From 15th to 23rd of September, 1998, researchers from 10 European and 3 overseas countries met at Bilbao for a comprehensive introduction to micropaleontology, biostratigraphy, and facies in northern Spain and adjacent southwestern France. Traveling 1700 km by bus, a selected group of experienced field workers gave insight into strata and assemblages, including 12 micropaleontological type localities and 2 proposed stratotype sections.

Two days were spent for the famous conodont and fusulinid assemblages of the Cantabrian Basin. On the third day, the participants presented abstracts of their topic micropaleontological research during a poster session at Villasana de Mena (Burgos). The contents will be published in a special volume of the Revista Española de Micropaleontología, edited by Marcos A. Lamolda. Cretaceous and Tertiary outcrops of the Basco-Cantabrian region with several type localitites of planktic and larger foraminifera were visited during the following days. One day was devoted to the Nummulite facies and type localities at, and the proposed stratotype locality for the Campanian/Maastrichtian, at Les Landes, France. The last day was focused on the and the proposed Danian-Selandian stratotype locality at Zumaya.

Following a theoretical roundup on the geology and paleontology of each succession, the participants sampled and scrutinized the formations, and a lot of time was spend for the discussion of taxonomical and stratigraphical problems with the guiding scientists in the field. In some cases, the discussions often went on deep into the night. This highly specialised meeting is an excellent exemple for the long standing tradition of the European Micropaleontological Colloquia, that are most beneficial for the participants. In result, the constant flow of precise information and reflection was appreciated with delight, and the rock samples sent to scientific collections all over the world had overwhelming impact in some small Spanish postal offices.

Marcos Lamolda and his organizing committee scheduled a perfectly balanced excursion. Fine weather conditions, board and lodging in wonderful ambience with the opportunity to visit historic sites were salt and pepper for this scientific meeting of excellence.

Alexander Altenbach
Department für Geo- und Umweltwissenschaften
Universität München

Marcos A. Lamolda
Facultad de Ciencias-UPV
Campus de Lejona
E-48940 Lejona
España/Spain