RESPONSE OF CALCAREOUS NANNOPLANKTON TO PALEOCENE–EOCENE THERMAL MAXIMUM IN NORTHERN IRAQ

Abstract

The Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) was an abrupt global warming event in the geological record. Based on calcareous nannofossils from thirteen samples of Aaliji Formation from K-116 well, Northern Iraq, sixty species are identified and can be used to divide the studied section into five biozones. Especially, the transition in the Discoaster multiraditus Biozone (CP8) occurred which is marked by higher speciation for calcareous nannofossils and the occurrences of Discoaster Tan. Such atransition is closely related to global warming during the transition from Paleocene to Eocene.