The impact of Paleocene/ Eocene (P/E) Thermal Maximum (PETM) of some sections in Sinai - Egypt, based on benthonic foraminifera

Abstract

The present study deals with lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy and paleoecology of paleocene – Early Eocenebenthonic foraminifera northeast Sinai, Egypt; G. El Falig, G. El Qusaima, G. Holet Abu Senna and G. Um Thamallahave been collected, sampled and studied based on benthonic foraminifera. The measured sections comprises; EsnaFormation and Thebes Formation. The exposed rock units contain rich and high diverse assemblage of benthonicforaminifera that are discussed. They yield 109 foraminiferal benthonic species belonging to 48 genera, 24subfamilies, 25 families, 18 super families, 3 suborder and one order. The investigation of the foraminiferal content ledto the identification of two assemblage zones; the Early - Late Paleocene Neoflabellina - Spiroplectammina -Gavelinella Assemblage Zone and Late Paleocene – Early Eocene Loxostomoides - Cibicidoides - BuliminaAssemblage Zone. During the investigated interval three biofacies with three faunal turnover events have beenidentified in the studied area reflecting a major sea level change. These turnovers are characterized by discontinuousdistribution of species, changes of the relative abundance of species and diversification. The Esna Shale was depositedin middle neritic to upper bathyal environment and Thebes Formation was also deposited in progressively shallowingmiddle neritic environment.