Benthic Foraminifera from the Saïda Clays Formation (Jebel Brame, Northwestern Algeria) Biostratigraphy and Paleoecology

Abstract

AbstractSaïda clays formation “Argile de Saïda” is one of the main sedimentary series of the Upper Jurassic of Northwestern Algeria. It was first defined in the western part of the Tlemcenian domain. This domain is situated between the Tellian Atlas in the north and the high plateaux Oranaises in the south. The study area constitutes the eastern extremity of the Tlemcenian domain in the Djebel Brame section (Northwestern Algeria). It is represented by an interbedded clay and sandstone alternation of Upper Jurassic age, which is rich in foraminifera. The taxonomic study of the samples shows a population of foraminifera consisting of 28 species belonging to10 genera, 08 families and 04 suborders divided into three associations, largely dominated by the Nodosariidae. Paleoenvironmental interpretations based on the foraminiferal data and geochemical (calcimetry) analyses indicate a shallowing of the basin during the Upper Oxfordian.KeywordsSaïda claysUpper jurassicForaminiferaUpper oxfordianGeochemical analyses