Benthonic Foraminifera Research Articles

FORAMINÍFEROS BENTÓNICOS RECIENTES EN SEDIMENTOS DE FONDO DE LA CUENCA DE PANAMÁ (PACÍFICO COLOMBIANO), COMO INDICADORES DE PRODUCTIVIDAD Y OXIGENACIÓN

Thirteen deep-sea samples (core-tops) from the Panama Basin, Colombian Pacific, were analysed for benthonic foraminifera in the >150μm size fraction. Based on the microfaunal content, three zones are recognised in the Panama Basin: (1) northern euphrophic region (~8º to 5,5ºN), characterized by a high concentration of organic matter flux to the seafloor, oxygenated sediments, and influence of the Panama Bight and the Costa Rica Dome upwelling systems, (2) mesotrophic region (~5,5 to 2ºN), characterized by low fluxes of organic carbon to the seafloor, oxygenated sediments, terrigenous influence and fluctuations of the upwelling systems of the basin, and (3) southern euphotic region (south of ~2ºN), characterized by a larger organic carbon flux to the seafloor, low oxygen content (disoxia) and influence of the Equatorial Divergence.

Mishrif carbonates facies and diagenesis glossary, South Iraq microfacies investigation technique: types, classification, and related diagenetic impacts

The Mishrif multi-carbonates factory in the North-Rumaila and West-Qurna oil fields is taken a prototype model to appraising the facies types, classification, and related most important diagenetic impacts on pore evolution, for the other depositional areas of the southern regions of the Mesopotamian basin of Iraq. This stratigraphic tool is exclusively concerns the high-resolution (HR) microfacies analytical methodology, diagenesis versus pore system evolution and classification terminology for the Mishrif multi-carbonates, from stand point of the local-to-regional environmental settings. The HR microfacies/diagenetic inquiry is basically presented on the essential litho-faunal compositional items per environmental aspects, graded from distal-outer ramp through shallow open-marine depositional ecozones to fore-shoal/bioaccumulated rudistid banks passing back-shoal/open-shelf lagoonal/restricted inner-shelf settings. The shallowing-upward buildups of the pore system/diagenetic impacts as per poro-perm consideration; it has taken into special interest from reservoir geology/modeling purposes point of view. The local-to-regional framework/lateral distribution framework of the buildups is taken in to special consideration as well. The methodological technique used in this study; arranged in a combined issue to be a supportive utility for the chrono-sequence stratigraphic inquiries of this important Cenomanian to early Turonian carbonate succession in the southern Iraqi oil fields. This lexicon has covered the most important planktonic/smaller to larger benthonic foraminifera and associated most particular molluscs and algae database, from stand point of biozonation and biostratigraphic buildup and related environmental aspects.

Sequence stratigraphy and biostratigraphy of the prolific late Eocene, Oligocene and early Miocene carbonates from Zagros fold-thrust belt in Kurdistan region

The Late Eocene-Oligocene-Early Miocene sequences of the Kurdistan foreland basin, considered as an important shallow, thick oil and gas reservoir in Kurdistan region/N-Iraq. Several diverse larger foraminifera (Alveolina, Orbitolites, Assilina, Archaias, Austrotrillina, Miogypsinoide, Nummulites, Operculina, Borelies, and Lepdicyclina) with important stratigraphic, paleo-ecological, and palaeo-biogeographical implications are described with respect to its position in the Neo-Tethys basin. The biozonation, using large benthonic foraminifera, leads to the reconstruction of the chronostratigraphic framework. For that purpose, more than 367 samples from six wells and twelve outcrops, from different tectonic domains, within Zagros fold-thrust belt were analyzed. Almost four sequence boundaries (SB) segmented the depositional sequences into three third-order sequences. The lower most sequence boundary was estimated to be of Bartonian age (37 Ma) that represents by more than 5-m conglomerates between the molasses facies of the Gercus and carbonates of the Pila Spi Formations. The second sequence boundary, known as Zagros Major Hiatus, was estimated to be of the age 34 Ma and was placed at the top of karstfied carbonates of the Pila Spi Formation (Pribonian), directly below the Fatha Formation (Burdigalian-Langhian) almost manifesting the boundary between Tectonomegasequence AP10 and AP11. The third one is almost between the Rupelian and the Chattian (28 Ma) within Kirkuk Group. The last recorded one of Aquitanian age (21 Ma) was placed between the Kirkuk Group and Jeribe or Euphrates Formations. The three third-order depositional sequences were recognized from deepening and shallowing trends in the depositional facies, stacking patterns, and sequence boundary features. The first third-order represents the Late Eocene sequence (Pila Spi-shelf facies latterly change to Avanah-Jaddala Formations-depocenter facies), the second one represents the Rupelian-Chattian-Early Aquitanian third order in which each of the lower cycle of the Kirkuk Group (Rupelian) and the upper sequence of the Kirkuk Group (Chattian-Early Aquitanian) represents a fourth-order sequence. The last third order manifests by the Late Aquitanian-Early Burdigalian sequence of the Euphrates shelf facies that is changed laterally to Serikagni depocenter facies and mostly change upwards to Jeribe Formation. The lateral and vertical facial changes point to the increasing of the sequence thicknesses from the high folded thrust zone towards the low folded thrust zone and across the transversal Khanqain fault. The carbonate depositional ramp mostly segmented into isolated highs (occasionally separated from the palaeo-shorelines), that are either due to the influence of the thrust propagation deformational front or reactivation of the deep cited faults.

Microbiostratigraphy of the Sediments of Talezang Formation in Ghalebi Section (Southwest Lorestan, Iran)

In the present paper, Talezang Formation, located in southwest of Khoramabad, is studied. Ghalebi section (200 m thickness) contains gray limestones with cherty nodules and sandy limestone isoclinally overlies Amiran Formation (gray shale and limestone). It is underlain concordantly and discontinuously by Kashkan Formation. 160 samples are surveyed (examined) from the section; 28 genera and 4 species of benthonic foraminifera and 6 genera and 2 species of algae are identified. Due to similarity between identified benthonic foraminifera and Miscellanea-Kathina Assemblage Zone, the age of Talezang Formation can be assumed late Paleocene (Thanetian).

Sequence stratigraphy of Paleocene–Eocene successions in selected oil wells, Kirkuk area, northern Iraq

The Middle Paleocene-Eocene Megasequence AP10 was deposited during a period of renewed subduction and volcanic arc activity associated with the final closure of the Neo-Tethys . It is subdivided into two sequences according to the regional unconformity at the base of the Middle-Eocene : the Paleocene-Early Eocene, in which the Aaliji and Sinjar Formations were deposited in the studied area and Middle_Late Eocene sequences, in which the Jaddala Formation was deposited in the studied area. The distinguishable facies throughout Aaliji and Jaddala Formations deposits indicated to deep marine environments that lack benthonic foraminifera in contrast with the high percentage of planktonic foraminifera, especially Morozovella and Acarinina reflect the deep marine environment with tropical to subtropical climate condition. The Sinjar Formation characterizes by abundance of the Nummulite and bioclastic-lime wackestone subfacies indicate shallow inner shelf of carbonate shelf margin environments, followed by shoaling upward sequence, with chance to aerial exposure. The systematic investigation of planktonic foraminifera enabled us to identify thirty–four species and subspecies in the studied section, the stratigraphic distribution of these planktonic foraminiferal assemblages permit the recognition of seven biozones, two biozones (P4 and P5) have been established in Aaliji Formation (Late Paleocene) and five biozones (P9-P13 ) in Jaddala Formation (Early-Middle Eocene), where the contact between the two formations is unconformable that represents an interval of about 4 My, recorded by disappearance of three biozones P6, P7 and P8. Sequence stratigraphy analysis, as calibrated by sedimentary facies and biostratigraphy, delineated two sequences in Paleocene deposits that together interpret as 3rd order sequence, and 2nd order sequence in Eocene deposits. The two sequences shows good correlation of the northern Arabian Plate with other part of the platform during Paleocene and Eocene.

Bioestratigrafía de la Formación Cansona en la quebrada Peñitas, cinturon de San Jacinto. Implicaciones paleogeográficas

In this paper the results obtained from the biostratigraphical analysis of 13 samples from the Cansona Formation are presented. These samples were collected along the Quebrada Peñitas. The Quebrada Peñitas cuts through the core of the Chalán anticline and it is located on the San Jacinto belt of the Caribbean region of Colombia. Based on the information obtained, it is possible to assign a Late Cretaceous age to the Casona Formation. For the lower part of the analyzed section, it is possible to assign a Late Campanian to Early Maastrichtian age. For the upper part, we assigned a Late Maastrichtian age. According to the micropaleontological content, all of the analyzed sediments were deposited on shallow marine near-coast environments, which received a great influx of terrigenous material. It is possible to observe a shallowing of the basin as we ascend stratigraphically. The microfauna collected includes only long-range Cretaceous benthonic foraminifera, which are indicative of marine environments but do not contribute much in assigning a more precise age. From the analysed samples of the upper part of the section, it was possible to obtain good assemblages of pollen and spores, including Buttinia andreevi, Zivisporites blanensis and Proxapertites humbertoides, among many others. These assemblages allow us to assign to this part of the section a Late Maastrichtian age, and assume that these sediments belong to the Proteacidites dehaani zone (Germeraad et al., 1968). Very good assemblages of dinoflagellates were recovered from samples collected on the lower part of the analysed section. They are characterized by the co-occurrence of species of the genera Andalusiella, Cerodinium and Senegalinium, which are indicative that these sediments belong to the Tropical Paleo-Belt (Malloy suite), as established by Lentin and Williams (1980). The palynological assemblages similar to those recovered from sediments belonging to Quebrada Peñitas have been widely reported throughout the Eastern Cordillera. During the late Cretaceous Period there was a shallow Tropical sea (Cansona Sea), in the San Jacinto belt region, that was interconnected with the seas that allowed the deposition of the sediments belonging to the Colon, Umir, and equivalent Units. In this paper is reported, for the first time, the presence of sediments belonging to the Proteacidites dehaani and to the Tropical Paleo-Belt located west of the current Romeral Fault.

Upper Paleocene–lower Eocene planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphy of Gabal Matulla section, southwestern Sinai, Egypt

In Egypt, the Paleocene/Eocene successions are distributed on a wide area. Fifty-nine samples span Tarawan, Esna, and the lower part of Thebes Formations were collected from Matulla section, southwestern Sinai, Egypt, to study the planktonic foraminiferal events across the P/E boundary. Four planktonic foraminiferal biozones were recognized, and 49 species were identified at this interval. The base of Eocene boundary (base of Ypresian) was defined at sample M79 based on the first appearance of Pseudohastigerina wilcoxensis and Acarinina sibaiyaensis which coincides with the last appearance of Angulogavelinella avnimelechi and Neoflabellina jarvisi (benthonic foraminifera) at sample M78. The fluctuations in the relative abundance and absolute abundance of planktonic, benthonic, morozovellids, acarininids, and subbotinids were also studied across the Paleocene/Eocene boundary at Matulla section.

Sequence Microbiostratigraphy of Jahrum and Asmari Formation in Shiraz Area, Zagros, Fars, Iran

The study of sequence microbiostratigraphy of Jahrum and Asmari formation in Shiraz, Fars, Zagros, SW of Iran and recognition of relationship between depositional sequence parameters and microbiostratigraphy 3 stratigraphic sections (Beyza, Sarvestan A, B and Estahban sections) have been selected and studied. Jahrum and Asmari formations in study area with unconformity overlying together have been exposed. Based on Field and laboratory studies such as microfossils, microbiostratigraphy, microfaceis, sedimentary environment models and sequence stratigraphy evi- dences recognized 3 depositional sequences in study area that presented during Paleocene-Oli- gomiocene. Jahrum formation consists of one depositional sequence and Asmari formation consists of two depositional sequences. Microfossils and microbiostratigraphy studies will lead to the identification of 6 biozones in the studied area. In Beyza and Estahban sections biozones 1, 2 and 3 are related to Jahrum formation and suggest Paleocene to Middle Eocene age for this formation and biozone 4 is related to Asmari formation and suggests Oligocene age for this formation. In Sar- vestan section biozones 1, 2 and 3 are related to Jahrum formation and suggest Paleocene to Middle Eocene age for this formation and biozones 4 and 5 are related to Asmari formation and these biozones indicate Oligocene-Miocene (Aquitanian) age for Asmari formation. Sequence microbiostratigraphy studies indicate that biozones of Jahrum formation are formed in DS1 and biozones of Asmari formation are formed in DS2 and DS3. Also, some relationship between depositional sequence parameters and distribution of microfossils and biozones as in the case of in SB1 and LST facies didn’t found any microfossil and we can’t suggest biozonation. In study area upper part of HST of DS1 (Jahrum formation) and some biozones related to Upper Eocene have been eliminated, for example in Estahban, Sarvestan B and Beyza sections all biozones related to Upper Paleocene to Middle Eocene and eliminated biozones of Upper Eocene. In study area SB2 existed in lower boundary of DS1 (between Sachun and Jahrum formation) and between DS2 and DS3 of Asmari formation. Some parts of biozones in study area could correlate with SB2. For example for upper limit of biozones no 4 in Estahban section overlies to SB2 of DS2 in Asmari formation. Paleoecological situation in TST systems tract suitable for reproduction and growth large foraminifera and biozones 1, 2 and 3 are formed in systems tract. MFS and MFZ in all sections are recognized by mixed pelagic and benthonic foraminifera wackestone. More biozones in Jahrum and As- mari formations have been identified in HST system tract. For example in Beyza section biozones 2 and 3 (Jahrum formation) and biozone 4 (Asmari formation) are in HST. In Saevestan B section bi- ozones 3 and 4 (Jahrum formation) and biozones 5 and 6 (Asmari formation) are in this system tract. In Estahban section biozones 3 and 4 (Jahrum formation) and biozones 4 and 5 (Asmari formation) have been in HST. Also, tests of most identified large foraminifera in HST such as Alveolona sp, Alveolina aragonensis, Austrotrilina sp, Austrotrilina asmaricus and Archias sp are made of porcelaneous calcite and foraminiferal tests in TST systems tract, such as Nummulites sp. Nummulites intermedius, Nummulites fichtelli and Operculina sp are made of hyaline calcite.

Palaeoenvironment of the lower and middle Miocene successions in the Gulf of Suez region based on both planktonic and benthonic foraminifera

Based on the planktonic and benthonic foraminiferal content the lower and middle Miocene successions at the Gulf of Suez in Egypt have been identified (30 planktonic species and 101 benthonic species), seven paleoecologic parameters are studied, which include; foraminiferal frequency; predominance of the planktonic foraminiferal groups; predominance of benthonic foraminiferal groups, diversity of the foraminiferal species, P/B foraminiferal ratio, A/C foraminiferal ratio and benthonic genus/genera predominance. According to this study, the studied successions are divided into five ecozones. The paleoenvironment of each ecozone is deduced. The deduced paleoenvironments point to outer neritic for the Nukhul formation, middle neritic to inner neritic for the Rudeis formation, inner neritic to littoral for the Kareem formation and littoral neritic for the Belayim formation. A proposed paleobathymetric curve is presented. The interpretation of this curve helped to deduce the tectonic history of the early and middle Miocene in the studied areas.

Stratigraphic control of the Aptian–Early Turonian sequences of the Levant Platform, Coastal Range, northwest Syria

ABSTRACT The predominantly carbonate Aptian–Lower Turonian succession of the Coastal Range in northwest Syria represents the northern edge of the Levant Platform. It was divided into 28 lithostratigraphic units, mainly reflecting shallowing-up and deepening-up intervals. We combined lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy and carbon-isotope measurements, with facies interpretations, to establish a sequence-stratigraphic framework, adapted from outcrop data along two transects. The sequence-stratigraphic evolution records major transgressions-regressions and hiatuses that are compared with regional sequences of the Arabian and Levant platforms and the Tethyan realm. Age control, based on planktonic and benthonic foraminifera and ammonite biostratigraphies, is relatively good, despite changing diversities and occurrences. The chronostratigraphic framework is based on seven benthonic foraminiferal biozones (Aptian to Early Turonian) and six planktonic foraminiferal biozones (with two subzones) (latest Albian to Cenomanian). The studied carbon-isotope fluctuations record significant perturbations that are comparable with several global changes of the carbon cycle: OAE1d, LCE I-III, MCE and OAE2. The combined chemostratigraphic and biostratigraphic approach permits correlating the carbon-isotope curve of the Coastal Range with those from the Tethyan realm, England and South Palmyrides.

Microtextures of detrital sand grains from the Tecolutla, Nautla, and Veracruz beaches, western Gulf of Mexico, Mexico: implications for depositional environment and paleoclimate

Detrital sand grains from three beaches (Tecolutla, Nautla, and Veracruz) along the western Gulf of Mexico were studied by a scanning electron microscope, to investigate the depositional environment and paleoclimate. Totally, 24 microtextures are identified; among them, 13 are grouped as mechanical origin, 5 as mechanical and/or chemical origin, and 6 as chemical origin. These microtextures are nonuniformly distributed among the three beach areas. Concoidal fractures, straight and arcuate steps at Tecolutla and Veracruz beaches indicate that the sand grains were derived from the crystalline rocks. The abundance of angular outline grains at the Nautla beach supports for short transportation probably close to the source area. The domination of rounded sand grains in the Veracruz beach reveals that the sediments were derived by the aeolian mechanism. Chattermark trials at the Veracruz beach sands are indicating a wet tropical climate. Chemical features like silica globules, silica pellicle, and trapped diatoms in the Tecolutla and Veracruz beach sands suggest a silica saturated environment. Similarly, chemical etching and solution pits are common in the Veracruz beach sands, which are probably linked to the contaminated sea water. Desiccation crack at Veracruz beach sands is an indicator of temperature changes in the beach environment. Broken benthonic foraminifera Elphidium discoidale sp. present in the Veracruz beach indicates a high-energy littoral environment.

Microfacies and environmental study of the lower cretaceous yamama formation in Ratawi field

The Yamama Formation is the main Lower Cretaceous (late Berriasian–Valangenian) carbonate reservoir in southern Iraq. Petrographic study from thin-section examination shows that the skeletal grains included calcareous algae from both red and green algae. Red algae is concentrated in the upper part of the Formation, and the most important of this algae species is Permocalculus ssp. Green algae is less common, and its concentration is in the middle part of the Formation. The most species found in the Yamama Formation is dasycladeans, and both small and large species of benthonic foraminifera such as Nautiloculina, Textularia, Trocholina, Pseudocyclammina, and Everticyclammina are also present. The non-skeleton grains included oolites, pellets, and micrite. Six cyclic type microfacies have been recognized for Yamama Formation in Ratawi-3 (Rt-3) and Ratawi-4 (Rt-4) Wells, namely peloidal packstone–grainstone, algal wackestone–packstone, oolitic–peloidal grainstone, bioclastic wackestone–packstone, foraminiferal wackestone, and mudstone microfacies. The latter has been divided into two submicrofacies: argillaceous lime mudstone and fossiliferous lime mudstone. The lateral extension of these microfacies has been identified by integrating the thin-section data and well logs’ character variations with similar characteristic for microfacies. The Yamama Formation was affected by five diagenetic processes, which are micritization, cementation, recrystallization, silicification, and stylolites. The Yamama Formation was deposited during a regressive period within the outer ramp, shoal, and inner ramp setting.

Benthonic foraminifera in the Upper Miocene Cruse Formation at Quinam Bay, Trinidad, western tropical Atlantic Ocean, and their palaeoenvironmental significance

AbstractThe Upper Miocene Cruse Formation of Trinidad yields predominantly agglutinated foraminifera. The limited assemblage has previously hampered palaeoenvironmental interpretations. Twenty-two samples taken from a basal Cruse section at 0.5 m intervals from Quinam Bay (10°05′07.7″N, 61°45′04.7″W) yielded 2938 foraminifera in 33 species, almost all agglutinated. The absence of calcite-cemented agglutinants suggests post-mortem dissolution of calcareous specimens. Dominant Spirosigmoilinella compressa indicates lower bathyal to abyssal palaeodepths, although the low values of the information function H are typical of shallower water. Subdominant Haplophragmoides carinatus and Haplophragmoides sp. 1 indicate low dissolved oxygen levels. Diversities measured using species richness S and H were especially low in the lowest 3.5 m of the section. The proportional abundance of the dominant species in each sample, max(pi), indicated three subsections, being low in the middle of the section but higher at the top and bottom. SHE analysis indicated six abundance biozones (ABs) containing one to seven samples each. Of the three ABs with more than three samples, two had Type 1 community structures and one had a Type 0 community structure. ABs with one or two samples indicate that environmental change at the top of the interval with low diversity is rapid. This is reflected in a change from abundant morphotype M3a (surficial epifauna flattened) at the base of the section to abundant M4a (shallow infauna planispiral) with M4b (deep infaunal) towards the top, which shows a downward shift in the position of the redox front part way through the section.

ECOSTRATIGAPHIC REGIME SHIFT DURING LATE QUATERNARY MARINE ISOTOPE STAGES 8-9 IN SANTAREN CHANNEL, WESTERN TROPICAL ATLANTIC OCEAN: BENTHONIC FORAMINIFERAL EVIDENCE FROM ODP HOLE 1006A

The Late Quaternary, presumed bathyal foraminiferal fauna in ODP Hole 1006A (Santaren Channel, west of the Bahama Platform) does not show marked glacial-interglacial contrasts. Instead, a major regime shift occurred during Marine Isotope Stages (MIS) 8–9 from one steady community structure to another. ODP Hole 1006A was drilled through the Santaren Drift, a contourite containing an admixture of foraminifera of a) reefal and inner-neritic (0–20 m) and b) deeper-water aspect. The deeper-water assemblage, which includes species with habitats that encompass outer-neritic (100–200 m)–abyssal depths, is for statistical purposes here treated as being in situ. Of the benthonic foraminifera collected from 66 Late Quaternary (MIS 1–17) samples in this study, 60.9% comprise the presumed bathyal assemblage. Percentages of presumed bathyal specimens/sample are unrelated to most marine isotope stages, but are low in MIS 8–9. Sedimentology indicates that the fluctuations were not caused by turbidites and debris flows delivering shallow-water foraminifera from the Bahama Platform and Cay Sal Bank to the site, but possibly from a source off northern Cuba or Hispaniola. Some species abundance counts (e.g., Cassidulina laevigata , Lenticulina rotulata ) may have been augmented by downslope transport. Others (e.g., Globocassidulina subglobosa , Sigmoilopsis schlumbergeri ) are predominantly in situ. Only three species each ( Globocassidulina subglobosa , Planulina ariminensis , Cibicidoides pachyderma ) formed >5% of the total recovery of the presumed bathyal foraminiferal assemblage, but Cibicidoides spp. collectively formed 18.9%, while Uvigerina spp., Brizalina spp., and Bulimina spp. collectively formed 12.8%, indicating a low flux of organic carbon. The mean information function was higher in the subsection below MIS 9 (H = 3.56) than above MIS 8 (H = 3.40), but the mean percentages of Uvigerina spp., Brizalina spp., and Bulimina spp. did not differ, which suggests that there was little change in the organic flux. Instead, the regime shift may have been related to a change in the flux of shallow-water foraminifera, which was greater after MIS 8 than before MIS 9, or to long-term circulation changes. The subsections across the regime shift were separated by a Type-1β boundary, but a complementarity of 76.5 indicates that the interval MIS 8–9 did not act as a barrier to species continuance.

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

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.

Contribution to the stratigraphy and sedimentation of the Cretaceous aquifers, SE Sinai, Egypt

Eight formations were recognized in WadiWatir area, SE Sinai; Malha Formation (Early Cretaceous), Galala Formation (Late Cenomanian), Abu Qada Formation (Early Turonian), Buttum Formation (Early Turonian), Wata Formation (Late Turonian), Matulla Formation (Coniacian-Santonian), Brown Limestone Formation (LateCampanian-Early Maastrichtian) and Sudr Chalk Formation (Early-Middle Maastrichtian). The planktonic foraminifera played the great role in age determination for the referred units, in addition to some benthonic foraminifera. Also, three microfacies types were identified; siliciclastic facies, mixed carbonate – siliciclastic facies and carbonate facies reflecting an oscillation of the Cretaceous sea from shoal to shallow marine and marine environments. The diagenetic processes (cementation, neomorphism, dolomitization, silicification, dissolution and compaction) show the impact of textural and mineralogical changes on the studied rock units, groundwater occurrences and possibilities. Furthermore, two main aquifers are dominant in the study area, Lower Cretaceous sandstones and Cenomanian-Turonian Limestones. The geomorphologic and geologic characteristics controlling the groundwater occurrences were discussed.

Integrated stratigraphy and palaeoenvironment of the P/E boundary interval, Rakhi Nala section, Indus Basin (Pakistan)

Marine sedimentary section across the Paleocene/Eocene (P/E) boundary interval is preserved in the Dungan Formation (Lower Indus Basin), Pakistan. Four dinoflagellate zones in the P/E interval of the Rakhi Nala section (Lower Indus Basin) are identified and correlated. The quantitative analysis of the dinoflagellate cyst assemblages together with geochemical data are used to reconstruct the palaeoenvironment across the P/E interval. The dinocyst assemblages allow the local correlation of the Dungan Formation (part) of the Sulaiman Range with the Patala Formation (part) of the Upper Indus Basin and global correlation of the Zone Pak-DV with the Apectodinium acme Zone of the Northern and Southern hemispheres. The onset of the carbon isotopic excursion (CIE) associated with Paleocene Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) is used globally to identify the P/E boundary. The CIE for the total organic carbon (fine fraction) δ13CFF is of a magnitude of −1.7‰ is recorded for the first time in the Indus Basin. The Apectodinium acme precedes and straddles the onset of the CIE in the Indus Basin. This Apectodinium acme is also accompanied by a planktonic and benthonic foraminifera “barren zone.” The CIE in the Indus Basin, coupled with the changes in the dinocyst distribution and the benthonic and planktonic foraminifera assemblages, provides evidence of the changes associated with the PETM in this little-known part of the world. The benthonic foraminiferal assemblage indicates bathyal environment of deposition at the time of P/E boundary interval; the presence of dominantly open marine dinoflagellates and high planktonic foraminiferal ratio suggest that the water column at this site was well connected with the rest of the Tethys.

SHORT-TERM MONITORING OF HALIFAX HARBOUR (NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA) POLLUTION REMEDIATION USING BENTHONIC FORAMINIFERA AS PROXIES

Research Article| July 01, 2012 SHORT-TERM MONITORING OF HALIFAX HARBOUR (NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA) POLLUTION REMEDIATION USING BENTHONIC FORAMINIFERA AS PROXIES Saad A. Dabbous; Saad A. Dabbous * Department of Earth Sciences and Centre for Environmental and Marine Geology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H3J5 Canada *Correspondence author. E-mail: saaddabbous@dal.ca Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar David B. Scott David B. Scott Department of Earth Sciences and Centre for Environmental and Marine Geology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H3J5 Canada Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Saad A. Dabbous * Department of Earth Sciences and Centre for Environmental and Marine Geology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H3J5 Canada David B. Scott Department of Earth Sciences and Centre for Environmental and Marine Geology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H3J5 Canada *Correspondence author. E-mail: saaddabbous@dal.ca Publisher: Cushman Foundation for Foraminiferal Research Received: 06 Oct 2010 Accepted: 24 Apr 2012 First Online: 03 Mar 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-264X Print ISSN: 0096-1191 © 2012 Cushman Foundation for Foraminiferal Research Journal of Foraminiferal Research (2012) 42 (3): 187–205. https://doi.org/10.2113/gsjfr.42.3.187 Article history Received: 06 Oct 2010 Accepted: 24 Apr 2012 First Online: 03 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Saad A. Dabbous, David B. Scott; SHORT-TERM MONITORING OF HALIFAX HARBOUR (NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA) POLLUTION REMEDIATION USING BENTHONIC FORAMINIFERA AS PROXIES. Journal of Foraminiferal Research 2012;; 42 (3): 187–205. doi: https://doi.org/10.2113/gsjfr.42.3.187 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyJournal of Foraminiferal Research Search Advanced Search Abstract Short-term monitoring of benthonic foraminifera in Halifax Harbour conducted before, during, and after implementation of an enhanced, municipal pollution-abatement program showed that foraminiferal distribution correlated strongly with the amount of pollution flowing into the harbor. Before enhanced treatment the confined, highly polluted inner harbor and North West Arm contained a fauna of low abundance and diversity, dominated by non-calcareous species with a high percentage of shell deformities and organic inner linings. In contrast the foraminiferal assemblage in the outer harbor, where currents carry away waste material to the ocean, had high diversity and abundance, few shell deformities and organic inner linings, and contained calcareous species. During treatment the composition of the inner harbor assemblage changed dramatically to resemble that of the outer harbor fauna, only to revert to its former characteristics after treatment stopped. This study once again shows that benthonic foraminifera are accurate, quick, and cost effective proxies to monitor continuous environmental changes in polluted environments. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.

Biostratigraphy and carbon-isotope stratigraphy of the uppermost Aptian to Upper Cenomanian strata of the South Palmyrides, Syria

ABSTRACT Biostratigraphic and carbon-isotope data were used to introduce a high-resolution stratigraphic reference section of the Upper Aptian to Upper Cenomanian platform carbonates of the South Palmyrides in Syria. We studied the biostratigraphic evolution of the Zbeideh to Abou-Zounnar formations in two sections, based on 42 species of benthonic foraminifera and 38 species of planktonic foraminifera. Comparisons with other Tethyan assemblages allowed determining 11 biozones; six are based on planktonic foraminifera, and five on benthonic foraminifera. Four hiatuses (earliest Albian, Middle–Late Albian, Late Albian–Early Cenomanian, and Mid Cenomanian) are marked by hardgrounds or dolomitic intervals. The planktonic biozones Ticinella bejaouaensis, T. primula, T. praeticinensis, Rotalipora subticinensis, R. globotruncanoides and R. cushmani co-occur with the following benthonic biozones: Mesorbitolina texana partial range zone, M. subconcava range zone, Neoiraqia convexa taxon-range zone, Praealveolina iberica interval zone and Pseudedomia drorimensis range zone. Within this biostratigraphic framework, a new carbon-isotope curve from the South Palmyrides was compared with δ13C records of the Tethyan Realm and England that allows identifying several biotic events and Oceanic Anoxic Events (OAE), recorded in the Upper Albian to Upper Cenomanian succession. The combination of sequence-stratigraphic interpretations and comparisons, with our results have led to an improved understanding of the Cretaceous platform architecture of the South Palmyrides that links the Arabian Platform to the east with the Levant Platform to the southwest.

Biogeography and ecostratigraphy of Late Quaternary planktonic foraminiferal taphocoenoses in the Leeward Islands, Lesser Antilles, NE Caribbean Sea

Abstract The Leeward Islands lie within an oceanographically complex area influenced by North Atlantic Gyre flow and the Orinoco plume. Late Quaternary planktonic foraminiferal assemblages are reported from three middle bathyal piston cores (from NW to SE: En20-2, En20-10, En20-16) in the Leeward Islands. En20-2 was obtained closest to the 200 m bathymetric contour, En20-10 farthest offshore. The bathyal benthonic foraminifera from En20-2 are indicative of high surface productivity. The planktonic foraminiferal assemblages differ between the cores. The “ Globigerinoides ruber group” (= white and pink G. ruber + G. cyclostomus ) typically increases shoreward, but in this study it was most abundant in En20-10. West of the study area (i.e., around Puerto Rico), white-walled specimens form ~ 66% of the “ G. ruber group”, but in the Leeward Islands the percentages are higher (mean 81.7% of total “ G. ruber group”). Globigerinita glutinata and Globoturborotalia rubescens (pink) were at their most abundant in the SE core En20-16, while G. rubescens (white) was at its most abundant in the NW core En20-2. Comparison with benthonic foraminiferal distributions suggests that the following planktonic species have potential as indicators of surface productivity, Globigerinella aequilateralis , G. glutinata and Globorotalia inflata being indicative of enhanced surface productivity and Globigerinoides immaturus , G. trilobus var. and Globorotalia tumida of low surface productivity. Bottom-up SHE Analysis for Biozone Identification (SHEBI) indicates that each core contains several abundance biozones (ABs), but these do not correlate between the cores. Alpha diversities were S E = 8.3–14.3 effective species, while beta diversities ranged from 0.65 to 1.54, but only two were statistically significant. Complementarities (64.7–87.6%) indicate that the AB boundaries reflect changes in the relative abundances of species, not overall diversity.