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

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Geology Dept., Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt

2 Geological and Biol. Sci. Dept., Suez Canal Univ., El-Arish, Faculty of Education, El-Arish, North Sinai, Egypt.

3 Geology Dept., Faculty of Sci., Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.

Abstract

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

Keywords

Journal of Soil and Water Sciences
Volume 1, Issue 1
January 2013
Pages 45-68

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