Cenomanian–Early Turonian Ostracoda of the shallow marine carbonate platform sequence at west central Sinai: Biostratigraphy, paleobathymetry and paleobiogeography

Abstract

The Cenomanian–Lower Turonian succession exposed in west central Sinai is carefully studied for their ostracode content. The Raha and Abu Qada Formations were studied in 4 sections. Their ostracode content includes the recognition of 70 species belonging to 34 genera. One species is considered as new (Spinoleberis grosdidieri n. sp.). The vertical distribution of the ostracodes in the sections enables the detection of four local biostratigraphic zones with a Barren Interzone in between. In terms of paleobathymetry, each studied sequence reveals deposition on a shallow reefal carbonate platform of less than 100m depth. The flourishing of cytherellids in repeated intervals refers to kenoxic events within the Cenomanian section. These events are enhanced just below the Cenomanian–Turonian boundary referring to the Oceanic Anoxic Event 2. The wide paleobiogeographic distribution of the recorded Cenomanian ostracodes reveals that there was a direct connection throughout the Southern Tethyan Realm countries. Also, there was a migration path between the Southern Tethyan bioprovince and the West African bioprovince during the Cenomanian via the Trans-Saharan Seaway and along the Atlantic coast of West Africa.