Integrated quantitative biostratigraphy of the latest Tortonian–early Messinian Pissouri section (Cyprus): An evaluation of calcareous plankton bioevents

Abstract

A quantitative study was performed on planktonic foraminifera and calcareous nannofossils of the astronomically dated Late Miocene Pissouri section (Cyprus). Our results confirm the reliability of well-known planktonic foraminiferal events as Catapsydrax parvulus LO (Last Occurrence), sinistral coiling change of Globorotalia scitula, Globorotalia miotumida group FRO (First Regular Occurrence), Globorotalia nicolae FO (First occurrence) and LO, sinistral coiling change of Neogloboquadrina acostaensis and also of several important calcareous nannofossil events ( Amaurolithus primus FO, Amaurolithus delicatus FO, Reticulofenestra rotaria FO and FCO). Integrated planktonic foraminifera and calcareous nannoplankton data contribute to an enhanced time resolution of the Tortonian - early Messinian interval in the Levantine basin, and contribute to detailed correlations throughout the Eastern Mediterranean. In addition, we compare methodologies commonly used in calcareous plankton biostratigraphy, and shortly outline sources of bias that can influence the results of stratigraphic studies.