Biostratigraphy of the Paleogene of Syria Based on Small Benthic Foraminifera

Abstract

Information on the taxonomic composition and stratigraphic distribution of small benthic foraminifers in the Danian–Priabonian Paleogene stages of Syria based on the analysis of V.A. Krasheninnikov’s collections is presented. The small benthic foraminiferal zones identified in the Palmyrid sections within the framework of planktonic foraminiferal zonation developed by Krasheninnikov and correlated with the zonal standard of the International Stratigraphic Scale (zones P1–P17) are the following: Stensioeina beccariiformis–Anomalina danica Zone (P1a–P2); Vaginulina robusta–Pyramidina crassa Zone (P3); Reussella paleocenica Zone (P4–P5); Pseudogaudryina soldadoensis–Cibicidoides lybicus Zone (P6–P7); Hydromylinella wittpyuti Zone (P8–P9); beds with Paragaudryina dalmatina–Hydromylininella wittpyuti (P10 and P11); Falsoplanulina ammophila Zone (P12 and P13); beds with Queraltina epistominoides (P14); and Planulina costata Zone (P15–P17). The presence of species from these zones in other regions of Syria and Egypt is inferred from Krasheninnikov’s published works. The composition and development of the Paleogene foraminifera of Syria and the Crimean-Caucasian region that represent the Tethys and northeastern Peri-Tethys biota, respectively, are compared.