Planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphy of the Miocene sequence in the area between Wadi El-Tayiba and Wadi Sidri, west central Sinai, Egypt

Abstract

The present work deals with the study of lithostratigraphy and the planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphy of the Early-Middle Miocene sequence in six measured stratigraphical surface sections in west central Sinai. They are namely, from north to south: Wadi El-Tayiba, Gabal Sarbut El-Gamal, Wadi Nukhul, Wadi Baba, Gabal Abu Alaqa and Wadi Sidri. The Miocene sequence, exposed in the study area, is represented lithostratigraphically by four rock units, arranged from base to top as follows: the Nukhul and Rudeis Formations (Early Miocene), the Sarbut El-Gamal Formation and the Hammam Faraun Member of the Belayim Formation (Middle Miocene). The planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphical studies led to the recognition of 51 planktonic foraminiferal species. They are illustrated with the scanning electron microscope. Five planktonic foraminiferal biozones and one large benthonic foraminiferal zone have been recognised. They are arranged from top to bottom as follows: Orbulina suturalis/Globorotalia siakensis Zone (Middle Miocene); Borelis melo Zone (larger foraminiferal zone) (Middle Miocene); Globigerinoides sicanus Zone (Early Miocene); Globigerinoides trilobus Zone (Early Miocene); Globigerinoides altiaperturus-Catapsydrax dissimifis Zone (Early Miocene); Globigerinoides primordius Zone (Early Miocene). Correlation of these biozones with others from Egypt and the world is also attempted.