Lower Lutetian Research Articles

A New Cypraedia (Gastropoda: Pediculariidae) from the Eocene of the Paris Basin, France

A new species of Pediculariidae Gray, 1853 from the Lower Lutetian (Eocene) of the Paris region, France, is described in this article, and compared with related species from the same region and and/or closely related stratigraphic stages. Curiously, this species, attributed to the genus Cypraedia Swaison, 1940, has been overlooked in spite of its unmistakable distinctive characters, making it very easy to identify at first glance.

Біостратиграфія палеоцен-еоценових відкладів Українських Карпат за планктонними форамініферами

Paleogene deposits are the main reservoir of hydrocarbon resources in the Carpathians and creation of the modern stratigraphic scheme of these deposits is the basis for improving the efficiency of geological search works. The reliable stratification is a necessary precondition for the preparation of geological maps. Stratification of the Paleocene–Eocene sediments is provided by foraminifera, nannoplankton, dinocysts, radiolarians, sponge spicules, palynoflora. Planktonic foraminifera is the main stratigraphic group of the Paleogene fauna. In the predominantly non-calcareous flysch of the Paleocene–Eocene of the Carpathians, mainly agglutinated benthic foraminifera of siliceous composition are developed. Planktonic foraminifera are distributed locally – in calcareous facies. The most complete sequence of Paleocene–Eocene planktonic foraminifera is represented in the Metova Formation (the Vezhany nappe of the Inner Carpathians). The results of own researches of natural sections of sediments distributed within the Magursky, Monastyretsky and Vezhany nappes of the Ukrainian Carpathians together with the analysis of literature sources are used. The article presents a generalized biozonal division of the Paleocene–Eocene of the Ukrainian Carpathians by planktonic foraminifera. On the basis of certain correlation levels, a comparison with the Geological Time Scale was made. The Parvularugoglobigerina eugubina Zone (lowermost Danian), Globoconusa daubjergensis Zone (middle Danian), Praemurica inconstans Zone (upper Danian); Morozovella angulata Zone (lower Selandian); Globanomalina pseudomenardii Zone fnd Acarinina acarinata Zone (upper Selandian–Thanetian); Morozovella subbotinae Zone (lower Ypresian), Morozovella aragonensis Zone (upper Ypresian); Acarinina bullbrooki Zone (lower Lutetian), Acarinina rotundimarginata Zone (upper Lutetian); Hantkenina alabamensis Zone (Bartonian); Globigerinatheka tropicalis Zone (lower Priabonian) and Subbotina corpulenta Zone (upper Priabonian) based on planktonic foraminifera are characterized in studied deposits.

Microfaunal Assemblages and microfacies of Nummulitic Limestone of Naopurdan Group from Chwarta Area, Sulaimaniya Governorate, Northern Iraq

Thirty-one samples were collected from nummulitic limestone of the Naopurdan Shaly Group of Paleocene-Early Eocene at the northern part of Chwarta town. Thirty-three thin sections were prepared and analyzed under a binocular microscope. Four main depositional microfacies Packstone, Floatstone, Boundstone, and Wackestone have been recognized. Thirty-two species of benthic foraminifers and algae were recorded; most of them were identified for the first time. The new species of microfossil assemblages identified comprises Nummulites sp., N. kdjokdjokartae, N. globulus, N. mammilatus, N. subirregularis, Alveolina violae, A. stercusmuris, A. frumentiformis, A. fornasinii, A. cf. sakaryaensis, Assilina laminose, A. granulosa, Discocyclina ranikotensis, D. dispansa, Lepidocyclina sumatrensis, L. parva, Cuvillierina sireli, Thalmanitta madrugaensis, Nephrolepidina sp., Idalina sinjarica, Cymopolia ellongata, Quinqueloculina, Biloculina, Pseudohatigerina sp., Asterocyclina ferrandezi n. sp. and Eulepidina dilatata. Besides these species, nine levels of distribution of microfauna were established and based on the microfossil assemblages and microfacies, the new paleoenvironments of deposition from the subtidal to outer ramp have been determined. In addition, the age Late Paleocene (Selandian) to Early Eocene (Lower Lutetian) was confirmed.

Libysiren sickenbergi, gen. et sp. nov.: a new sirenian (Mammalia, Protosirenidae) from the middle Eocene of Libya

ABSTRACT Fossil sirenian specimens collected in 1964 by the late R. J. G. Savage's expeditions in north-central Libya are described. They come from early middle Eocene (lower Lutetian, 47.8–43.6 Ma) deposits at the locality of Bu el Haderait and represent a new genus and species, Libysiren sickenbergi. This animal is the largest known protosirenid, and the largest Eocene sirenian known to date (condylobasal length >420 mm). Its dental formula was apparently 3.1.5.3, with five premolar loci as in all other Eocene sirenians, but the teeth are mostly not preserved. Its postcranial skeleton is unknown except for the atlas, a thoracic vertebra, and rib fragments. Stable isotopes indicate a mostly seagrass diet and a habitat of fully marine salinity. The Protosirenidae presently comprise the genera Protosiren, Ashokia, and Libysiren, with their interrelationships unresolved. Together, they are most parsimoniously regarded as a paraphyletic group basal to both Trichechidae and Dugongidae. However, as more of their morphology and diversity are revealed, they may prove to be more closely allied to the former and may shed crucial light on the still-mysterious origins of the trichechids (manatees). http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:2D9966C3-314F-4657-BDCA-E1685C0C7081 SUPPLEMENTAL DATA—Supplemental materials are available for this article for free at http://vertpaleo.org/Publications/Journal-of-Vertebrate-Paleontology.aspx Citation for this article: Domning, D. P., G. J. Heal, and S. Sorbi. 2017. Libysiren sickenbergi, gen. et sp. nov.: a new sirenian (Mammalia, Protosirenidae) from the middle Eocene of Libya. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2017.1299158.

Middle Eocene-Early Miocene larger foraminifera from Dhofar (Oman) and Socotra Island (Yemen)

Here, the larger foraminifera found in Middle Eocene-Early Miocene rocks from Dhofar (Oman) and Socotra Island (Yemen) are studied in detail. The architectural analysis leads to the description of five new genera and nine new species: five agglutinated foraminifera, Pseudolituonella robineti n. sp., Socotraella ashawqi n. gen. n. sp., Pseudoaccordiella ayaki n. gen. n. sp., Barattolites andhuri n. sp., and Rogerella aydimi n. gen. n. sp.; and four porcellaneous foraminifera, Idalina grelaudae n. sp., Idalina pignattii n. sp., Macetadiscus incolumnatus n. gen. n. sp., and Omanodiscus tenuissimus n. gen. n. sp. The larger foraminifera identified in a composite section located in western Dhofar, in the Shuwaymiyah section located in eastern Dhofar, and in the Wadi Ayak section located on Socotra Island have facilitated the identification of the following larger foraminifera zones: SBZ 14–SBZ 15 (middle Lutetian), SBZ 16 (late Lutetian), SBZ 17 (Bartonian), SBZ 18 (latest Bartonian-earliest Priabonian), SBZ 19–SBZ 20 (Priabonian), SB 21–SB 22A (Rupelian), SB 22B–SB 23 (Chattian), and SB 24 (Aquitanian). All these data permit to assess the age of the following lithostratigraphic units: Dammam Fm.—Andhur Mb. lower Lutetian?-middle Lutetian age (SBZ 13?–SBZ 14 partim), Qara Mb. middle Lutetian (SBZ 14–SBZ 15), and Uyun Mb. upper Lutetian (SBZ 16); Aydim Fm.—Heiron Mb. Bartonian (SBZ 17), Moosak Mb. upper Bartonian-Priabonian (SBZ 18–SBZ 20), Tagut Mb. Priabonian (SBZ 19–SBZ 20), and Haluf Mb. Priabonian (SBZ 19–SBZ 20) to lower Rupelian (SBZ 21) on Socotra Island; Ashawq Fm. Rupelian (SB 21–SB 22A); and Mughsayl Fm. Chattian-Aquitanian (SB 23–SB 24).

Remains of sea turtles from the Ikovo locality (Lugansk Region, Ukraine; Middle Eocene)

Fragmentary remains of sea turtles (Cheloniidae sensu lato: Argillochelys sp., Puppigerus nessovi Averianov, 2005, and Cheloniidae gen. indet.) from the Ikovo locality (Lugansk Region, Ukraine; Lower Lutetian, Middle Eocene) are described. The genera Argillochelys and Puppigerus are recorded for the first time in Eastern Europe. The turtle assemblage from Ikovo is similar at the generic level to West European assemblages (Belgium, Great Britain) of approximately the same age (Lower-Middle Eocene). In the presence of P. nessovi, the Ikovo assemblage is similar to that from the Middle Eocene Dzheroi 2 locality (Uzbekistan).

Associated skeletal and dental remains of a fossil odontaspidid shark (Elasmobranchii: Lamniformes)from the Middle Eocene Lillebælt Clay Formation in Denmark

A set of associated vertebrae and teeth of a fossil shark was collected from the lower Lutetian (Middle Eocene) part of the Lillebælt Clay Formation in Denmark. Its vertebral morphology indicates that the individual belongs to an odontaspidid lamniform shark. Although it is here identified as Odontaspididae indet., its tooth morphology suggests that the fossil shark possibly belongs to an undescribed taxon closely allied to Odontaspis or Palaeohypotodus. Based on comparisons with extant Odontaspis, the fossil individual possibly measured about 333 cm in total length. The disarticulated nature of the specimen in a low-energy deposit indicates that the shark carcass must have been lying on the sea floor for some time before its burial. The fossil individual was found along with a possible shed tooth of another indeterminate odontaspidid taxon.

The selachians’ faunas of the Moroccan phosphate deposits and the KT mass-extinctions

The Cretaceous and Tertiary phosphate deposits of Morocco which have a vertical thickness covering 25 My (Maastrichtian–Lower Lutetian), are well known for their rich fossil archives. The selachians' fish constitute the most abundant and varied vertebrate faunas. Analysis of the dynamics and patterns of extinctions and faunal renewals identified two significant episodes of high rates of extinction. A mass-extinctions event took place at the end of the Maastrichtian (Cretaceous–Tertiary boundary, KT) when more than 95% of species disappeared. The Lower Ypresian witnessed a second, selective, event which appears to have mainly affected sharks. Geochemical analysis may enlighten the environmental changes.

Composition isotopique, mineralogique et genèse des dolomies du Bassin de Paris

The Tertiary and Cretaceous carbonate sediments of the Paris Basin include several dolomitic limestone and dolostone horizons. Samples of these lithologies were studied employing normal pétrographic procedures and X-ray diffraction methods. The results of these studies were subsequently compared with oxygen and carbon isotopic analyses of these specimens. The abundance of dolomite (which in all cases proved to be well-ordered) was determined by X-ray powder diffraction augmented by chemical analyses and microscopical examination. The present studies indicate that the Cretaceous dolomites were formed by incomplete diagenetic dolomitization of limestone precursors under submarine conditions. Subsequent to uplift a partial dedolomitization of the rocks was effected by percolating meteoric waters which also caused minor isotopic readjustments in non-dolomitic limestones. Lower Lutetian (Middle Eocene) carbonate horizons also demonstrate the same phenomena. Two distinct generations of calcite are distinguishable, namely: “unaltered” limestone calcite and secondary spar. The secondary spar was deposited by meteoric waters and is easily recognised by optical procedures or through isotopic analyses. The calcite of the undolomitised limestones exhibits no signs of recrystallization post-neomorphism and contains approximately 3 permil less O 18 than laterally equivalent dolomites. If the assumption is made that the secondary dolomites will in all cases retain the original isotopic composition of the limestone precursors, several possibilities exist which might account for the isotopic ratios of the undolomitised limestones: (1) The primary limestone precursors of the dolomites may have been deposited under facies conditions different from the ones of the “unaltered” limestones and therefore the two limestone types do not share a common origin. (2) the undolomitised and dolomitised lithologies share a common sedimentary origin but the former rocks suffered a change in isotopic composition due to exchange with percolating meteoric waters. (3) The dolomite is of dual origin, namely, in part a product of primary co-precipitation with calcite and in part a result of secondary diagenesis. The primary dolomite was enriched by approximately 6 permil O 18 with respect to the calcite whereas the secondary dolomite assumed the isotopic composition of the primary calcite which it replaced. This dual origin of the dolomite could thus explain not only the observed isotopic difference between “unaltered” limestone and dolomite but also the coexistence of extremely fine grained dolomite (crystals ⪡10 μ) with dolomite rhombohedra of 40–50 μ diameter. During the Upper Lutetian a highly variable sequence exhibiting rapid facies variations was deposited. The marine sedimentary basin was evidently subjected to alternating periods of strong evaporation and influx of large volumes of continental water. The oxygen and carbon isotopic compositions of the carbonates within the Upper Lutetian sequence were controlled by their depositional environments and thus the isotopic analyses of these carbonate horizons provided valuable clues as to the paleo-environment. Whilst the majority of the dolomite in the Upper Lutetian are of secondary origin, some primary dolomite layers possibly exist. During the Upper Eocene large amounts of gypsum with intercalated argillaceous and dolomitic horizons were deposited. Within these sediments the dolomite is characteristically 4·5–5·5 permil richer in O 18 than the associated calcite and it is concluded that the two carbonates resulted from coprecipitation involving isotopic equilibrium in a continental environment.

Essai de correlation stratigraphique entre les marnes a Xanthopsis de la Chalosse, les couches a Nummulites atacicus des Corbieres septentrionales et du Mont-Cayla et le Lutetien du bassin de Paris

Abstract Underlying Cuisian beds, assignment of middle Ilerdian to upper Paleocene, faunal lists, stratigraphic relations, Eocene, lower Lutetian, France

Presence du genre Gagaria (echinide regulier temnopleuride) dans l'Eocene moyen de la vallee du Senegal

Abstract The genus Gagaria, known in the Eocene of the Indian peninsula, is noted for the first time in the lower Lutetian of the Senegal-Mauritania sedimentary basin. It is represented by G. foutatoroensis n. sp., whose mode of occurrence is defined. Comments on the associated fauna and on the environment where this species must have lived are given. G. foutatoroensis is interesting because of its relationships with several genera (Thylechinus, Orthechinus, Triplacidia) existing at the same time, especially in Senegal and Egypt.

Etude biometrique et statistique de Nummulites laevigatus Bruguiere dans les bassins de Paris et du Hampshire; implications stratigraphiques

Abstract Biometric and statistical analysis of approximately 4500 specimens of Nummulites laevigatus from the Paris basin and from Hampshire (Wight, England), indicates that this species belongs to the lower Lutetian (Eocene), and that the enclosing beds are equivalent to the Bracklesham and the Fisher beds VI and VII of England and the Bruxellian of Belgium. N. laevigatus forms only one biozone. Among the results of the study are the recognition of a diminishing frequency in the irregularity and loose coiling of the spire in favor of regularity and tight coiling, from the base to the top of the lower Lutetian, and the dominance of flattened forms in the older lower Lutetian outcrops.

Etude du Lutetien inferieur a Boissy-Saint-Leu-d'Esserent (Oise)

Abstract Stratigraphic, paleontological and sedimentological study of the lower Lutetian limestones and sands exposed in a railroad cut northwest of Boissy, in the Creil area (France), provides more precise information on the lower Lutetian in the region northwest of the Oise river. The three upper beds in the cut represent the transition from the lower to upper Lutetian and are equivalent to Zone III of R. Abrard. The three lower beds are partially dolomitized and represent Abrard's Zone II. Although the boundary between these two zones is dolomitized, it can be determined on the basis of the microfauna. Granulometry of the quartz sand shows a characteristic coarse grain in the lower Lutetian becoming finer in the upper zone.

Etude du Lutetien inferieur de Saint-Leu-d'Esserent (Oise)

Abstract Stratigraphic, paleontologic and sedimentologic study of an escarpment on the right bank of the Oise river at Saint-Leu-d'Esserent, France, permits the division of the lower Lutetian beds into three zones corresponding to R. Abrard's zones I, II, and III. Zone I is characterized by Nummulites lamarcki and Lenita patellaris. It consists of coarse sands representing tumultuous sedimentation and limestones with a constant fauna indicating calm depositional conditions. The microfauna is similar to the Aizy Cuisian but the frequencies are different--Miliolidae do not exist in zone I. The zone I-II passage is progressive, marked only by the appearance of Nummulites laevigatus, the decrease in N. lamarcki and the disappearance of Lenita patellaris. The two zones seem to belong to the same group--lower Lutetian. The zone II-III boundary is clear, corresponding to a major change in bathymetry, the seas having become quite shallow. Zone III is characterized by the disappearance of glauconite and N. laevigatus and by the rapid increase of the Miliolidae and Orbitolites complanatus. These facts suggest that part of Abrard's zone IV--basal upper Lutetian--is also present. The granulometry and heavy mineral content of the beds are presented in tabular form. A complete list of the microfauna is given.

Donnees nouvelles sur le Nummulitique pyreneen

Abstract Details of the stratigraphy of the Nummulitic (Tertiary) of the south flank of the Pyrenees (Spain) are reviewed, and the history of the range during that time is outlined. Preliminary orogenic movements occurred in the lower Lutetian; the major folding took place at the end of the Oligocene or the beginning of the Miocene.

Etude des orthophragmines contenues dans les marnes a Xanthopsis dufourii (Lutetien inf.) de la chalosse de Montfort (Landes)

Abstract Describes an orthophragmine foraminiferal fauna (including Discocyclina trabayensis n.sp.) from lower Lutetian (Tertiary) Xanthopsis durourii-bearing marls which outcrop on the southern flank of the Audignon ridge and, farther west, on the flanks of the Louer dome, Aquitaine, France.

Societies and Academies

LONDON. Geological Society, April 22.—W. L. F. Nuttall: The stratigraphy and palaeontology of the Laki series (Lower Eocene) of parts of Sind and Baluchistan (India). Some of the massive white foraminiferal Eocene limestones of Sind, with a thickness of about 600 feet, found along the Laki Range and in Lower Sind, contain a different and earlier fauna of Fora-minifera than that of the Kirthar series as exposed in the Kirthar Range. In the area near Meting the following divisions in the Laki series are proposed: Laki Limestone, Meting Shales, Meting Limestone, Basal Laki Laterite. The term Alveolina Limestone is discarded, as Alveolinae are found in both the Laki and the Meting Limestones. The Meting Limestone is correlated with the Dunghan Limestone of R. D. Oldham, which is found in the Bolan Pass and other places in Baluchistan. The Ghazij Shales of Baluchistan, which are absent in Sind, pass up conformably into the Lower Kirthar series. The upper part of these shales is younger than the- Laki Limestone. In Sind the Laki Limestone is overlain unconformably by the Middle Kirthar, Nari (Oligocene), or Lower Manchar (Pliocene) beds. The Laki series rests unconformably on the Upper Ranikot, with the upper members of the Laki series as traced northwards overlapping the lower. The fauna of the Laki series, which is different from that of the Kirthar series, suggests that the former are of Lower Eocene age rather than Lower Lutetian, as has hitherto been supposed.