Biostratigraphic implications of the Maastrichtian-lower Eocene sequence at the North Gunna section, Farafra Oasis, Western Desert, Egypt

Abstract

Eleven planktic foraminiferal zones are established in the Maastrichtian-lower Eocene sediments at the North Gunna section (Farafra Oasis, Western Desert, Egypt). The study section is composed of five rock units, the Khoman, Dakhla, Tarawan, Esna and Farafra Formations. A hiatus at the K/T boundary including the upper Maastrichtian-lower Paleocene (Abathomphalus mayaroensis-Parasubbotina pseudobulloides Zones) has been detected. Moreover, most of the Esna Formation in the study area is of early Eocene age (M. subbotinae-A. pentacamerata Zones) rather than late Paleocene as commonly observed in the neighbouring areas. The zonal scheme developed here is correlated with other sequences and the P-zonation of Blow (1979) and Berggren and Miller (1988) are discussed.