Depositional sequences and sea-level changes of the upper Maastrichtian-middle Eocene succession in central Jordan: Evidence from foraminiferal biostratigraphy and paleoenvironments

Abstract

The qualitative and quantitative analyses of the foraminiferal assemblages from the upper Maastrichtian -middle Eocene succession at Jabal Ghuzayma section (central Jordan) is utilized to evaluate the biostratigraphic framework and the prevailing paleoenvironments. Nine planktonic biozones (CF3, P4c, P5, and E3-E8) were recognized covering the upper Maastrichtian to the middle Eocene. Field observations as well as foraminiferal biostratigraphy and paleoenvironments led to identify five 3rd depositional sequences bounded by four sequence boundaries. Two of these sequence boundaries have long-lasting time gaps across the Cretaceous/Paleogene (K/Pg) and the Paleocene/Eocene (P/E) unconformities. These longtime gaps are linked to the tectonic deformation of the Syrian Arc System (SAS) during the convergence and collision of the Eurasian/Arabian plates. The intera- Ypresian and Ypresian/Lutetian (Y/L) boundaries exhibit a sharp change in microfaunal content suggesting distinctive paleoenvironmental turnover which may be enhanced primarily to the eustatic sea-level changes.