Lithostratigraphy of the upper Maastrichtian to lower Eocene succession in the Dababiya Corehole, Egypt

Abstract

The Dababiya core has recovered, in descending order, the Esna Shale Formation (lower part), the Tarawan Formation and the Dakhla Shale Formation (upper part). In the Esna Shale Formation, the Mahmiya Member (lower part), the Dababiya Quarry Member and the Hanadi Member were delineated. The Mahmiya Member and the Dababiya Quarry Member are early Eocene in age. The Hanadi Member belongs to the Paleocene. In the Dakhla Shale Formation, three informal members were recognized. The formation has also been divided into eight smaller units on the basis of limestone/shale alternation. The Dakhla Shale Formation encompasses the K/Pg boundary and ranges from Maastrichtian to Paleocene.