Biostratigraphic and Paleoecologic studies using calcareous nannofossils and benthic foraminifera of some Upper Cretaceous-Lower Tertiary exposures in Central Sinai, Egypt.

Abstract

The present work deals with the biostratigraphic and paleoecologic studies using calcareous nannofossils and benthic foraminifera of some Upper Cretaceous-Lower Tertiary exposures in Central Sinai, Egypt. Three sections; Sudr, West and East El Hasana were measured, sampled, and studied in detail. Lithostratigraphically, the encountered succession was subdivided into three rock units arranged from base to top; Sudr Formation that was recorded in Sudr and West El Hasana sections, the Esna Shale that was recorded in the three sections and the Egma Formation was recorded in Sudr and East El Hasana sections. One hundred and thirty-seven (137) samples were investigated, to identify calcareous nannofossils, planktic and benthic foraminifera for age determination and paleoecological interpretations. Ninety two (92) calcareous nannofossil species have been recorded and belong to forty three (43) genera. This identification leads to recognize twelve calcareous nannofossil biozones; Micula murus Subzone (CC25c), Cruciplacolithus tenuis (NP2), Chiasmolithus danicus (NP3), Ellipsolithus macellus (NP4), Fasciculithus tympaniformis (NP5), Heliolithus Kleinpellii (NP6), Discoaster mohleri (NP7/8), Discoaster multiradiatus (NP9), Tribrachiatus contortus (NP10), Discoaster binodosus (NP11) and Tribrachiatus orthostylus (NP12). The identification of the planktic marker species led to identi