the CMA-CMB section was
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collected in two segments 20 m apart. An old well KT3 (rotary drilled
in 1986) is located about 200 m southwest from these sections and was
first reported by Keller (l989) and reanalyzed and updated in Keller et
al. (this volume). An additional section, CM4, is located 200 m
downcreek. Sections labeled as Brazos-2 and Brazos-3 are located 30
m apart at and near the confluence of the Cottonmouth Creek and
Brazos River.
METHODS
Sections were examined for lithological changes, burrows, macro-
fossils, hardgrounds, and erosion surfaces, which were described,
measured, and photographed. Bulk-rock and clay-mineral assemblages
were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (Scintag XRD 2000 Diffractom-
eter) based on procedures described by Kübler (1983) and Adatte et al.
(1996). The semiquantification of whole-rock mineralogy is based on
XRD patterns of random powder samples by using external standards
with an error margin between 5% and 10% for the phyllosilicates and
5% for grain minerals. The intensities of the identified minerals are
measured for a semiquantitative estimate of the proportion of clay
minerals, which is therefore given in relative percent without correction
factors due to the small error margin (, 5%).
Total organic carbon (TOC) contents and maturity of preserved
organic matter (OM), hydrogen and oxygen indices (HI and OI) were
determined using a Rock EvalTM6 (Espitalié et al., 1985) with an
instrumental precision of , 2%. HI and OI represent the H/C and O/C
ratios of organic matter, respectively, and are used to classify organic
matter in a Van Krevelen type diagram (Espitalié et al., 1985). Two
standards (IFP 160000 and VP143h) were used to calibrate the
measurements. Organic-matter analysis was performed for the
Cottonmouth CMA-CMB section and Mullinax-1 core. Granulometry
was performed on the insoluble residue, after OM removal using a
Laser Particles Sizer (LOT Gmbh).
PALEOGEOGRAPHY
The Brazos KT sequences are located on the shallow shelf of the
northern Gulf of Mexico near the entrance to the Western Interior
Seaway (Fig. 2). This area is characterized by high and predominantly
siliciclastic sedimentation during the Late Cretaceous and early
Paleogene. The very high sediment supply generally exceeded
accommodation space on the continental shelf, which resulted in an
outward-prograding shelf margin and an overall shallowing trend from
the Latest Cretaceous to the late Eocene (Davidoff and Yancey, 1993).
As a result, marine sediments in the Brazos river area reflect a generally
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FIGURE 1.—Map of Cretaceous–Tertiary boundary outcrops and wells drilled along the Brazos River, Cottonmouth Creek, and Darting Minnow
Creek of Falls County, Texas. Eleven outcrops and wells were analyzed for this study.
 Author E-Print 1/3/2012
46 THIERRY ADATTE, GERTA KELLER, AND GERALD R. BAUM

shallowing trend from middle-shelf to inner-shelf settings during the

latest Cretaceous–early Paleocene (shelf–slope break at approximately
100 km down-dip of the Brazos river outcrops) to a nonmarine setting
by Eocene time (basinward migration of the shelf–slope break). This
general trend and the progradation of the Paleogene shelf margin in the
Brazos River area was modified substantially by variations in sediment
supply and eustatic sea-level changes (Galloway, 1989).

BIOSTRATIGRAPHY
The biostratigraphy of KTB along a 3 km area of the Brazos River
and its tributaries is similar in all sections examined, although they vary

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in the thickness of the sandstone complex and the amount of erosion.
Planktic foraminifera in all sections were quantitatively analyzed at 5

in
cm to 10 cm sample intervals and in two size fractions (. 63 lm and .
150 lm). For biostratigraphic purposes the . 63 lm size fraction is
shown here. Stable isotope analysis was performed on the benthic
species Lenticulina, and iridium concentrations were measured. Here
we present two key sequences that illustrate the planktic foraminiferal
species ranges and relative abundance data (. 63 lm size fraction),

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and the stable isotopes upon which biostratigraphic interpretations are
based. The biostratigraphy of all other sections is detailed in Keller et
al. (this volume).

Cottonmouth Creek CMA-CMB Section FIGURE 2.—Paleogeographic reconstruction of Central and North
America with locations of Brazos River sections and the Chicxulub
Maastrichtian: The latest Maastrichtian zone CF1 defines the total
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range of Plummerita hantkeninoides. This zone spans the last 300,000
ky of the Maastrichtian based on the time scale of Cande and Kent
(1995), which places the KTB at 65 Ma. Gradstein et al. (2004) placed
impact crater. Paleomap adapted from Blakey, R., NAU Geology
website (http://jan.ucc.nau.edu).

the KTB at 66 Ma, which reduces zone CF1 to the last 160,000 ky of
the Maastrichtian. Plummerita hantkeninoides is present in the 1.05 m
exposed below the sandstone complex and marks this interval as the
uppermost Maastrichtian, as also indicated by the nannofossil Micula
prinsii (CC26b) zone (Fig. 3; Tantawy, this volume). Zones CF1 and
M. prinsii range to the KTB at 40 cm above the sandstone complex. As
or
in all Brazos sections, Heterohelix and Guembelitria dominate the
assemblages. Species richness decreases below the sandstone complex
and accelerates above it, correlative with the sea-level fall from middle-
neritic to inner-neritic depths (Keller et al., 2007a; Keller et al., 2008).
Throughout this interval, stable isotope values remain relatively
stable, except for a sharp negative d13C excursion in a yellow clay layer
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Danian: Parvularugoglobigerina eugubina and P. longiapertura
first appear 20 cm above the KT boundary, but these P0–P1a boundary
marker species are rare and may not represent the first evolutionary
occurrences. For this reason, the P0–P1a zone boundary is tentatively
set at the first peak of the negative d13C excursion at 10 cm above the
KT boundary. The subzone P1a(1)–P1a(2) is defined by the first
appearances of Parasubbotina pseudobulloides and Subbotina trilo-
culinoides at 1.08 m above the sandstone complex. In the CMAW-
CMB section subzone P1a(2) is very condensed or missing, with zone
P1b juxtaposed over P1a(1). This is suggested by the absence of P.
eugubina, above the first appearances of P. pseudobulloides and S.

triloculinoides, the abrupt disappearances of the survivor H. globulosa

at 45 cm below the sandstone complex, which is likely due to
diagenetic alteration. Ir concentrations are within background levels
from below the yellow clay through the sandstone complex, with
slightly increased values (0.3–0.6 ppb) in the 40 cm above the
sandstone complex (Fig. 3).
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and the early Danian species P. extensa, and the abrupt increase in
Globoconusa daubjergensis, all coinciding with a lithologic change
from dark claystone to light gray silty claystone (Fig. 3). In addition,
well developed Danian species . 150 lm characteristic of zone P1b
and P1c first appear above this lithological change and mark a hiatus.

KT Boundary: The KTB and mass extinction is well marked at 40
cm above the sandstone complex by the KTB-characteristic negative
d13C excursion and the first appearance of three Danian species
(Woodringina hornerstownensis, Globoconusa daubjergensis, Parvu-
larugoglobigerina extensa; Fig. 3). There is no lithological change and
no Ir anomaly at the KT boundary. The mass extinction is gradual, as
also observed at Mullinax-1, KT1, KT3, and Brazos-1. This is because
all larger and specialized deeper-dwelling species, which disappear at
the KTB, are absent in this shallow-water environment (Keller et al.,
2009). Most species range 10–20 cm into the basal Danian (zone P0),
possibly as a result of reworking and/or upward excavation by
burrowing invertebrates. At least six and possibly eight species range
into zone P1a and are known as short-term survivors (Heterohelix
globulosa, H. navarroensis, H. dentata, Hedbergella monmouthensis,
Globigerinelloides aspera, and possibly Pseudoguemelina costellifera
and P. costulata (Barrera and Keller, 1990; Keller et al., 2002b; Pardo
and Keller, 2008).
Calcareous nannofossils indicate the NP1a–NP1b boundary near this
lithologic change (Tantawy, this volume).
Well Mullinax-1
Maastrichtian: In Mullinax-1, Plummerita hantkeninoides is rare
though relatively continuously present in the 75 cm below the
sandstone complex, with additional occurrences at 9.55 and 9.7 m and
a single specimen at 11.1 m, which marks the zone CF1–CF2
boundary. d18O values (Lenticulina sp.) indicate peak warming
between 10.7 and 11.1 m and between 9.5 and 10 m followed by the
terminal Maastrichtian cooling. The single-point negative d18O and
d13C excursions in a thin clay layer 30 cm below the unconformity at
the base of the sandstone complex are the result of diagenetic
alteration, correlative with similar excursions in the yellow clay layer in
the CMA-CMB section (Keller et al., 2007a). No significant change
occurs in d18O and d13C values across the sandstone complex or in the
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FIGURE 3.—Planktic foraminiferal biostratigraphy, stable isotopes, and Ir concentrations in the Cottonmouth Creek waterfall CMA-CMB
composite section (CMB is 20 m down the creek). As in all other sequences, the KTB is marked by the d13C shift, evolution of the first Danian
species, and species extinctions well above the sandstone complex. Cretaceous species diversity is low due to the shallow, inner-neritic
environment.
or
50 cm above it before gradually decreasing towards the KTB (Fig. 4). extinction appears less sudden because all larger specialized species
Note that between the onset of the terminal Maastrichtian cooling and and deeper-water dwellers are absent in this shallow-water environ-
the base of the sandstone complex (9.5 m to 8.5 m), species richness ment (Keller et al., 2009). Only a few Cretaceous survivor species
gradually decreased by nine species concurrent with the sea-level fall (heterohelicids, guembelitrids, hedbergellids) are present in the early
that culminated in inner-neritic depth. Only the dominant species, of Danian.
which all surface or near-surface dwellers and tolerant of environmen- Note that Schulte et al. (2006), Schulte et al. (2008), and Schulte et
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tal changes, show no significant changes. Concurrent with the sea-level
fall, benthic foraminifera show a dramatic increase in abundance to
60% at the base of the sandstone complex and continuing into the early
Danian zone P1a (Fig. 4).
A significant Ir anomaly (1.4 ppb) was detected in the laminated
silty mudstone above the burrowed HCS. High Ir values tail off in the
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al. (2010) placed the KTB at the base of the sandstone complex in the
Brazos sections, as also in northeastern Mexico, based on the
assumption that the Chicxulub impact caused the KTB mass extinction
and the sandstone complex represents an impact-generated tsunami
deposit. This has led to circular reasoning—the Chicxulub impact is
KTB in age, therefore impact evidence defines the KTB—and prevents

upward-fining interval at the top of the sandstone complex (Fig. 4). In
contrast, this same interval at Brazos-1 shows only about 0.4 ppb and
the maximum concentration is in a thin sand layer 20 cm above the
sandstone complex. No elevated Ir concentrations were detected in the
claystones upsection or at the KTB in Mullinax-1 or any other Brazos
section analyzed. Gertsch et al. (this volume) interpreted the Ir anomaly
at Mullinax-1 and other Brazos sections as the result of condensed
sedimentation and redox conditions.
KT Boundary: The KTB in Mullinax-1 is well marked by the first
appearances of three Danian species (Woodringina hornerstownensis,
Globoconusa daubjergensis, Parvularugoglobigerina extensa) and the
KTB characteristic negative d13C shift at 0.8 m above the sandstone
complex (Fig. 4). At this interval, Heterohelix globulosa abruptly
decreases and Guembelitria cretacea increases to dominate the
assemblage, as is characteristic in all Brazos River KTB sections and
globally. In Mullinax-1, as in all other Brazos sections, the mass
assessment of the true age of the Chicxulub impact based on
independent stratigraphic and geochemical data.
Danian: In Mullinax-1, the first appearances of P. eugubina and P.
longiapertura, which mark the P0–P1a zone boundary, occur 15 cm
above the KTB near the end of the d13C minimum which began at the
KTB, as also observed in other Brazos sections. A 75 cm core gap is
present near the base of zone P1a(1), and as a result most of zone P1a is
missing. Including the core gap, zone P1a spans 1.05 m in Mullinax-1,
as compared with 1.5 m estimated for zone P1a in core KT1. The top
0.5 m of Mullinax-1 is in zone P1b.
LITHOSTRATIGRAPHY
In the Brazos River area, late Maastrichtian sediments are commonly
assigned to the Corsicana/Kemp Formation (Fig. 5) with earliest
Tertiary sediments (Danian zones P0 to P1b) assigned to the Littig
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48 THIERRY ADATTE, GERTA KELLER, AND GERALD R. BAUM

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FIGURE 4.—Planktic foraminiferal analysis, stable isotopes, and Ir concentrations in the upper Maastrichtian to Danian sequence in well Mullinax-
1. The KTB is marked by the d13C shift, the first Danian species, and species extinctions. Cretaceous species diversity is very low above the
sandstone complex because the shallow, inner-neritic environment excludes all deeper-dwelling species. An Ir anomaly is observed in a
laminated fine sandstone near the top of the sandstone complex.
or

Member of the Kincaid Formation (Yancey, 1996). In practice, the
Corsicana/Kemp Formation is assigned to the late Maastrichtian below
the sandstone complex (also termed event deposit) and the Kincaid
Formation to sediments above it. The top of the Corsicana Fm as
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complex. The CMA-CMB sections were collected in two segments 20
m apart with CMA below the sandstone complex near the waterfall and
equivalent to the CMAW section collected below the waterfall (Keller
et al., this volume). At CMA the outcrop exposure spans from 1.2 m

defined here (i.e., above unit 3 [Fig. 5] or BCB of Yancey, 1996) is cut
abruptly by an erosional surface with a maximum 1–1.5 m depth of
erosion (Yancey, 1996; Gale, 2006). This NE–SW-trending channel
implies rapid and complex variations in thickness and lithologies that
may explain the contrasting stratigraphic interpretations.
The most distinct feature of the Brazos outcrops is the sandstone
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below to 25 cm above the sandstone complex, whereas at CMB the
sandstone complex is reduced in thickness and about 2 m of the
overlying sediments are exposed.
Unit 1: This unit marks the uppermost part of the Corsicana
Formation (Fig. 5) and consists of undisturbed, weakly bedded dark gray
silty claystone with macrofossils and burrows. Macrofossils consist

complex (also known as ‘‘event deposit’’) that overlies a scoured
channel surface. Throughout the Brazos area this sandstone complex is
highly variable laterally and in thickness, due to the outcrop position
within the channel (e.g., center or edge) and whole or partial removal of
beds by scour induced by successive high-energy events. Several
authors proposed the subdivision of the sandstone complex into
distinct lithological units (Hansen et al., 1987; Smit et al., 1996;
Yancey, 1996; Gale, 2006; Keller et al., 2007a). We propose a new
subdivision consisting of nine units (Fig. 5) based on lithology and
sedimentology and show its correlation with preexisting subdivisions
(Table 1).
Cottonmouth Creek CMA-CMB Sections
The Cottonmouth Creek outcrops at and near the waterfall expose
the most complete KTB transition. We therefore use these sections
(CMA-CMB) to describe the nine lithologic units of the sandstone
mainly of aragonitic and calcareous molluscan fragments composed of
abundant bivalves and rare ammonites. Burrows are poorly delineated.
Shells are scattered throughout the claystone or deposited in thin layers.
Calcite concentration is low, , 10% (Fig. 6), phyllosilicates average 50–
60% and smectites 60–70% (relative to phyllosilicates, except for one
peak of 100% (Fig. 7). TOC is relatively high (0.6–1%, Fig. 8). At 40–65
cm below the sandstone complex, a prominent 3-cm-thick yellow clay
layer can be traced laterally over 20–30 m along the Cottonmouth creek
before it dips below the exposure (Fig. 9). The absence of this yellow
clay layer in other outcrops is due to erosion of the incised valleys and
limited outcrop exposures. The yellow clay consists of 100% cheto Mg-
smectite derived from altered Chicxulub impact glass with the same
composition as in the spherule-rich coarse sandstone (Unit 4) of the
sandstone complex (Fig. 10; see further discussion below; Debrabant et
al., 1999; Keller et al., 2003a; Keller et al., 2003b; Keller et al., 2007a;
Schulte et al., 2003; Stüben et al., 2005). Unit 1 was deposited during the
latest Maastrichtian zone CF1 (Fig. 3).
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FIGURE 5.—Lithostratigraphy of the Cottonmouth Creek waterfall CMA and CMB composite section (CMB is 20 m down the creek). The
sandstone complex (ST complex) refers to the sandstone units with Chicxulub impact spherules at the base, which has been interpreted by
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some as the deposit of an impact-generated tsunami.

Unit 2: Unit 2 is 5–10 cm thick and marks the top of the Corsicana low clay content (Figs. 5, 6). The erosional surface is burrowed by
Formation, which underlies an erosional unconformity. The unit is Thalassinoides with 1–2 cm diameter burrows infilled with glauconite,
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strongly bioturbated with shells concentrated in poorly delineated
Thalassinoides burrows giving a pseudo-conglomerate aspect to the
claystone. Granulometry reveals the same claystone composition as in
unit 1 (Fig. 12). Unit 2 is equivalent to unit BCB of Yancey (1996),
who interpreted this lithology as a boulder conglomerate that formed at
the base of the sandstone complex. However, the uniform claystone
lithology similar to the underlying Corsicana Formation, absence of
other lithologies, including cheto smectite, and very low detrital
component but instead strong bioturbation by Thalassinoides demon-
strates that unit 2 is at best a pseudo-conglomerate due to the breakup
of claystone by bioturbation. Unit 2 is therefore not part of the
sandstone complex, but derived from normal claystone deposition
similar to unit 1 (Figs. 5, 6). The last ammonites were observed in unit
2 (Kennedy et al., 2001). Unit 2 was deposited during the latest
Maastrichtian zone CF1 (Fig. 3).
Unit 3: A significant erosional unconformity separates unit 2 from
the overlying unit 3, which consists of an 8-cm-thick sandstone with
impact spherules, and phosphatic sand. Cheto smectite is present but
not abundant. At the base of unit 3 are two types of clasts: (1) locally
derived clay clasts from the underlying mudstone deposited in a
hemipelagic facies as indicated by late Maastrichtian planktic
foraminifera; and (2) subangular, lithified, abiotic mudstone clasts up
to 0.2 m in diameter that contain lenses of impact spherules (Fig. 11).
These clasts contain morphologically well-preserved impact spherules
that were incorporated into the sediments prior to lithification, erosion,
transport, and redeposition. This unit is strongly reworked, but absence
of Danian planktic foraminifera and presence of zone CF1 above the
sandstone complex indicates that deposition occurred during the latest
Maastrichtian zone CF1 (Keller et al., this volume). Unit 3 is equivalent
to unit B/C of Hansen et al. (1987), SCB of Yancey (1996), unit I of
Smit et al. (1996), and Bed 1 of Gale (2006).
Unit 4: This unit consists of a 5–10 cm thick, spherule-rich, coarse
green to brown sandstone with phosphatic clasts, glauconite, impact
spherules, invertebrate shells, and small (, 1 cm) shale and mudstone
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50 THIERRY ADATTE, GERTA KELLER, AND GERALD R. BAUM

TABLE 1.—Correlation of units 1 to 9 of this report and their lithostratigraphic equivalents in previous reports.

Hansen et al, Yancey et al, Smit et al., Gale, Keller et al,

Present work: Units 1–9 1987 1996 1996 2006 2007

Unit 1: claystone claystone claystone clay rich unit shelly claystone Claystone
Unit 2: bioturbated claystone B/C ? BCB Enriched clay unit bioturbated claystone BCB
Unit 3: lithified calcareous clasts B/C SCB Unit I Bed 1 lag conglomerate BCB
Unit 4: sandstone, spherules B/C SCS Unit II Bed 1 lag conglomerate SCS
Unit 5: hummocky sandstones D/BC/D HCS Unit III Bed 2 hummocky sandstones HCS
Unit 6: calc. silty mudstone E/F CCH Unit III/IV Bed 3 calcareous bed CCH
Unit 7: claystone, burrowed G CMU Unit III/IV Bed 4 calcareous mudstone calc. mudstone,

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Unit 8: claystone, nodular limestone I SC - (Bed 5) silty clay claystone including
LCH
Unit 9: glauconitic sandstone, shells J MDS - (Bed 6) middle sandst.
glauconitic siltst.

clasts (Fig. 5). TOC is low (, 0.20%, Fig. 8), calcite is high, reaching
70%, quartz and phyllosilicates decrease accordingly, and plagioclase
increases (Figs. 6, 7). Granulometric analysis reveals unit 4 as the
coarse interval of the sandstone complex (Fig. 12). Unit 4 is strongly
reworked, similar to unit 3, and deposition likely occurred also in zone
CF1 (Fig. 3). Unit 4 is equivalent to unit SCB of Hansen et al. (1987),
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SCB of Yancey (1996), Unit II of Smit et al. (1996), and Bed 2 of Gale
(2006).
Unit 5: This unit is 45 cm thick in the CMA section and consists of
three to five hummocky cross-bedded fine sandstone (HCS) layers,
each 0.1 to 0.25 m thick (Fig. 5). Each layer exhibits a basal coarse
sandstone with shell debris and planar lamination, which is succeeded
by hummocky cross-bedded fine sandstones aligned in ripple bedforms
(wavelengths of 0.12–0.15 m) and topped by climbing ripples (Yancey,
1996; Gale, 2006). The upper part of each layer shows numerous
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Ophiomorpha, Thalassinoides and Planolites burrows (Gale, 2006).
The HCS layers are composed of subangular grains (calcite, quartz,
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feldspar, rock fragments, and phyllosilicates) of coarse silt to fine sand
size (50–150 lm) along with slightly larger mudstone clasts,
glauconite pellets, and some secondary diagenetic pyrite. The basal
portions of the HCS beds show coarser average grain size (Fig. 12) due
to the presence of medium sand and grains of mud clasts, glauconite
pellets, spherules, fragmented calcite shell bioclasts, fish-bone
fragments, fish scales, and some small phosphatic skeletal bioclasts
in a muddy sand matrix.
TOC remains very low (0.1%, Fig. 8). The lower part of unit 5 is
enriched in quartz (40%) and felsdpars with a corresponding decrease
in calcite and phyllosilicates (Figs. 6, 7). There is a strong
mineralogical change in unit 5. Above and below the sandstone
complex, smectites average 70%, but they abruptly reach 100%
(relative to the total amount of undifferentiated phyllosilicates) in the
spherule-rich coarse sandstones of unit 5. As in the yellow clay layer of
unit 1, the smectite consists of pure Mg-smectite (cheto smectite),
derived from altered Chicxulub impact glass (Keller et al., 2007a). Unit

FIGURE 6.—Bulk-rock mineralogy of the Cottonmouth Creek waterfall CMA-CMB composite section.
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FIGURE 7.—Clay mineralogy (, 2 lm fraction) of the Cottonmouth Creek waterfall CMA-CMB composite section.
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5 is part of the sandstone complex that was deposited during the latest
Maastrichtian zone CF1 (Fig. 3). This unit is equivalent to unit BC/D of
Hansen et al. (1987), SCB of Yancey (1996), unit III of Smit et al.
(1996), and Bed 2 of Gale (2006) (Table 1).
Unit 6: In the CMA section this unit consists of a 12-cm-thick
Au
Unit 7: Unit 7 is a 12-cm-thick dark silty to clayey mudstone, similar
to unit 1 (Fig. 5). This unit is strongly burrowed and contains common
iron nodules (goethite), shell remains, and burrows that are frequently
truncated (Keller et al., 2007a). There is a gradual transition from unit 6
to unit 7, but the top of unit 7 is marked by a sharp and strongly

calcareous claystone that has previously been described as calcareous
clay, silty limestone, or limestone (Hansen et al., 1987; Yancey, 1996;
Smit et al., 1996; Gale, 2006). Unit 6 is characterized by planar
lamination at the base, upward-fining grain size, and 40–50% calcite
(Fig. 6). Minute plant debris is abundant, but microfossils are rare.
Occasional narrow burrows are observed that originate from unit 7
above. The high carbonate content and the presence of rare
microfossils suggests settling of fine mud from the water column. A
gradual increase in phyllosilicates, quartz, and TOC towards the top of
unit 6 approach values similar to those in unit 1 below the sandstone
complex (Figs 6, 8). Granulometric analysis reveals an upward-fining
trend with increasing clay and decreasing sand and silt (Fig. 12). Unit 6
effectively ends deposition of the sandstone complex and signals the
return to normal sedimentation in the Brazos area. Sediment deposition
above unit 6 occurred in zone CF1 (Fig. 3). Unit 6 is equivalent to unit
E/F of Hansen et al. (1987), CCH of Yancey (1996), unit III/IV of Smit
et al. (1996), and Bed 3 of Gale (2006).
burrowed omission surface. Unit 7 contains 9–10% calcite, relatively
high TOC (0.7–0.8%), and in general high phyllosilicate, but with
relatively low smectites (Figs. 6–8). This indicates shallow shelf
sedimentation, similar to unit 1 below the sandstone complex.
Microfossil assemblages indicate that deposition occurred during the
latest Maastrichtian planktic foraminiferal zone CF1 and nannofossil
Micula prinsii zone (Fig. 3). Unit 7 is equivalent to unit G of Hansen et
al. (1987), CMU of Yancey (1996) and Heymann et al. (1998), unit Vof
Smit et al. (1996), and Bed 4 of Gale (2006).
Unit 8: This unit consists of marly claystone with a nodular
limestone in the middle. The lithology is sufficiently distinct to be
subdivided into three subunits, 8a to 8c. Unit 8 is equivalent to unit I of
Hansen et al. (1987), MMS/MU/LCH of Yancey (1996) and Heymann
et al. (1998), unit VI of Smit et al. (1996), and Bed 5 of Gale (2006).
Subunit 8a consists of a 50-cm-thick dark clayey to silty mudstone
with an erosional, burrowed contact at the base (Fig. 5). Calcite content
is low in the basal 20 cm, gradually increases in the next 20 cm, and
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FIGURE 8.—Total organic carbon (TOC, weight %) and mineral carbon (MINC, weight %), oxygen index (OI, mg CO/g TOC) versus hydrogen
index (HI, mg HC/g TOC) in the Cottonmouth Creek waterfall CMA-CMB composite section. The HI/OI plot demonstrates that the dominant
source of organic matter is of terrestrial origin (Type III). Note that some TOC and HI values are very low. Note also abnormally high OI values
compared with the nearby Mullinax-1 well (see Fig. 23), indicating more deeply weathered organic matter at CMA-CMB, due to temporary
flooding of Cottonmouth Creek.
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rapidly increases at the top (Fig. 6). The increasing calcite content is
accompanied by a change from dark gray to light gray sediments and
increasing abundance of shells, but rare burrows. The gradual increase
in carbonate begins at the paleontological KT boundary (zone P0) and
coincides with a decrease in TOC (Fig. 8). The rapid increase in
carbonate near the top of 8a marks the base of the early Danian subzone
P1a(1) (Fig. 3).
Subunit 8b consists of a 10-cm-thick marly nodular limestone (60%
calcite) in the CMB section. There is an overall decrease in detrital
components and smectite, with an increase in kaolinite and mica. The
observed smectite is a common montmorillonite derived from
weathering of soils. Yancey (1996) labeled this nodular limestone the
lower concretion horizon (LCH) to distinguish it from concretions
horizons in the Pisgah member of the Kincaid Formation.
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Subunit 8c consists of a marly and sometimes sandy claystone with
abundant burrows infilled by glauconitic sand from the overlying unit
9. Planktic foraminiferal assemblages of subunits 8b and 8c indicate
early Danian subzone P1a(1) (Fig. 3).
Unit 9: This unit consists of bioturbated glauconitic sand, which near
the base includes soft phosphatized intraclasts, gastropod shells, and
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oyster shells (Fig. 5). The base of unit 9 is strongly burrowed, and
burrows infilled by glauconitic reach into the underlying unit 8. TOC
gradually decreases from 0.8 to 0.4% (Fig. 8). Detrital input increased
as indicated by higher quartz, feldspar, and phyllosilicates (Fig. 6).
Planktic foraminiferal assemblages indicate that deposition occurred in
zone P1b, and the base of unit 9 marks the top of Chron 29R (Fig. 3).
Unit 9 is equivalent to unit J of Hansen et al. (1987), MSB of Yancey
(1996), and Bed 6 of Gale (2006).
Cottonmouth Creek Well KT3
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Cottonmouth Creek well KT3 is located on a meadow about 200 m
from the Cottonmouth Creek waterfall (Fig. 1). Compared to the
outcrop CMA-CMB section, the sandstone complex is relatively thin,
but it shows a similar succession of units including the strongly
bioturbated top of the Corsicana Formation that resembles a
or
conglomerate, here termed pseudo-conglomerate (Unit 2), the lithified
clasts of unit 3, and the spherule-rich coarse glauconitic sandstone of
unit 4 (Fig. 13). The three to five hummocky cross-bedded fine
sandstones (HCS) observed in CMA unit 5 thins to a single layer 8-cm-
thick. The calcareous silt mudstone of unit 6 is comparable in thickness
to the CMA-CMB section. Unit 7 is missing due to condensed
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sedimentation or erosion. This is indicated by the first appearance of
Danian species above unit 6 and the d13C shift marking the KT
boundary (Keller et al., this volume). Unit 8a is represented by the first
20 cm of the early Danian and is equivalent to zone P0 with the onset of
P1a(1) at the top (Fig. 13). This interval is followed by a core gap,
above which 27 cm of unit 8c, corresponding to zone Pla(1), is present.
Au
This interval is similar to below the core gap and consists of marly
claystone with common burrows infilled with glauconitic sand from
unit 9. Unit 9 consists of green-brown glauconitic sand with abundant
shells, burrows, and a sharp erosive lower contact. Unit 9 was
deposited during planktic foraminiferal zone P1b. The erosion surface
between zones P1a(1) and P1b marks a significant hiatus that spans
subzone P1a(2) corresponding to the upper part of the Parvularugo-
globigeria eububina zone.
Cottonmouth Creek CM4
The CM4 section was collected downstream from CMB (Fig. 1). At
this locality, the sandstone complex thins further and only units 5
(HCS) and 6 (calcareous silty mudstone) are present (Fig. 14). At the
base of outcrop unit 1 is represented by a 15 cm thick dark gray
claystone with shells and rare burrows. A single layer of hummocky
cross-bedded sandstone (unit 5), with rare burrows, disconformably
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53
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FIGURE 9.—Cottonmouth Creek waterfall drapes over the resistant
sandstone complex with reworked impact spherules at the base. At
this locality the original Chicxulub impact spherule ejecta layer is
present in a 3-cm-thick yellow clay layer 45 to 60 cm below the
sandstone complex and interbedded within undisturbed bedded
claystones. Note the small fault and structural offset of about 20 cm
below the waterfall. The yellow clay layer is near the base of late
Maastrichtian zone CF1, which indicates that the Chicxulub impact
predates the KT mass extinction by 200–300 ky, as also indicated in
northeastern Mexico (Keller et al., 2009).
overlies unit 1. Unit 6 consists of a 15-cm-thick calcareous silty
mudstone, fining upward, and increasingly marly towards the top.
Above this interval, the CM4 section is similar to CMA-CMB
outcrops. Unit 7 consists of a 20-cm-thick claystone with rare shells
and burrows. At the top of unit 7, iron nodules and truncated burrows
mark the KT boundary (Keller et al., this volume). Subunits 8a, b, and
c, with lithologies similar to those described in CMA-CMB,
correspond to the P0–P1a(1) interval. An erosional contact separates
the marly claystone of subunit 8c from the green-brown glauconitic
sandstone of unit 9, which corresponds to zone P1b, indicating that
subzone P1a(2) is missing.
Brazos-2 and Brazos-3 Sections
Brazos-2 and Brazos-3 are two small outcrops about 30 m apart,
located at and near the confluence of the Cottonmouth Creek with the
Brazos River (Fig. 1). Both sections show similar lithologies, and
hence only the Brazos-2 section is illustrated and described here (Fig.
15). The sandstone complex is reduced to 10 cm in this area. At the
base of the outcrop unit 2, the burrowed and broken-up claystone,
termed here pseudo-conglomerate, is exposed. Unit 5 consists of a 10-
cm-thick, burrowed, coarse sandstone with glauconite, pyrite, shell
debris, ostracods, and foraminifera. Unit 6 appears to be present in a
thin (4 cm) calcareous silty mudstone with upward-fining grain size. A
thin (7 cm) unit 7 consists of burrowed calcareous, silty claystone with
shells and rare glauconite in the upper part. Similarly to the CM4
section, the boundary between units 7and 8a corresponds to the first
appearance of Danian species and marks the KT boundary (Keller et
al., this volume). In both of these sequences, as well as in core KT3, the
KT boundary interval appears to be condensed compared with the
CMA-CMB section.
In Brazos-2 and Brazos-3, zone P0 is very thin and marks the base of
subzone 8a, which spans about 16 cm (Fig. 15). A thin limestone
concretion layer between 27 and 30 cm corresponds to subunit 8b.
Above it the burrowed, shelly calcareous claystone corresponds to
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FIGURE 10.—Cheto smectite derived from altered impact glass marks the original Chicxulub spherule layer, as well as the multiple reworked-
spherule layers at the base of the sandstone complex in the Cottonmouth Creek.

subunit 8c. Planktic foraminiferal assemblages place most of subunits
8a, 8b, and half of 8c into subzone P1a(1) and the upper part of 8c into
subzone P1a(2). In all Cottonmouth Creek outcrops (CMA-CMB,
CM4, KT3), subunit 8c is truncated by a hiatus with overlying
sediments in zone P1b. In Brazos-2 and Brazos-3, this hiatus is not
observed in the limited outcrop exposures, but biostratigraphy and
lithology suggests that there is less erosion. This is indicated by the
presence of subzone P1a(2), as well as the second limestone concretion
layer at the top of the section, which was also deposited in subzone
P1a(2). The stratigraphy and lithology of this interval needs further
study in the Brazos area, though outcrop exposures may not be
available.
Darting Minnow Creek Waterfall Section
At the Darting Minnow Creek waterfall the most expanded
sandstone complex in the Brazos River area is exposed, although
outcrop exposures below and above are restricted (Fig. 16). Unit 1
below the sandstone complex spans about 70 cm of dark gray claystone
with rare burrows and well-preserved (aragonitic) bivalves. Unit 2
consists of a 20-cm-thick claystone, strongly bioturbated and
fragmented (pseudo-conglomerate) with abundant small bivalves,
shell fragments, and poorly delineated Thalassinoides burrows. Unit
3 disconformably overlies unit 2 and consists of a shell hash 5–10 cm
thick with lithified abiotic mudstone clasts up to 10 cm in diameter and
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FIGURE 11.—Some clasts from the basal conglomerate unit 3 (BCB) of the sandstone complex contain Chicxulub impact spherules. A, B): large
clasts from CMA section. C, D): Spherules in mudstone clasts. E): Spherules in cracks of mudstone clasts rimmed by sparry calcite. Insert of
Part E shows morphology of crack and total length of , 2 cm. F): Clast with cracks infilled with spherules and sparry calcite, then truncated by
erosion and followed by normal sedimentation. G, H): Polished cuts showing centimeter-wide cracks infilled with spherules. These clasts
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reveal a history of Chicxulub ejecta fallout and lithification well prior to exposure to erosion, transport, and redeposition at the base of the
event deposit.
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embedded in a silty clay matrix with rare shells. The top of unit 3 is
erosional. Unit 4 is 30 cm thick and consists of two glauconitic and
impact spherule-rich graded coarse sandstone layers separated by an
erosional surface. The sandstones are rich in phosphatic and carbonate
clasts, shells (mainly oysters) concentrated at the base, and a 2-cm-
thick layer near the top.
Unit 5 is 65 cm thick. At the base is a 13-cm-thick laminated
sandstone with mudclasts along the bottom. Above is a succession of
cross-bedded and laminated sandstones (140–190 cm). The upper part
of each cross-bedded sandstone is colonized by Ophiomorpha,
Thalassinoides, and Planolites burrows. Above the sandstone
complex, the erosional surface appears to be a transgressive surface
over an incised sand. Outcrop exposure is poor, although the dark
claystones of early Danian subzone P1a (2) age are intermittently
accessible in the creek bed and may correlate with the upper part of unit
8 (see Brazos-2 and Brazos-3; Fig. 15, Keller et al., this volume). A
coquina hash at the top of the section marks a hiatus and major
lithologic change from dark gray claystone to gray siltstone and
contains large Ophiomorpha burrows.
Wells Mullinax-2 and Mullinax-3
The Mullinax-2 and Mullinax-3 wells were cored side by side as
overlapping cores to ensure complete recovery to depths of 20 m and
24 m, respectively. Sediments recovered in these wells consist of dark
gray and tan-yellow mudstones. The most striking feature is the
complete absence of a sandstone complex. Here we concentrate on the
5 m interval surrounding the KT transition in Mullinax-3 (Fig. 17).
Unit 1 spans from 8.60 to 6.20 m. The major part (8.60–6.90 m)
consists of dark gray, fine-grained mudstone, with small shells and rare
burrows, similar to all other sections examined. In the upper part of
unit 1 (6.90–6.20 m), the mudstone is medium gray with brown streaks,
sometimes silty with phosphate and glauconite grains. Planktic
foraminiferal assemblages indicate that deposition occurred during
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FIGURE 12.—Granulometric data above and below the sandstone complex in the CMA-CMB composite section. Note that the uppermost part of
unit 5 and unit 6 show upward-fining grain size, which marks the end of the sandstone complex.
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FIGURE 13.—Lithology and description of Cottonmouth Creek Well KT3 across the sandstone complex and the KT boundary. (Lithology and
biostratigraphy from Keller, 1989; Keller et al., this volume).
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the latest Maastrichtian zone CF1 (Keller et al., this volume). The
interval above (6.20–5.40 m) consists of an oxidized light brown
mudstone with patches of medium gray and many gypsum-filled
decimeter-long fractures that represent roots. An unconformity marks
the top of this interval. This root-rich interval indicates subaerial
exposure during the latest Maastrichtian and suggests significant
hiatus. This interval is followed by 40-cm-thick silty mudstone
or
containing latest Maastrichtian planktic foraminifera. Above a 20-cm-
thick core gap, sediments (5.40–4.20 m) consist of light brown silty
mudstone with burrows and rare shells; but they become increasingly
sandy and thick bedded in the upper part and contain planktic
foraminifera indicating the zone P1a(2). The early Danian zones P0
and P1a(1) are therefore missing. Above this hiatus, we tentatively
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correlated this interval with the upper part of unit 8 (subzone 8c), based
on the P1a(2) age that is observed in Brazos-2 and Brazos-3. The top of
the interval analyzed (4.00–3.30 m) corresponds to unit 9 and consists
of thick-bedded light brown sandstone, with gastropods, phosphate
clasts, and burrows.
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Well Mullinax-1
Mullinax-1 was drilled on a meadow about 150 m from the Brazos-1
section, and at the same locality as the old wells KT1 and KT2 (Fig. 1).
The interval examined for this report spans from 5.4 to 10.2 m. Within
this interval, the KT transition spans from 7 m to 8.8 m and includes the
early Danian, KT boundary, sandstone complex, and latest Maas-
trichtian (Fig. 18).
Units 1 and 2: Unit 1 spans the interval below the sandstone complex
(10.2 m to 8.8 m) and consists of dark gray weakly bedded mudstone
and claystone with relatively few invertebrate shells that alternate with
more fissile broken and bioturbated claystone layers with more
common shells. There is no evidence of significant reworking and
transport in these sediments, such as clasts, and abraded and discolored
foraminifera. The yellow clay layer observed in the CMA-CMB
sections was not encountered in Mullinax-1, although the diageneti-
cally induced one permil d13C excursion is present. Unit 2 spans from
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57
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8.53 to 8.8 m and consists of strongly bioturbated (Thalassinoides) and
fragmented dark gray claystone that gives the appearance of a clayey
pseudo-conglomerate (Fig. 19). Shells are commonly concentrated in
burrows. Both units 1 and 2 contain planktic foraminiferal assemblages
indicative of deposition during the latest Maastrichtian zone CF1 (Fig.
4). Mineralogically, units 1 and 2 have low calcite (, 10%), high
phyllosilicates (60–80%) composed mainly of soil-derived smectite
(60–70%), and relatively high total organic content (TOC, . 0.8–
1.0%) (Figs. 20–22). Granulometric data reflect the clay/silt variations
between 8.53 and 8.8 m overlying a sand layer (Fig. 23). The absence
of cheto smectite and the low amount of detrital components indicate
that unit 2 is not part of the sandstone complex, but represents
deposition in a hemipelagic depositional environment similar to that of
unit 1.
Unit 3: Unit 3 contains clay clasts and subangular lithified abiotic
mudstone clasts, not observed in Mullinax-1.
Unit 4: Unit 4 is about 20 cm thick and consists of glauconite and
impact-spherule-rich coarse sandstone (Figs. 18, 19). This interval is
subdivided into three subunits, all of which are similar, except for bed
thickness, and 4c lacks a sandstone layer at the top. The lower parts of
subunits 4a and 4b and the entire subunit 4c consist of gray, green, and
brown, poorly sorted and upward-fining coarse sandstone. Glauconite,
shell fragments, small mudstone and phosphatic clasts, and impact
spherules are abundant (Fig. 19). Granulometric analyses (Fig. 23)
indicate up to 50% sand. The upper part of subunits 4a and 4b grade
into thin (1.5–2 cm) light gray sand layers that are cemented, rippled, or
cross-bedded. Granulometric analysis indicates that these sandstone
beds are relatively silty (, 30% sand, Fig. 23). This sand layer is
eroded in subunit 4c. The repeated sand layers of unit 4 are indicative
of storms with high-energy debris flows followed by waning energy
and deposition of rippled sandstone. Geochemical and mineralogical
analyses of unit 4 show results very similar to the CMA-CMB
composite section with very low TOC (0.1%), a drop to 10%
phyllosilicates, and variable calcite (due to abundant shells) in the
cemented, rippled, or cross-bedded sandstone beds (Figs. 20–22). In
contrast, the poorly cemented sandstone layers are enriched in
phyllosilicates to the detriment of calcite. Smectites, which average
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FIGURE 14.—Lithology and description of the Cottonmouth Creek CM4 section across the sandstone complex and the KT boundary.
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70% in late Maastrichtian sediments, abruptly reach 100% in the
spherule-rich sandstones of unit 4 and consist of cheto smectite derived
from altered Chicxulub impact glass.
Unit 5: An erosional surface separates the coarse spherule-rich
sandstone unit 4 from the overlying unit 5, which is separated into
subunits 5a and 5b (Figs. 18, 19). Subunit 5a consists of a 6-cm-thick
hummocky cross-bedded sandstone (HCS) that is cut by a large
burrow. Granulometric analysis reflects a fining-upwards sequence
with increasing silt and clay, and a concurrent decrease in
phyllosilicates, feldspar, and quartz (Figs. 20–23). Calcite is relatively
high (40–60%) and in the absence of calcite shells likely reflects
diagenetic cementation. TOC content remains relatively low (Fig. 22).
The large burrow cuts vertically across subunit 5a, is truncated by
erosion at the top and bottom, and is infilled by darker mudstone. This
dark sediment infilling indicates that the burrows originated from a
horizon that was subsequently eroded. Burrows within this unit in
Brazos River outcrops were identified as Ophiomorpha nodosa,
Thalassinoides sp., and Planolites sp. (Gale, 2006).
Subunit 5b: This unit marks the interval (8.21–8.26 m) above the
disconformity at the top of 5a (Fig. 19). It consists of alternating light
gray and darker gray calcareous fine sandstones or silty mudstone
layers with horizontal lamination that drapes over the underlying
erosion surface. This lithology suggests that deposition occurred in an
energy regime comparable to that of the underlying HCS subunit 5a
(Figs. 18, 23). Small burrows of Chondrites and Planolites have been
observed in this subunit of the Brazos River outcrops (Gale, 2006),
where it may correspond to the granular sand bed (GSB) of Yancey
(1996).
Unit 6: This unit is 16 cm thick (8.05–8.21 m) and consists of light
gray calcareous silty claystone that marks the last stage of the
sandstone complex. Sand is absent (Fig. 23). Grain size fines upward,
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FIGURE 15.—Lithology and description of Brazos River sections Brazos-2 and Brazos-3 across the sandstone complex and the KT boundary. Note
that these two outcrops are about 30 m apart and span the same interval. Lithology and outcrop photos are adapted from Beeson (l992), and
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written communication (2010).
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FIGURE 16.—Lithology and description of the Darting Minnow Creek waterfall DMCW section across the sandstone complex and the KT
boundary, and photo illustrations of lithologic units.
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FIGURE 17.—Lithology and description of the Darting Minnow Creek Mullinax-3 well, spanning the late Maastrichtian and early Danian. Note
that at this location, only about 150 m from the DMCW section, the sandstone complex is missing and root structures indicate temporary
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emersion.

and the color grades from light gray at the base to dark gray at the top. (Fig. 19). All mineralogical and geochemical indicators, including
Au

Calcite decreases from a maximum of 60% at the base to 10% at the
top, which is the norm for Brazos sediments in general (Fig. 20). The
decrease in calcite is accompanied by increasing phyllosilicates, darker
color, and higher TOC, with sediments returning to composition
similar to that below the sandstone complex. Smectite is lower (60–
70%) and gradually evolves to the poorly crystallized form observed in
units 1 and 2, which is characteristic of soil-derived smectite (Fig. 21).
No impact-ejecta material (e.g., spherules) is present. Thin silt layers
and lenses and some large (; 3 cm) and small-diameter burrows
infilled with sand or framboidal pyrite are observed in the upper part
(Fig. 19E, F). The decreasing grain size suggests low-energy currents
(Fig. 23), settling from the water column, and a gradual return to
normal shelf sedimentation. Pyrite is common and frequently infills
burrows near the top of this unit, suggesting low-oxygen bottom water
and reducing conditions (Fig. 19F).
Unit 7: This unit (7.10–8.05 m) marks the return to dark gray
laminated claystone, sometimes strongly burrowed with rare shells
phyllosilicates, carbonate, and TOC, are similar to the late Maas-
trichtian values in units 1 and 2 below the sandstone complex. Unit 7
sediments contain the latest Maastrichtian planktic foraminiferal
assemblages of zone CF1 (Fig. 4).
Unit 8: This unit includes the KT boundary, and zones P0 and P1a,
including P1a(1) and part of P1a(2). The lithology consists of dark gray
to medium gray silt to sandy, moderately indurated mudstones with
irregular bedding. The upper part shows a gradual increase in TOC
(0.6–1.0%, Fig. 22). Burrows are few and frequently replaced by
framboidal pyrite, suggesting reducing conditions. The KT boundary
was identified based on planktic foraminifera and the d13C shift at 7.29
m. There is no marked lithological change across this interval. This
may be due to the 75 cm core gap near the base of zone P1a(1), and as a
result most of zone P1a is missing, including the nodular limestone of
subunit 8b. Above this core gap, sediments consist of gray, fine to
medium quartzose sandstone with silty dark mudstone layers, common
burrows infilled with sand, and common pyrite masses, some infilling
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FIGURE 18.—Lithology and description of well Mullinax-1 across the sandstone complex and the KT boundary.

burrows (Fig 18). This interval may correspond to subunit 8c. Another Unit 9: The top 40 cm analyzed in Mullinax-1 corresponds to zone
core gap of 14 cm marks the top of unit 8. Including the core gaps, zone P1b and unit 9. The lithology consists of fine, thick-bedded medium
P1a spans 1.05 m in Mullinax-1 (Fig. 4), as compared with 1.5 m gray to light gray, partly laminated sandstone with shells and several
estimated for zone P1a in KT1. small burrows.
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62 THIERRY ADATTE, GERTA KELLER, AND GERALD R. BAUM

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FIGURE 19.—Lithology, description, and interpretation of the sandstone complex in well Mullinax-1. Note the three upward-fining glauconitic
spherule-rich coarse sandstone layers topped by fine sandstone (unit 4, a, b, c) and the truncated burrow in unit 5. These are diagnostic features
or
of multiple storm deposits. SCS ¼ spherulitic coarse sandstone; HCS ¼ hummocky cross-stratified sandstone; GSB ¼ granular sand bed; CCH
¼ calcareous clayey bed; CMU ¼ clayey mudstone with fossils (Yancey, 1996).

Wells KT1 and KT2 the top. Spherules are relatively few. Rusty concretions and rare
burrows (Ophiomorpha or Thalassinoides) with diameters of 0.5–1.0
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Well KT1 was rotary drilled and was aborted after encountering a
drilling disturbance in the sandstone complex (Thor Hansen, written
communication to G. Keller, 1988). Well KT2, which was drilled
within 2 m of well KT1, was drilled from the sandstone complex
downward and recovered a sequence comparable to that of the
Mullinax-1 well. Schulte et al. (2006) examined both wells as
Au
cm are filled with dark mudstone that originated from a different
depositional environment. Unit 6 (8 cm) consists of indurated weakly
bioturbated calcareous mudstone with no upward apparent upward
fining. The contact between units 6 and 7 is gradual. Unit 7 consists of
alternating fissile shales and claystones with rare burrows.
Unit 8 of KT1 spans about 2 m of a marly silty claystone with

composite section with KT1 spanning the interval above the sandstone
complex and KT2 from the sandstone complex downward. Keller et al.
(this volume) analyzed the biostratigraphy, and here we examine the
sandstone complex of well KT2 (Fig. 24).
The sandstone complex is condensed (30 cm) compared to
Mullinax-1 (40 cm) at the same location, though the same units (4 to
6) are present. Unit 1 consists of 60 cm of dark gray claystones,
bioturbated, and with shells frequently concentrated in pockets. Unit 2
is a 4-cm-thick dark gray claystone with shells and strongly
bioturbated, with a blocky appearance or pseudo-conglomerate. The
contact with the sandstone complex is erosional (Fig. 24). Unit 3 is not
present in either the KT2 or the Mullinax wells. Unit 4 consists of three
discrete layers of glauconitic and phosphatic sandstone with impact
spherules as described for Mullinax-1. The top of unit 4 appears
erosional. Unit 5 consists of one 10-cm-thick layer of hummocky
cross-bedded fine silty calcareous sandstones with planar lamination
and low amplitude wavy bedding and asymmetric current ripples near
frequent burrows (Thalassinoides). Subunit 8a (80 cm) spans the KT
boundary and is increasingly calcareous in the upper part. Subunit 8b is
not present. Subunit 8c is enriched in sand and shells in the lower part
and increasingly marly and burrowed in the upper part. Unit 9, which
disconformably overlies unit 8, is sandy, glauconitic, and bioturbated
by centimeter-thick burrows. Age control of KT1-KT2 is based on
planktic foraminiferal assemblages. As in Mullinax-1, low-diversity
assemblages, dominated by small species (Heterohelix spp. and
Guembelitria cretacea) indicative of the latest Maastrichtian zone
CF1, are present above the sandstone complex in KT1 as well as below
in KT2 (Keller et al., 2007a; Keller et al., this volume). Based on
nannofossils and planktic foraminifera the d13C shift was identified at
1.6 m above the sandstone complex in KT1 (Schulte et al., 2006; Keller
et al., 2008; Keller et al., this volume). Zones P0 and P1a(1) mark unit
8, with zone P1b in unit 9 separated by a hiatus (Fig. 24). This
biostratigraphy is similar to that of Mullinax-1 at the same location,
except for one important difference: the interval between the sandstone
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FIGURE 20.—Bulk-rock mineralogy of well Mullinax-1 across the sandstone complex and the KT boundary.
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complex and the KTB in Mullinax-1 spans half as much as in KT1
(Figs. 18, 19). This suggests that the drilling disturbance observed in
the sandstone complex in KT1 may be more extensive. Not all workers
place the KTB at the standardly defined boundary. For example,
Au
nannofossils and planktic foraminifera (Fig. 25). Reanalysis of this
section revealed that the KTB is 85 cm above the Ir anomaly (Keller et
al., this volume). The lithological description in this report follows
Hansen et al. (1987), Hansen et al., (1993b), and Gale (2006).

Schulte et al. (2006) placed the KTB at the base of the sandstone
complex based on the assumption that the Chicxulub impact spherules
mark the KTB. They interpreted the 1.6 m interval above the sandstone
complex as ‘‘barren’’ zone P0 interval.
Brazos-1
The Brazos-1 section consists of exposures located within the
riverbed that can be accessed at times of low water flow (Fig. 1). These
outcrops are located on the western embankment about 300 m south
from the Hwy 413 Bridge across the Brazos River. Repeated
excavation and collapse of this section and the accumulation of silt
and mud during flood stages has obliterated this outcrop. A major Ir
anomaly has been reported from a 1-cm-thick red-brown clay sand
layer about 17–20 cm above the sandstone complex coincident with the
KTB identified by Jiang and Gartner (1985) and Keller (l989) based on
Brazos-1 has one of the most complete sandstone complexes, similar
to the CMAB section, with units 3 to 6 present. Below the sandstone
complex, unit 1 is followed by a 10-cm-thick bioturbated and fractured
claystone or pseudo-conglomerate of unit 2 (Fig. 25). An erosional
surface at the top of unit 2 separates the clay and the calcareous clasts
of unit 3. The glauconite-, phosphate-, and spherule-rich sand unit 4 is
10 cm thick. Unit 5 (15 cm) consists of alternating hummocky cross-
bedded fine and silty calcareous sandstones with planar lamination at
the top, followed by the calcareous upward-fining unit 6. Unit 7 (20
cm) is marked by silty, marly claystones and ends with a rusty sand
layer with an Ir anomaly (Rocchia et al., 1996; Gertsch et al, this
volume). Unit 8a (1.2 m) marks the top of the section with dark gray
marly claystone, rare shale layers, and burrows. Age control based on
planktic foraminifera and the KT characteristic d13C shift is identified
in unit 8a at 105 cm above the sandstone complex (Keller et al., this
volume). Most Cretaceous species disappear 10–15 cm above the KTB.
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64 THIERRY ADATTE, GERTA KELLER, AND GERALD R. BAUM
FIGURE 21.—Clay mineralogy (, 2 lm fraction) of well Mullinax-1 across the sandstone complex and the KT boundary.
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Brazos Riverbed 1
Brazos Riverbed 1 is located about 400 m south of Brazos-1 in the
middle of the riverbed where the sandstone complex is mostly exposed
at low water levels. In this area, the lithologic sequence of the
sandstone complex is significantly different in the number of
glauconitic, spherule-rich sandstones, fine-grained sandstones and
shell hash layers compared with other outcrops and cores of the area
or
and is therefore described in detail (Fig. 26).
Below the sandstone complex very little (15 cm) of unit 1 (zone
CF1) is exposed (Fig. 26). An erosional unconformity separates the
mudstone of unit 1 from the (3 cm) burrowed shell hash with mud
clasts of unit 2 (Fig. 26, samples 2, 3). Lithified mudstone clasts of unit
3 are not observed. Unit 4 unconformably overlies unit 2 and consists
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of alternating shell hash and glauconitic spherule-rich coarse sand
layers. In the lower part of unit 4 are two (2–3 cm thick) glauconite- and
spherule-rich layers (Fig. 26, samples 4, 6), overlain by shell hash
layers 2 cm thick (samples 5, 7). Above is a light gray sandstone with
glauconite and spherules (sample 8) overlain by thin (1 cm) spherule-
rich sandstone (sample 9) and glauconitic clay with spherules (sample
Au
10). The top of unit 4 consists of a 3-cm-thick spherule-rich sandstone
(sample 11). Unit 5 consists of a 7-cm-thick hummocky cross-bedded
sandstone with burrows (Fig. 26, sample 12). Unlike any other Brazos
sections, unit 5 is overlain by sediments that are characteristic of unit 4,
including a coarse sandstone with spherules, a thin shell hash, and a
glauconitic spherule-rich layer with shells (samples 13–16). In the
overlying layer, unit 5 repeats itself in a second cross-bedded burrowed
swaley sandstone (sample 17). The top of the outcrop consists of a thin
(2 cm) marly limestone characteristic of unit 6.
MINERALOGY OF THE BRAZOS SECTIONS
Bulk Rock
Bulk rock and clay minerals were analyzed in the CMA-CMB
outcrop and Mullinax-1 well (Figs. 6, 7, 20, 21). Quartz, phyllosilcates,
calcite, and to a lesser extent feldspars (plagioclase and K-feldspars)
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and gypsum dominate in both sections, with minor amounts of pyrite.
Their distribution reflects the two main lithologies, claystone and
sandstone.
CMA-CMB: In late Maastrichtian claystones of the Corsicana
Formation phyllosilicates (40–78%) dominate along with quartz (3–
35%). Minor components include calcite (7–10%), K-feldspar (, 5%),
and plagioclase (, 6%). Plagioclase dominates relative to K-feldspar
in most samples. Gypsum is relatively abundant (7–16%), and is a late
diagenetic product (Figs. 6, 7). Pyrite is absent. Phyllosilicates and
gypsum abundances peak in the yellow clay layer with 78% and
17%, respectively. No difference is observed in the mineralogy of units
1 and 2.
The sandstone complex is enriched in calcite (40–50%) with up to
70% in lithified clasts of unit 3, but low in phyllosilicates (5–15%).
Only in unit 4 and the lower part of unit 5 is there a significant amount
of phyllosilicates, and quartz. K-Feldspar and plagioclase are variable
(8–10%). Unit 6 shows a steady increase in phyllosilicates and quartz,
although calcite remains high (Figs. 6, 7). The gradual increase in
phyllosilicates confirms the increase in the clay fraction observed in the
granulometric data (Fig. 12). In unit 7 above the sandstone complex the
mineralogical composition is similar to units 1 and 2 below the
sandstone complex, but in subunits 8b, and to a lesser extent in 8c
calcite is higher to the detriment of phyllosilicates.
Mullinax-1: The bulk mineralogy of Mullinax-1 is similar to that of
CMA-CMB (Fig. 20). Below the sandstone complex, the late
Maastrichtian units 1 and 2 of the Corsicana Formation are dominated
by high phyllosilicates (30–52%), variable calcite (7–30%), and
variable quartz (13–25%). Plagioclase is constantly present (2–11%),
whereas K-feldspar is variable (0–3%). In contrast to CMA-CMB,
minor amounts of pyrite (1–2%) are frequently present, but gypsum is
nearly absent. Preservation of pyrite suggests that weathering was less
intense in CMA-CMB, which was subjected to repeated floods during
rainy seasons. As observed in CMA-CMB, there is no difference in the
mineralogical composition between units 1 and 2, which rules out
significant reworking in the burrowed and fragmented unit 2, which
Yancey et al. (1996) and Yancey and Guillemette (2008) described as
basal conglomerate and we term pseudo-conglomerate.
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FIGURE 22.—Total organic carbon (TOC, weight %) and mineral carbon (MINC, weight %), oxygen index (OI, mg CO/g TOC) versus hydrogen
index (HI, mg HC/g TOC) in well Mullinax-1. HI/OI plot demonstrates that the dominant source of organic matter is of terrestrial origin (Type
III).
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FIGURE 23.—Granulometric data above and below the sandstone complex in Brazos well Mullinax-1. Note that the uppermost parts of unit 5 and
unit 6 show upward-fining grain size, which marks the end of the sandstone complex.

The alternating coarse sandstones and cemented fine sandstones of units 8b, 8c, and 9, where kaolinite gradually increased to 19%. Very
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unit 4 show a sharp change in mineralogy, with abundant phyllosili-
cates (up to 86%) and low calcite (2–10%) in the coarse poorly lithified
sandstones and low phyllosilicates (, 20%) and high calcite (40–80%)
in the cemented fine sandstones (Fig. 20). This reflects the presence of
abundant Chicxulub impact spherules weathered to cheto smectite in
the poorly lithified sandstones and calcite cement in the lithified fine
Au
small amounts of mixed-layer clay minerals, such as illite–smectite or
chlorite–smectite (, 2%) are detected, but were not taken into account
in calculating the relative percentage of clay minerals. The maximum
abundance of smectite (98–100%) is observed in the yellow clay layer
of unit 1 and in units 4 and 5 of the sandstone complex, where impact
spherules are abundant. In the spherule-rich layers and the yellow clay

sandstone intervals. Similarly to the CMA-CMB section, unit 5 shows
high calcite (36–59%) and quartz (20–37%) to the detriment of
phyllosilicates (7–13%). Unit 6 shows a gradual return to values below
the sandstone complex with a steady increase in phyllosilicates (from
20% to 62%) and a decrease in calcite (from 60% to 23%). The
composition of units 7 and 8 with low calcite and high phyllosilicates is
similar to that of units 1 and 2 of the Corsicana Formation below the
sandstone complex. The constant low calcite in Mullinax-1 through
unit 8, as compared with CMA-CMB (Fig. 6), can be explained by the
core gap and hence missing calcareous limestone subunit 8b in
Mullinax-1 (Fig. 18).
Clay Mineralogy
Clay assemblages at CMA-CMB and Mullinax-1 are dominated by
smectite (50–100%, Figs. 7, 21). Other clay minerals include illite (0–
30%), chlorite (0–15%), and kaolinite (0–20%), except in the upper
altered impact glass, ESEM and EDX analyses point to a well-
crystallized cheto smectite composition derived from weathering of
glass. In contrast, the smectite from below and above the sandstone
complex generally shows poor crystallinity (larger 001 peak) that
reflects disorder in the crystalline structure that is typical of detrital
smectites. Apart from this deviation in smectite composition in the
yellow clay and spherule-rich layers, the clay-mineral assemblages
above and below the sandstone complex are similar.
In the sandstone complex, no exotic grains or clay minerals expected
in a tsunami deposit are observed. There are only slight fluctuations in
mica, chlorite, and kaolinite contents (Figs. 7, 21), which are within
error margins (5–10%) of the analytical method. However, a significant
increase in kaolinite and mica to the detriment of smectite can be
observed in unit 8b, 8c, and 9 of the CMA-CMB section, reflecting a
change from warm, semi-arid to more humid climate conditions
coinciding with the deposition of glauconite-rich sands (top of the
Littig Member).
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FIGURE 24.—Lithology, description, and interpretation of the sandstone complex in the side-by-side Brazos wells KT1-KT2, which were drilled in
1986 at the same location as Mullinax-1. Photo illustrations are adapted from Schulte et al. (2006).
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ORGANIC MATTER The type of organic matter is determined by using HI and OI values.
Based on the observed range of HI values (0 to 180 mg HC/g TOC) and
TOC contents were analyzed in the CMA-CMB section and the OI values (50–400 mg CO2/g TOC), the organic matter of the
Au

Mullinax-1 well (Figs. 8, 22). In Mullinax-1, samples (n ¼ 42) show
TOC values ranging from 0.01 to 1.04 wt.%. In samples with TOC
values below 0.20 wt.%, Tmax and HI-OI parameters are difficult to
interpret (Espitalié et al., 1985). The HI and OI values corresponding
with TOC values , 0.20 wt% are therefore excluded in the HI/OI
diagram. TOC values are very stable in the claystones of units 1 and 2,
ranging between 0.8 and 0.9 wt.%. No difference in TOC is observed
between units 1 and 2, which suggests that unit 2 is in situ bioturbated
rather than reworked and therefore not part of the sandstone complex
(i.e., basal conglomerate of Yancey (1996) and Yancey et al. (2008).
TOC contents decrease abruptly in unit 4 of the sandstone complex,
with values ranging between 0.02 and 0.10 wt.%, except in the HCS of
subunit 2 (Fig. 22), where TOC reaches 0.30 wt%. In unit 5, TOC
remains very low in the lower part of the HCS (subunit 5a) and
increases gradually to a maximum of 0.6–0.7 wt.% in the mudstone of
unit 7. TOC values in unit 8 are similar to those in units 1 and 2 below
the sandstone complex (Fig. 22).
Mullinax-1 core is mainly type III, reflecting a dominant terrestrial
origin of OM (Fig. 22). Note that very low TOC values are observed in
the sandstone complex coincident with lower HI and significantly
higher OI than in the upper claystone. This indicates significant
alteration and oxidation of organic matter due to reworking and the fact
that coarse sandstones are subject to increased weathering.
In the Cottonmouth CMA-CMB sections (Fig. 8), samples (n ¼ 67)
show TOC values ranging from 0.02 to 1.12 wt.%. Similarly to
Mullinax-1, all HI and OI values (HI: 5–108 mg HC/g TOC; OI: 50–
2500 mg CO2/g TOC) suggest a Type III signature for preserved
organic matter, reflecting a dominant terrestrial origin (Tyson, 1995).
Note the very low TOC contents in the sandstone complex, which
coincides with exceptionally high OI index values (1000–2500 mg
CO2/g TOC). OI values in the sandstone complex are considerably
higher than in Mullinax-1, which suggests more intense weathering in
the CMA-CMB outcrop (e.g., seasonal floods). Differential weathering
between outcrops and well samples can account for the differences
 Author E-Print
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FIGURE 25.—Lithology, description, and interpretation across the sandstone complex and the KT boundary in the Brazos-1 section, adapted from
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Keller (1989).
observed between CMA-CMB and Mullinax-1 for stable isotopes,
TMs, and PGEs (Gertsch et al., this volume; Munsel et al., this
Au
volume).
REWORKED CLASTS WITH SPHERULES
Calcareous concretions and mudstone and shale clasts reworked
from older Maastrichtian sediments are frequently present above the
erosional surface (unit 3) at the base of the sandstone complex. Clasts
range in size from a few centimeters to tens of centimeters (Fig. 11A,
B) and are typical of channel lag conglomerates. Some lithified clasts
contain Chicxulub impact spherules (Fig. 11C, D), while others
contain desiccation cracks infilled with impact spherules and rimmed
by gypsum and several generations of sparry calcite (Fig. 11E, H). The
desiccation cracks indicate subaerial exposure at some time prior to
clast formation. This suggests complex diagenetic processes and
possible emergence prior to erosion and transport. d13C and d18O
stable isotope values for these clasts are very negative (d18O, 8.53ø,
d13C, 7.56ø) and are consistent with marine limestones subjected to
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emersion (Tucker and Wright, 1990; Tandon and Andrews, 2001)
under semi-arid climate conditions as inferred by clay-mineral
assemblages as discussed above (Clay Mineralogy).
The lithified mudstone clasts are derived from hemipelagic facies, as
indicated by late Maastrichtian planktic foraminifera. They reveal a
complex depositional history for the Chicxulub impact spherules. For
example, the clasts indicate that the Chicxulub impact spherules must
have been deposited well prior to lithification, erosion, clast formation,
transport, and redeposition at the base of the sandstone complex. They
thus provide strong evidence that the impact occurred well before
deposition of the sandstone complex, which occurred during a sea-
level drop. Gale (2006) observed that some clasts contain bored and
encrusted phosphatized concretions, including mollusc steinkerns that
derived locally from the Corsicana clays and were exposed for a long
time on the seafloor prior to incorporation into the conglomerate of unit
3 at the base of the sandstone complex. Similar concretions found in
orbitally tuned successions imply that their formation took a minimum
of 100 ky (Gale, 1989).
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FIGURE 26.—Lithology, description, and interpretation of the sandstone complex in the Brazos Riverbed section (BR1). Numbering in photos
corresponds to sample numbers.
YELLOW CLAY LAYER
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At the Cottonmouth Creek waterfall CMA-CMB section a 3-cm-
thick yellow clay layer in unit 1 is composed exclusively of cheto
smectite and is mineralogically similar to the clay in the two reworked
spherule layers (unit 4) of the sandstone complex about 0.4–45 m
above (Figs. 5, 9, Keller et al., 2007a). All three layers are
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geochemically similar and reveal typical Mg-enriched cheto-type
smectite high in SiO2 (66–71%), Al2O3 (19–20%), FeO (4.4.–4.8%),
and MgO (2.8–3.3%) with minor K2O (1–1.1%) and NaO (0.5%). This
composition is very similar to the altered smectite rims observed in
glass spherules from Haiti and northeastern Mexico (Keller et al.,
2003a; Schulte et al., 2003; Stüben et al., 2005). Cheto smectite has
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also been observed in altered impact glass of the Chicxulub crater
breccia and in Chicxulub impact spherule layers from sections in Haiti,
Belize, and Guatemala (Debrabant et al., 1999; Keller et al., 2003a).
Note that in the Brazos sections Schulte et al. (2010) interpreted the
yellow clay layer as a volcanic product because of the presence of
sanidine, but provided no supporting data. Our XRD analysis does not
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reveal any sanidine in the yellow clay layer.
In the Brazos CMA-CMB yellow clay and all other localities with
altered-impact-glass layers, ESEM and EDX analyses of well-
crystallized smectite reveal a webby morphology and show that the
major component is a typical Mg-smectite (Si, Al, Mg, with minor Fe)
characterized by excellent crystallinity and very high intensity of the
001 reflection (Fig. 10). After heating, the 9.6Å reflection is very
reduced compared with ethylene-glycol solvated preparation implying
a particular cationic configuration of the interlayer, similar to that
observed in bentonite. Mg-smectite is derived from weathering of glass
(001 reflection, low crystallinity index, 0.5 to 0.88 2h, with the 060
reflection around 618 indicating a composition corresponding to
saponite–nontronite, or cheto Mg-smectite (Debrabant et al., 1999;
Keller et al., 2003b; Keller et al., 2007a). In contrast, smectite in
claystones of Maastrichtian and Danian sediments is a common
montmorillonite derived from weathering of soils, as indicated by the
060 reflection between 61.78 and 62.38 (Moore and Reynolds, 1997).
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Thus the mineral composition of the yellow clay (unit 1) and two
spherule-rich layers (unit 4) of the sandstone complex strongly indicate
the same composition as identified for Chicxulub impact spherules
(Fig. 10).
CORRELATION OF SECTIONS
Transect A: Lithologic, sedimentologic, and biostratigraphic
correlation of Brazos sections along two roughly southeast-oriented
transects reveals significant variations in the lateral distribution and
thickness of the sedimentary units in the sandstone complex. In the
northeast, transect A includes the Mullinax-1 and KT1-KT2 wells,
which were drilled at the same locality, the Brazos-1 section 150 m to
the east, and the Brazos Riverbed outcrops about 400 m to the south
(Fig. 27). In the sandstone complex, units 4–6 are present in all sections
with thicknesses varying from 0.5 m (Mullinax-1) to 0.3 m and 0.4 m
in Brazos-1 and the Riverbed sections, respectively. Unit 4 (HCS) is
repeated above unit 5 (glauconite, spherule- rich coarse sand) in the
riverbed section. Unit 3 is present only in Brazos-1, where clay clasts
and reworked calcareous concretions from the underlying Corsicana
Formation indicate a channel-lag conglomerate. This suggests that the
sandstone complex in Brazos-1 marks the central and deepest part of
the channel. Units 4 to 5 indicate progressive onlap of sand units onto
the basal disconformity or lag conglomerate, which is characteristic of
transgressive deposits.
The Ir-enriched thin sandy layer at the top of unit 7 at Brazos-1
(Rocchia et al., 1996; Gertsch et al., this volume) is not observed in the
other sections. The KT boundary was identified at 0.8 m, 1.6 m, and
1.05 m above the sandstone complex in Mullinax-1, KT1, and Brazos-
1, respectively. The much thicker interval in KT1 compared with
Mullinax-1 is enigmatic, considering the fact that both wells were
drilled at the same location. One possible explanation is the drilling
disturbance encountered in well KT1, but planktic foraminiferal
assemblages show a normal succession (Keller et al., this volume).
Another possibility is irregular topography of the submarine channels,
and winnowing currents.
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FIGURE 27.—Brazos River Transect A: Correlation of Brazos River wells Mullinax-1, KT1 and KT2 (all drilled at the same location) and outcrops
Brazos-1 and Brazos Riverbed BR1. Note that these sections show very similar thickness of the sandstone complex and a thick interval (0.8,
1.6, and 1.05 m, respectively) of uppermost Maastrichtian sediments between the sandstone complex and the KTB. Note also that the basal
Unit 3 (lithified clasts with spherules) is not present in these sections. In addition, sandstone units 4 and 5 are repeated in the BR1 section.

We interpret transect A to reveal a complex channel over about 500
m with an ordered depositional sequence (units 4–6). Although the
thickness and makeup of the units may vary between outcrops, they are
distinct and correlatable, and show a consistent vertical succession.
Moreover, the lithostratigraphic correlation of these units is consistent
with biostratigraphic data (Keller et al., this volume). This does not
support an interpretation of chaotic deposition due to an impact-
generated tsunami event (e.g., Bourgeois et al., 1988; Smit et al., 1996;
Schulte et al., 2007; Heymann et al., 1998). An interpretation
consistent with the data is the accumulation of the sandstone complex
during the latest Maastrichtian sea-level lowstand and subsequent
transgression. Based on the available evidence, the deepest part of this
NE–SW-oriented channel is located on the western bank of the Brazos
River corresponding to the Brazos-1 and Riverbed-1 sections, where
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FIGURE 28.—Cottonmouth Creek Transect B: Correlation of Cottonmouth Creek sections show that the sand units of the sandstone complex are
transgressive and onlapping onto the basal disconformity with the Corsicana Formation.
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channel excavation and scour to a maximum depth of 1–1.5 m has been
estimated (Yancey, 1996; Gale, 2006).
Transect B: The Cottonmouth Creek transect B is located about 2.5
km southwest from transect A and spans about 700 m from the creek
waterfall to the intersection with the Brazos River (Fig. 28). Included in
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well KT3, and is followed by unit 8. The KT transition is within
subzone 8a in KT3, CMB, and CM4 sections, but at the base of 8a in
Brazos-2 and Brazos-3 (Fig. 28). This suggests reduced sediment
accumulation, as indicated by bioturbation. The nodular limestone
subunit 8b is observed in all sections in the lower part of zone P1a(1),

this transect are the outcrops CMA, CMB, CM4, and well KT3, all of
which are clustered within about 200 m from the Cottonmouth Creek
waterfall, plus the Brazos-2 and Brazos-3 sections at the creek entry to
the Brazos River. The most expanded sandstone complex (0.65 m) is
observed in the CMA section and within a few tens of meters of the
waterfall. Units 3 to 6 are defined based on this outcrop. In the nearby
KT3 core, the sandstone complex is very reduced (0.20 m), though
units 3 to 6 can be recognized. Downcreek towards CMB (30 m), CM4
(120 m), and Brazos-2 and Brazos-3 (700 m), units 3 and 4 disappear.
At these localities a 10-cm-thick HCS unit 5 is present along with a 5–
10 cm thick upward-fining calcareous claystone corresponding to unit
6 (Fig. 28). We interpret transect B to show that the sand units of the
sandstone complex are transgressive and onlapping onto the basal
disconformity with the Corsicana Formation.
Compared with transect A, the interval between the top of the
sandstone complex (unit 6) and the KT boundary thins (from 30 cm to
, 10 cm) downcreek to the Brazos River. Unit 7 is present, except in
but is missing in well KT3 due to a coring gap, also observed in
Mullinax-1. In transect A and B, the glauconitic sandy unit 9
disconformably overlies subunit 8c, which suggests that channel
morphology no longer influenced sediment deposition.
Transect C: This transect consists of the DMCW section and well
Mullinax-3, located at the Darting Minnow Creek waterfall and in a
meadow about 150 m above it (Figs. 1, 29). Note that DMC1 and
DMC4 are segments of the DMCW section studied by Hansen et al.
(1987). Correlation of these sections is crucial for the reconstruction of
the channel geometry. The thickest sandstone complex in the Brazos
River area is found in the DMCW section with expanded units 4 (0.3
m) and 5 (1 m). Unlike in transects A and B, all clastic units thin out
and disappear over 150 m to the west. No trace of the sandstone
complex is present in Mullinax-3, which is instead marked by a hiatus
at the top of a paleosol with root prints, marking the emerged edge of
the channel. The three transects thus reveal a submarine channel
complex linked to an incised valley with the main axis in the NE–SW
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FIGURE 29.—Darting Minnow Creek Transect C: Correlation of Darting Minnow Creek sections DMCW and the Mullinax-3 well is crucial for the
reconstruction of the channel geometry. The thickest sandstone complex in the Brazos River area is found in the DMCW section with
expanded units 4 (0.3 m) and 5 (1 m). Unlike in transects A and B, all clastic units thin out and disappear over 150 m to the west. No trace of the
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sandstone complex is present in well Mullinax-3, where the KTB is located 40 cm above the top of a paleosol with roots, which marks the
emerged edge of the channel. This reveals an estuarine to marshy environment and indicates overall shallowing towards the west.
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direction and the deepest part located on the east bank of the Brazos
River near the Cottonmouth Creek and the Darting Minnow Creek
waterfalls (Figs. 27–29).
DISCUSSION
Age and Depositional Environment of the Sandstone
Complex and Chicxulub Impact Spherules
Most previous workers interpreted the sandstone complex with its
lower erosional surface as a series of tsunami waves generated by the
Chicxulub impact on the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico (Bourgeois et
al., 1988; Smit et al., 1996; Heymann et al., 1998; Smit, 1999; Schulte
et al., 2006; Schulte et al., 2008). In this scenario, units 2–5 were
deposited over a few hours and the upward-fining unit 6 resulted from
settling of fines in the water column over several days. Unit 2 is
interpreted as a basal conglomerate linked to a gravity flow moving
across the seafloor (e.g., Smit, 1996; Yancey, 1996). This scenario
requires that the base of the sandstone complex (unit 2) marks the KT
boundary and is based on the assumption that the Chicxulub bolide hit
Yucatán at the end of the Cretaceous, thus causing the KT mass
extinctions.
Our detailed multidisciplinary investigations of the sandstone
complex and impact spherules along the Brazos River, Texas, do not
support this scenario, but rather indicate that sediment was deposited
over an extended time period and can be attributed to multiple events,
including seasonal storms and a sea-level fall (Gale, 2006; Keller et al.,
2007a; Keller et al., 2008). Repeated deposition of reworked impact
spherules, the presence of lithified clasts with spherules, and the
discovery of the yellow clay altered impact spherules as the likely
original impact-spherule ejecta layer all indicate that the Chicxulub
impact predates both deposition of the sandstone complex and the KTB
mass extinction. These conclusions are based on the following
observations.
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BRAZOS KTB, CHICXULUB IMPACT AGE, LITHOSTRATIGRAPHY, SEDIMENTOLOGY, SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHY
 Biostratigraphic results indicate that deposition of the sandstone
complex began in the latest Maastrichtian zone CF1 about 200 ky
before the KTB mass extinction and ended well before the globally
defined KT boundary (Keller et al., 2007a; Keller et al., 2008; Keller
et al., 2009, Keller et al., this volume).
 The KT boundary is identified at least 40 to 80 cm above the
sandstone complex (Figs. 27–29) and is marked by the global mass
extinction in planktic foraminifera, and KTB-characteristic d13C
shift (Keller et al., 2009). No impact signals are observed at the KTB
in the Brazos sections. The sandstone complex, which is commonly
interpreted as the KTB event and the Chicxulub impact tsunami
deposit, thus predates the KTB.
 We identify a 3-cm-thick yellow claystone in zone CF1, about 45–60
in
cm below the sandstone complex in the CMA section. This yellow
clay consists of cheto smectite, which we interpret as altered impact
glass that likely represents the original Chicxulub spherule ejecta
layer (Figs. 7, 10). If this interpretation is correct, then both the
Chicxulub impact and the sandstone complex predate the KTB.
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 The sandstone complex contains two or three upward-fining
glauconitic, shelly and spherule-rich layers (unit 4) ending in thin
sandstone or truncated by erosion. The presence of abundant impact
spherules, shell fragments (shell hash), and small (, 1 cm) clay and
phosphatic clasts indicates erosion and transport from an older
deposit. E-
 The base of sandstone complex unit 3 consists of coarse sand with
lithified clasts that contain impact spherules, and some clasts show
desiccation cracks filled with spherules (Fig. 11) (Keller et al.,
2007a). These clasts indicate that spherule deposition and lithifica-
tion occurred well prior to erosion, transport, and redeposition in the
sandstone complex. This is further evidence that the Chicxulub
impact predates the formation of the sandstone complex and the KT
boundary.
or
 The sandstone complex has well-defined lithological units, but the
so-called ‘‘basal boulder conglomerate’’ of Yancey (1996) could not
be confirmed. We observed that the conglomeratic aspect of this unit
results from intense burrowing and hence the breakup of the
Maastrichtian claystone. Burrows (Thalassinoides) in this unit are
infilled with sand from the overlying unit 3. The claystone pseudo-
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clasts are angular (i.e., in situ formation), and lack exotic lithologies,
transported material or a basal erosional surface. Therefore, unit 2 is
a ‘‘pseudo-conglomerate’’ and is unrelated to thesandstone complex.
 The erosional unconformity that marks the base of the sandstone
complex is on top of unit 2 and corresponds to the Corsicana–Littig
Formation boundary. Abundant burrowing of unit 2 indicates that
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this erosional surface was colonized.
 In addition to lithified clasts with impact spherules, unit 3 also
contains clasts with bored and encrusted phosphatized concretions
(lag conglomerate of Gale, 2006). This indicates that erosion at the
basal unconformity was followed by an extended period of
nondeposition and/or emersion. Strong evidence for long-term
emersion is indicated by the paleosol observed in Mullinax-3 (Figs.
17, 29).
 The basal erosional surface of the sandstone complex cuts to a
maximum depth of 1.0–1.5 m and corresponds to a major sequence
boundary that has previously been recognized and correlated
throughout the Gulf Coast region (Donovan et al., 1988; Baum et
al., 1988).
 The HCS layers of unit 5, with planar lamination at the base and less
frequently climbing ripples at the top (Yancey, 1996) and the
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73
truncated and/or amalgamated fine silty mud imply intense
reworking. These sedimentary structures, particularly climbing
ripples, foresets, and backsets, are characteristic of shallow storm
deposits, but not tsunamis (Duke et al., 1991; Yancey, 1996; Einsele,
2000; Gale, 2006; Morton et al., 2007). This indicates repeated
storms alternating with periods of lower-energy sedimentation.
 Large burrows through the HCS layers of unit 5 are infilled with silty
mudstone and are truncated, indicating repeated recolonization of the
seafloor and burrowing (Ophiomorpha, Thalassinoides, Planolites)
of the underlying HCS layer (Gale, 2006). Each episode of
recolonization and burrowing occurred over a minimum of several
years, as previously observed in sandstone complexes in northeast-
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ern Mexico (Ekdale and Stinnesbeck, 1998). The top of the
sandstone complex (unit 6) consists of up to 20 of cm upward-
fining silty mudstone that represents settling from the water column
after the last storm event.
 Between the top of the sandstone complex and the KT boundary
(unit 7), normal sediment deposition returns with monotonous
laminated claystone, shale, and mudstone, with shells and burrows
infilled with pyrite (Unit 7–8a, Fig. 30). This interval varies between
0.2 and 0.8 m thick, but is 1.6 m in thick in well KT1 (Fig. 24). Bulk-
rock and clay-mineral compositions, as well as stable isotopes, return
to the late Maastrichtian values observed below the sandstone
complex (Figs. 6, 7, 20, 21) (Keller et al., 2007a). This indicates that
the sandstone complex was deposited during the latest Maastrichtian
(zone CF1).
 Late Maastrichtian planktic foraminiferal and nannofossil assem-
blages, and the absence of Danian species in unit 7 and lower part of
subunit 8a, mark this interval as the last Maastrichtian zone CF1 and
Micula prinsii zone, similar to that below the sandstone complex
(Keller et al., 2009; Keller et al., this volume; Tantawy, this volume).
 Based on our estimates of average sediment accumulation rates, the
sandstone complex was deposited sometime during the last 200 ky of
the Maastrichtian.
On the basis of grain-size distribution, earlier studies argued that the
interval between the sandstone complex and the KT boundary
represents the graded ‘‘settling’’ tail of the impact tsunami disturbance
(Bourgeois et al., 1988; Smit et al., 1992; Smit et al., 1996; Smit, 1999;
Schulte et al., 2006; Schulte et al., 2008). This interpretation is partly
based on the Ir enrichment in the Brazos-1 section, where deposition
over one week to a few months was assumed. Recent analysis of Ir
concentrations in all Brazos sections revealed multiple small Ir
enrichments within and above the sandstone complex and concentrated
on redox surfaces (Gertsch et al., this volume). To test the grain-size
argument, we repeated the analysis following the same procedure
described in Smit et al. (1996). We confirm that the short interval (5–20
cm) of unit 6 overlying the HCS sediments (unit 5, Figs. 12, 22) shows
gradual upward-fining from silt to clay-dominated fractions and likely
results from low-energy sedimentation after a storm (e.g., Hansen et
al., 1987; Gale, 2006). However, between unit 6 and the KT boundary,
granulometric data reflect no size grading (unit 7, subunit 8a) (Figs. 12,
23). In this interval the same clay/silt ratios prevail as below the
sandstone complex, which suggests that this interval is unrelated to the
sandstone complex. Moreover, unit 7 is strongly burrowed, indicating
reduced sedimentation over a significant time period, thus providing an
explanation for the presence of minor Ir enrichments as resulting from
condensed sedimentation (Gertsch et al., this volume).
Sequence Stratigraphy
We have argued based on lithology, sedimentology, mineralogy,
biostratigraphy, and age of late Maastrichtian to early Danian Brazos
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FIGURE 30.—Sequence stratigraphic interpretation and depositional environments across the KTB transition along the Brazos River in Texas. The
Chicxulub impact, the TST sandstone complex, and the KTB are temporally distinct and unrelated events. The spherules and spherule-bearing
clasts at the base of the sandstone complex mark the onset of deposition in an incised valley during the subsequent sea-level rise. Note also that
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the units of the sandstone complex are transgressive and onlapping onto the basal disconformity with the Corsicana Formation. TS ¼
transgressive surface; MFS ¼ maximum flooding surface; HST ¼ highstand systems tract; TST ¼ transgressive systems tract.

sequences that deposition could not have resulted from a single At the Braggs section, the sequence boundary is at the top of the
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catastrophic bolide impact on Yucatán, followed by a mega-tsunami.
Sediment deposition is consistent with normal sedimentary processes
over an extended time period and influenced by sea-level fluctuations.
Except for Schulte (2003), no sequence stratigraphic studies of the
Maastrichtian–Danian transition of the Brazos River sections have
been published.
Braggs, Alabama
Braggs, Alabama (Fig. 2) is the site nearest to the Brazos River
sequences in Texas where sequence stratigraphic studies have been
published (Baum and Vail, 1988; Donovan et al., 1988; Mancini and
Thew, 1993). The Braggs sequence was shown to have been deposited
in a similar shallow shelf environment with sediment deposition and
erosion similar to that observed in the Brazos River sections and
therefore is an excellent analog.
Prairie Bluff Formation (Fig. 32), corresponds to a regional
unconformity, localized incised-valley infillings, and paleosol
occurrences, all of which are interpreted as related to the latest
Maastrichtian sea-level fall (Donovan, 1988; Mancini and Thew,
1993). The overlying Clayton Sand Member, which fills the incised
valleys, is linked to the next sea-level rise and represents the basal
trangressive surface and lag bed of the Clayton Formation. The
intercalated muddy sandstones and packstones of the Clayton Sand
Member are thus part of the transgressive systems tract (TST), which
is dated latest Maastrichtian to earliest Danian and includes the KT
boundary and an Ir enrichment (Donovan et al., 1988). A second Ir
enrichment is observed approximately 1 m above the KTB and
coincides with a maximum flooding surface (MSF) marked by
condensed sedimentation and abundant glauconite (Donovan et al.,
1988). The erosional surface between the Prairie Bluff Formation and
the Clayton Sand Member is strongly burrowed by Planolites,
Thalassinoides, and Chondrites. The Alabama KTB sequences are
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FIGURE 31.—Correlation of the CMA-CMB section with the wells Mullinax-1 and Mullinax-3 based on sequence stratigraphy and cartoon
illustrating channel erosion and depositional sequence. Note that the variable thickness of the sandstone complex and its absence in Mullinax-3
is due to depth of channels and emergence, respectively. The variable thickness of claystone deposition between the sandstone complex and the
KT boundary is a function of erosion and local topography.
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FIGURE 32.—Correlation of the KT transition along the Brazos River, Texas, with Gulf Coast, (Alabama, middle to inner shelf), and northeastern
Mexico areas (outer shelf and upper slope). Note the global sequence boundary associated with the lowstand in the late Maastrichtian is
followed by a general sea-level rise in the latest Maastrichtian. The MFS is located slightly below the KT boundary, which corresponds to the
early HST (Modified from Donovan et al., 1988 and Baum et al., 1988).
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thus very similar to the Brazos sections (Fig. 32). As with the Brazos during extended submarine exposure (Fig. 31, unit 3) and represent the
River sections, the discovery of the Chicxulub impact crater on basal transgressive surface (TS) of the early transgressive systems tract
Yucatán has led some workers to reinterpret the Braggs sequence as (TST). As sea level rose, the channels were progressively filled by
the deposit of an impact generated-tsunami deposit (e.g., Olsson et coarse sandstones and large (. 5–20 cm) clasts of multiple origins
al., 1996; Smit et al., 1996). (unit 3). Subsequent deposition consisted of coarse glauconitic
spherule-rich sand (unit 4), HCS fine sandstone (unit 5) and upward-
or
Brazos River, Texas fining calcareous mudstone (unit 6). As a result, the overall aspect of
this sequence is an upward-fining trend. In the Mullinax-1 well, where
Pre-Sandstone-Complex Deposits: At Brazos, the Corsicana For- preservation of organic matter is better than in outcrops, high OI and
mation claystones represent normal late Maastrichtian sediment close to zero HI values in the HCS reveal a dominantly terrestrial
deposition in a shallow open shelf environment, slightly below fair- source for the organic matter, as expected in storm deposits (Fig. 22).
weather and storm wave base (Fig. 30) (Hansen et al., 1987; Hansen et The sandstone units progressively onlapped onto the channel margins
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al., 1993). Macrofossils (Hansen et al., 1993), benthic foraminifera
(Keller, 1992; Hart et al., this volume), and low-diversity planktic
foraminifera (Keller et al., this volume) point to a middle-neritic
environment not exceeding 100 m depth and shallowing towards the
sandstone complex. No obvious changes are detected in the sediment
composition below the erosional disconformity at the base of unit 3
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and formed a typical TST (Figs. 30, 31). All units quickly disappear
towards the channel edges where the SB corresponds to a paleosol
(Figs. 17, 31). In Mullinax-3, biostratigraphy of the claystone/paleosol
contact reveals a hiatus that spans the uppermost Maastrichtian zone
CF1 (Keller et al., this volume).
Sandstone Complex to KT Boundary: The calcareous siltstone of

(e.g., Figs 6, 7, 21, 22), except in the Cottonmouth Creek waterfall
sections (CMA), where a 3-cm-thick yellow clay layer marks the
original Chicxulub ejecta layer now altered to cheto smectite (Fig. 30).
Organic matter is mainly of terrestrial origin derived from the nearby
landmass. Clay minerals are consistently dominated by smectite, with
minor amounts of mica, kaolinite, and chlorite (Figs. 7, 21), and reflect
detrital influx from soils that developed during chemical weathering in
a warm climate with wet and dry seasons (Chamley, 1997). These
deposits of the Corsicana Formation are interpreted as a HST (Fig. 31).
Sandstone-Complex Deposits: The top of the Corsicana Formation
ends with an erosional and burrowed channel surface (base of unit 3)
due to a sea-level fall, and represents the latest Maastrichtian sequence
boundary (SB) (Fig. 31). Outside the channel structure, this SB
corresponds to a paleosol reflecting a period of emersion. The 1–1.5 m
deep, NE–SW-oriented channels were subsequently filled by coarse
shelly glauconitic sand, claystone clasts with impact spherules, and
bored and encrusted phosphatized concretions. These deposits formed
unit 7 forms the highest transgressive deposit in the Brazos River
stratigraphy (e.g., CMAB; Fig. 30). This significantly burrowed unit
reflects a period of sediment starvation and corresponds to a maximum
flooding surface (MFS; Fig. 31). Iridium enrichments observed in this
interval in several sections (e.g., CMAB, CM4, Brazos-1, Brazos-3;
Gertsch et al., this volume) appears to be the result of reduced sediment
accumulation. The observed presence of high TOC and phyllosilicate
with dominant detrital smectite to the detriment of mica, chorite, and
kaolinite is typical of such sediment starvation (Fig. 8). The MSF is of
latest Maastrichtian age (Figs, 3, 4) and is not the KT boundary, as
suggested by Gale (2006).
In most sections analyzed, the KT boundary is in subunit 8a,
between 0.3 and 0.8 m above unit 7 (Figs. 30, 31). This is the HST unit
and consists of dark gray claystone with few burrows and is
increasingly more marly towards the top. Thus, the KTB coincides
with the early HST and marks increased sediment accumulation. The
absence of significant Ir enrichment at the KTB can be explained by
 Author E-Print
BRAZOS KTB, CHICXULUB IMPACT AGE, LITHOSTRATIGRAPHY, SEDIMENTOLOGY, SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHY
dilution due to enhanced sediment supply (Gertsch et al., this volume).
Unit 8 ends with a burrowed erosional surface, which is overlain by a
glauconitic sand with phosphatized intraclasts, gastropods, and shells
(unit 9). Unit 9 may correspond to a TST (Figs. 30, 31). Burrows
infilled with glauconite sand from this unit are observed in the upper 20
cm of unit 8. The unconformity at the base of unit 9 marks a significant
hiatus that includes the upper part of zone P1a and the lower part of
P1b.
Tsunami Deposit or Long-Term Sea-Level Fluctuations?
The KT transition along the Brazos River shows a series of
depositional units that are characteristic of sequence stratigraphic
models applied to shallow shelf areas, including incised valleys, lag
in
conglomerates, storm deposits, and bioturbation. These characteristics
are incompatible with an interpretation of deposits of an impact-
generated tsunami. The observed and documented Brazos River
sequences reveal multi-event deposition over an extended time period,
which were triggered mainly by global sea-level changes. Different
lithostratigraphic units in the Brazos River sections can be correlated
Pr
over long distances from Texas to Alabama and northeastern Mexico.
Such uniformity in depositional units over more than 500 km is
compatible with sea-level changes, but not with chaotic deposition over
a period of hours to days as expected from tsunami deposition
(Bourgeois et al., 1988; Smit et al, 1996; Schulte et al., 2010).
Donovan et al. (1988) describe a similar shallow depositional
sequence influenced by sea-level fluctuations at Braggs, Alabama. In
E-
addition, dozens of outcrops located on the shallow shelf and in deeper
slope environments of northeastern Mexico reveal a thick sandstone
complex with sequence stratigraphic patterns similar to those observed
in Alabama and Texas (Adatte et al., 1996; Stinnesbeck et al., 1996;
Schulte et al., 2003; Keller et al., 2001; Keller et al., 2009b). In all three
localities, the clastic deposits are age equivalent and were deposited
during the latest Maastrichtian sea-level-fall zone CF1, about 200,000
years prior to the KT boundary. Submarine channels are infilled with
sediments transported from shallow deltaic environments, including in
or
northeastern Mexico (Keller et al., 1994; Alegret et al., 2001). In
contrast to Brazos, in northeastern Mexico the SB erosion surface
underlies LST deposits, with a spherule-rich cross-stratified coarse
glauconitic sand, which in many sections is separated by a 20-cm-thick
limestone with burrows (unit I, Adatte et al., 1996; Keller et al., 2001;
Keller et al., 2009). A thick, laminated sandstone (unit II) overlies the
th
spherule-rich sand. Above it, alternating sand and burrowed silt beds
(unit III) onlap onto the channel edges and represent the TST base.
Similarly to Brazos, the MFS here corresponds to the intensely
burrowed top of unit III and the overlying marls of latest Maastrichtian
zone CF1 age, followed by the KT-boundary claystone (e.g., Adatte et
al, 1996; Stinnesbeck et al, 1996; Keller et al., 2003a).
Au
In most continental shelf and slope sections, a major sea-level fall in
zone CF1, about 200,000 years before the KT boundary, marks a
significant hiatus (e.g., Baum et al., 1988; Keller, 1989; Keller and
Stinnesbeck, 1996; Adatte et al., 2002, Keller et al., 2002a). The
subsequent sea-level rise started about 100,000 years before the KT
boundary and coincides with the condensed MFS. This major eustatic
sea-level change is globally recognized from Texas (Keller et al.,
2007a), through Mexico, Belize, Guatemala (Stinnesbeck et al., 1996;
Keller et al., 2003), Brazil and Argentina (Stinnesbeck and Keller,
1996; Keller et al., 2007b), Madagascar (Abramovich et al., 2002),
Israel, Egypt, Tunisia, (Keller et al., 1991; Adatte et al., 2005) and
Denmark (e.g., Surlyk, 1979; Schmitz et al., 1992; Hart et al., 2005;
Hart et al., this volume).
Given this globally recognizable sea-level cycle and associated
characteristic depositional pattern, a strong link is evident. The only
exotic ingredients in these depositional units are the impact spherules
and clasts with impact spherules in unit I of northeastern Mexico and
1/3/2012
77
unit 4 of the Brazos sections. Their presence has convinced many
workers that these sandstone complexes represent deposits of an
impact-generated tsunami. While it is conceivable that the Chicxulub
impactor hit Yucatán during the time of the sea-level fall or shortly
thereafter, which could explain the presence of impact spherules in the
sandstone complex, this scenario is excluded by the strong evidence
that the spherules are reworked from older sediments (e.g., shallow-
water debris mixed with sediments, large lithified clasts with impact
spherules, bored and phosphatized concretions). Based on the evidence
presented for Texas and in earlier studies of northeastern Mexico,
Belize, and Guatemala, we argue that an impact origin for the Brazos
River sandstone complex should be excluded.
t
CONCLUSIONS
Based on multidisciplinary investigations, including lithostratigra-
phy, sedimentology, biostratigraphy, and mineralogy and their
integration in a sequence stratigraphic framework of a dozen sections
and wells, we argue that the Brazos River outcrops contain one of the
most complete KTB transitions known to date. Our measurements and
interpretations are summarized in the following conclusions.
 The sandstone complex in the Brazos River sequences was deposited
in a series of scoured channels (incised valleys) and sequentially
filled with multiple upward-fining spherule-rich coarse sandstones,
followed by hummocky cross-bedded sandstones and laminated
sandstones, and ending with upward-fining calcareous claystone at
the top. All of these units are generally burrowed and truncated by
erosion. These features represents normal and long-term sedimen-
tation processes linked to a global sea-level change. These sediments
do not support impact-generated deposition over hours to days as is
commonly proposed.
 The top of the Corsicana Formation coincides with a channel erosion
surface and represents a major sequence boundary (SB) that marks
the latest Maastrichtian sea-level fall and subsequent rise about 100–
200 ky before the KT boundary. The first channel deposits consist of
coarse shelly glauconitic sand with large lithified clasts containing
spherules, some clasts containing cracks infilled with spherules, and
large bored and encrusted phosphatized concretions. The spherule-
rich clasts indicate that the original Chicxulub impact spherule ejecta
layer was deposited well prior to clast formation, erosion, transport,
and redeposition at the base of the channel. Phosphatized
concretions indicate extended submarine exposure prior to the basal
transgressive surface (TS) of the early transgressive system tract
(TST). The Chicxulub impact must therefore predate the latest
Maastrichtian sea-level fall and deposition of the sandstone complex.
 Above the sandstone complex claystones and mudstones are
burrowed and correspond to a condensed interval interpreted as a
maximum flooding surface (MFS). Based on sediment accumulation
rates, deposition likely occurred during the last 50–100 ky of the
Maastrichtian. Many of the Brazos sections contain low iridium
enrichments in this interval (, 0.6 ppb), which is likely the result of
reduced sediment accumulation.
 The KT boundary coincides with an early HST, characterized by
increased sediment accumulation. In Brazos River sections, the KTB
is generally between 25 and 80 cm (and 1.6 m in KT1) above the
sandstone complex; the variable interval is due to topography,
erosion, and nondeposition. The absence of significant Ir enrichment
at the KTB is likely due to dilution by enhanced sediment supply.
 The original Chicxulub ejecta layer was discovered in a 3-cm-thick
yellow clay layer in claystones of the Corsicana Formation about 40–
60 cm below the sandstone complex in the Cottonmouth Creek CMA
section. This yellow clay can be traced over ; 30 m, but it was not
 Author E-Print
78 THIERRY ADATTE, GERTA KELLER, AND GERALD R. BAUM
observed in other sections because of erosion and lack of outcrop
exposures below the sandstone complex. This yellow clay consists of
cheto smectite and resulted from weathering of Chicxulub impact
glass. This is further evidence that the Chicxulub impact predates the
KTB as well as the sandstone complex.
 The uppermost Maastrichtian to lower Danian sediments along the
Brazos River reveal depositional sequences that are characteristic of
sequence stratigraphic models applied to shallow shelf areas, such as
incised valleys, lag conglomerate, storm deposits, and repeated
bioturbation. This depositional sequence requires multi-event
deposition over an extended time period that is triggered mainly
by a sea-level rise and fall. The Brazos River sequences can easily be
correlated along the 3.5 km interval examined and similar, coeval
submarine channel deposits have been documented in northeastern
Mexico, Haiti, Belize, and Guatemala. This sea-level fall is also
recognized in KT sequences of Argentina, Brazil, Madagascar,
Israel, Egypt, Tunisia, and Denmark and thus represents a global
climate and sea-level change near the end of the Maastrichtian.
Given the sedimentary characteristics of these deposits, particularly
the multiple horizons of burrowing, the reworked clasts with impact
spherules, and phosphatized concretions, impact-tsunami deposition
over a period of hours to days is not supported.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We thank the reviewers Brooks Ellwood, Art Donovan, and Dale
E-
Beeson for their comments, suggestions and discussions. A special
thank you to the owners of the Brazos Rose Ranch, Mr. and Mrs.
Ronnie and Jackie Mullinax, who not only permitted drilling on their
land but also took intense interest in the geology and so graciously
hosted our many visits. We gratefully acknowledge the drilling crew of
DOSECC and logging support from Schlumberger during two drilling
phases. The material of this study is based upon work supported by the
US National Science Foundation through the Continental Dynamics
Program and Sedimentary Geology Program under NSF Grants EAR-
or
0207407 and EAR-0447171.
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