Calcareous nannofossil changes linked to climate deterioration during the Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum in Tarim Basin,NW China

The Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum(PETM) event was a dramatic global warming w55.93 Ma ago that resulted in biological extinction events, lithological changes, and major deviations in σ13 C and σ18 O.The southwestern Tarim Basin of China exposes successive Paleogene strata as a result of Tethys evolution and is considered an ideal region for PETM research.Based on calcareous nannoplankton biostratigraphy, we also used stable isotopes and XRD to analyse the Paleocene-Eocene transition in the Tarim Basin. At the Bashibulake Section, the PETM interval is characterized by(1) an abrupt negative shifts in σ13 C_(org), σ13 C_(carb) and σ18 O(-3%, -4.5% and -3%respectively);(2) an obvious negative correlation between the K-mode(Discoaster, Fasciculithus, Ericsonia, Sphenolithus and Rhomboaster) and r-mode(Biscutum, Chiasmolithus, Toweius) nannofossil taxa coincident with a robust Rhomboaster-Discoaster assemblage; and(3) a significant increase in the percentage of detrital input along with an increase in gypsum content. In the upper part of the Qimugen Formation Micrantholithus and Braarudosphaera are commonly found right up to the top where most of the nannofloras suffer a sharp decrease. In the overlying Gaijitage Formation, calcareous nannofossils disappear completely. These events indicate that the southwestern Tarim Basin was a warm shallow continental shelf during the deposition of the Qimugen Formation. From the early Eocene, the environment changed conspicuously. Evaporation increased and sea level fell, which led to an acid climate.This climate mode continued within the youngest unit studied, the Gaijitage Formation, characterized by the deposition of thick evaporates. Consequently, most of the marine plankton, i.e. calcareous nannoplankton, became disappear, because of the significant climate shift.

Calcareous Nannofossils and Molecular Fossils in Cobalt-rich Crusts and their Response to the P/E Global Event

A biostratigraphic study on calcareous nannofossils from the CM3D06 Co-rich ferromanganese crust from the Magellan seamounts in the northwestern Pacific enabled estimation of depositional age. The bio-imprinting of calcareous nannofossils and other fossil species suggests six age ranges for the nannofossils： late Cretaceous, late Paleocene, （early, middle, late） Eocene, middle Miocene, late Pliocene, and Pleistocene. Gas chromatography （GC） and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry （GC-MS） were used to test the Co-rich crusts, and a variety of molecular fossils were detected, such as chloroform bituminous ＂A＂ , n-alkane, isoprenoid and sterol. Peak carbon and molecular indices （such as C23-/C24＋, CPI, Pr/Ph, Pr/nC17, Ph/nCxs and j13C） indicate that the parent organic matter is dominated by marine phytoplankton and thallogen whereas there is little input of terrestrial organic matter. Researches on calcareous nannofossils, molecular fossils and molecular organic geochemistry data reveal that the Paleocene/Eocene （P/E） global event is recorded in the cobalt- rich crusts from the northwestern Pacific Ocean. A succession of biomes can be observed near the 85 mm boundary （about 55 Ma）, i.e., the disappearance of the late Cretaceous Watznaueria barnesae and Zigodicus spiralis, and Broisonia parka microbiotas above the P/E boundary, and the bloom of Coccolithus formosus, Discoaster multiradiatus, Discoaster mohleri and Discoaster sp. below the boundary. Typical parameters of molecular fossils, such as saturated hydrocarbon components and carbon-number maxima, Pr/Ph, Pr/C17, Ph/C18, distribution types of sterols, Ts/Tm ratios and bacterial hopane, also exhibit dramatic changes near the P/E boundary. These integrated results illustrate that the biome succession of calcareous nannofossils, relative content of molecular fossils and molecular indices in the cobalt-rich crusts near the 85 mm boundary faithfully record the P/E global event.

Cenozoic Calcareous Nannofossil Biostratigraphy of Sediments from Lingfeng Well in East China Sea

A biostratigraphic study of calcareous nannofossils of sediments from Lingfeng No.1 well in the East China Sea was carried out to provide more detailed nannofossil data and a stratigraphic correlation among offshore wells located in the East China Sea.14 Paleocene to Pleistocene calcareous nannofossil zones were recognized based on a detailed examination. According to these nannofossil data, the Paleocene/Eocene and Pliocene/Pleistocene boundaries, as well as the Miocene base were determined.Oligocene NP23 and Miocene NN1 zones are firstly recognized by this study. The existence of Miocene NN1 at this well suggests that the Miocene transgression began in the Early Miocene in this area. The records of NP23 indicate that the marine Oligocene sediments exist in the series of Lingfeng wells, but probably as very thin layers.

Miocene to Pliocene Paleoceanography of the Western Equatorial Pacific Ocean Based on Calcareous Nannofossils, ODP Hole 805B

We describe in detail the Miocene to Quaternary paleoceanography of the western equatorial Pacific Ocean based on calcareous nannofossils of Hole 805B. The relative abundance of Discoaster which lived in the lower photic zone under the stable sea with nutricline and thermocline, decreased step by step at NN5/NN6 and NN10/NN11 boundaries. Al- though the size of Reticulofenestra which is strongly influenced by nutrient, increased five times throughout the section, it drastically decreased in NN4-5 zone, NN10, NN12, and in NN15/NN16 boundary. On the basis of the relationship between Discoaster abundance and Reticulofenestra size change, collapse of the stability of the sea surface in the west- ern equatorial Pacific Ocean progressed step by step throughout the Miocene to Quaternary.

Sea-Surface Dynamics Changes in the Subpolar North Atlantic Ocean (IODP Site U1314) during Late Pliocene Climate Transition Based on Calcareous Nannofossil Observation

Calcareous nannofossils were observed to reconstruct the surface water conditions during late Pliocene climate transition (2.55 to 2.88 Ma) from the southern Gardar Drift, in the subpolar North Atlantic IODP Site U1314 (56°21.9’1N, 27°53.3’W). A total of 24 species from 14 genera were identified by polarizing microscope observation. The coccolith assemblages are dominated by species belonging to genus Reticulofenestra with different (size-defined) morphotype. Hence, changes in paleoceanographic condition are shown by the size variation of Reticulofenstraspecimens. Before ~2.76 Ma, the studied interval is characterized by the presence of an abundant larger Reticulofenstra group. It indicates warm oligotrophic and stable surface waters. At ~2.76 Ma the abundance of large Reticulofenstra decreased abruptly and alternated with small Reticulofenstra, suggesting collapse of sea surface stability with strong mixing condition. This event coeval with the final closure of the Central American Seaway (CAS) and the onset of intensified North Hemisphere Glaciation (NHG). Subsequently, the size variation of Reticulofenestra specimens exhibits a sequential pattern that is somewhere consistent with the interglacial-glacial cycle. The pattern begins with a gradual increase in size upward during interglacial suggesting warm oligotrophic and stable condition, and ends with an abrupt decrease in coccolith size during glacial suggesting eutrophic or strong mixing condition and destabilized sea surface waters.

Tertiary Calcareous Nannofossil Biostratigraphy in the North Part of the South China Sea

The marine Tertiary sequence in the north part of the South China Sea may be divided into 18 LateOligocene to Pliocene calcareous nannofossil zones and one unnamed Eocene assemblage based on an analysisof calcareous nannofossils from 40 offshore boreholes. The unnamed Eocene assemblage has been found onlyon the northeast margin of the Zhujiangkou basin. The 18 cakareous nannofossil zones of the Late Oligoceneto Pliocene were deposited in succession, but their development degrees are different. Among the 18 calcareousnannofossil zones, those corresponding to Martini's (1971) NN4- NN5 zones, NN11 zone and NN13-NN15zones are well developed, relatively persistent laterally and also widely distributed. They are the importantmarkers for the stratigraphical subdivision and correlation of the Upper Tertiary between the various basins inthe north part of the South China Sea. Based on the calcareous nannofossils and the sedimentsry features coup-led with the foraminifer zonation in certain basins, the present paper discusses the sedimentary characteristicsof the marine Tertiary and as well as the distribution and development of the sedimentary hiatus in the region.The calcareous nannofossil markers for the Upper / Lower Tertiary and the Quaternary / Tertiary boundaries,and the characteristics and geological significance of the reworked calcareous nannofossils are also discussed inthe paper.

Late Quaternary Calcareous Nannofossils from the Offshore Sediments in southern Hongkong

Abstract Based upon the features of nannofossil composition, distribution, abundance and diversity, the fossil-bearing sediments exposed by five drill holes in the offshore area of southern Hongkong can be divided into the upper Middle Pleistocene, the Upper Pleistocene and Holocene. There were two palaeoclimatic stages in the Holocene in this area according to fossil palaeoecologic and sedimentation analyses: the temperature-rising stage and the warm stage. The latter involves two temperature-falling periods, which could be the major factor causing sea-level fall during that time.

Late Oligocene Sedimentary Hiatus in Deep Sea Area of South China Sea, Result of Calcareous Nannofossils from ODP Site 1148

In order to determine the age of the sedimentary hiatus and its geological significance, a study of the calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy was carried out. Detailed stratigraphical data of the Late Oligocene-Early Miocene diagnostic species thus obtained. The nannofossil zonation of this interval was subdivided and the Oligocene-Miocene boundary was further determined. Several last Late Oligocene events were recognized, indicating a long-term sedimentary hiatus in the uppermost Upper Oligocene. The time span of the hiatus was estimated for about 2.2 Ma, at least from 23.9 to 26.1 Ma. The lithological and geophysical data from Site 1148 indicate some abrupt sedimentary changes that occurred below and above the hiatus. This hiatus at Site 1148 was probably related to the tectonic change, a major ridge jump during the seafloor spreading in the Late Oligocene South China Sea.

Distribution of dominant species and abundance of nannofossils in surface sediments of the central and northern partsof the South China Sea──Comparison and discussion

The distributional trends and their controlling factors of dominant species and nannofossil abundance in sur face sediments of marginal and coastal seas in low to middle latitudes and high latitudes are discussed on the basis of theanalysis of 146 samples from the nothern and central parts of the South China Sea and of comparison between the resultsof current work and data from other seas.Despite significant variations in taxonomic composition between seas or between areas within one sea, there are somegeneral trends in nannofossil distribution of marginal and coastal seas. All those nannofossil assemblages in middle and lowlatitudes are dominated by two species: Gephyrocapsa oceanica and Emiliania huxleyi. Although the relative abundanceof these species may vary greatly from area to area, Gephyrocapsa oceanica in general prevails in nearshore or semiclosedenvironments, increasing in number towards the shoreline, while Emiliania huxleyi increases in relative abundance to wards continental slope and open ocean environments, decreasing in abundance again only in very deep-water, i. e., nearthe CCD. Similarly, the abundance of calcareous nannofossils, as a whole, is lower nearshore, increasing with water depthtowards the continental slope, and then decreasing again towards and near the CCD. In high latitudes, the dominantspecies are Emiliania huxleyi and Coccolithus pelagicus.There are two groups of factors controlling the nannofossil distribution in surface sediments: ecological factors, in cluding particularly water temperature, supply of nutrients; and sedimentological factors, including influx of terrigenousmaterials and deep-water carbonate dissolution.

Calcareous Nannofossil Biostratigraphy and Stage Boundaries of the Santonian-Eocene Successions in Wadi El Mizeira Northeastern Sinai, Egypt

The stratigraphic successions exposed in Wadi El Mizeira have been dated through the analysis of the calcareous nannofossil assemblages. The results of this study indicate that the successions comprise the Santonian-Late Maastrichtian (Sudr Formation), the Paleocene (Esna Formation) and the Early Eocene (Thebes Formation). The following biozones were recognized: Late Santonian, CC16 Zone;Late Santonian/Early Campanian, CC17 Zone;Early Campanian, Aspidolithus parcus Zone (CC18) Zone;Late Maastrichtian, CC25c Zone;Early Paleocene (Late Danian), NP3 Zone and NP4 Zone;Late Paleocene (Thanethian-Selandian), NP5 Zone;Early Eocene, NP9b Zone, NP10a Zone, NP11 Zone, NP12 Zone and NP14 Zone. Several stratigraphic hiatus were recorded in the studied interval including the absence of Cretaceous nannofossil Zones CC19 to CC25b and CC26 as well as the early Paleocene Zones NP1 and NP2 and probably the basal part of Zone NP3, in addition to the absence of the Zones NP6 and NP7/8. These hiatus may be attributed to environmental conditions, structural activity and/or post depositional processes. This work represents the first attempt to evaluate the nannofossil taxa of the Wadi El Mizeira, Northeastern Sinai.

Morphological Description of Calcareous Nannofossils Assemblage of a Middle-Miocene to Late-Miocene Section in the Niger-Delta, Nigeria

Forty four (44) different forms of nannofossils recovered from the middle-Miocene to late-Miocene sediments of a section ((8900 - 11,000) ft (2713 - 3353 m)) of a well in the prolific oil producing Niger delta, Nigeria were described and grouped into twelve, though not on phylogenetic relationship, for documentation purpose. The standard strewn-slide technique was used to recover the fossils. The aim is to present the distinguishing morphological features of each of the nannofossils group. Of the recovered forms Genus, Discoaster, was found prominent and divisible into six sub-groups: 6-rayed discoaster with bifurcations, 6-rayed discoasters without bifurcation, 5-rayed discoasters, 5-rayed discoaster with acute bifurcations, 5-rayed nannolith and the indeterminate forms. Genus Sphenolithus recovered is also divisible into two: species without prominent apical spines and species with prominent, monocrystalline apical spines. Other genera found and described are Catinaster, Cyclicargolithus, Coccolithu, Minylitha, Syracosphaera, Helicosphaera, Pontosphaera, Calcidiscus and Reticulofenestra. All the nannofossils fall within NN11, NN10, NN9, NN8 and NN5 zones belonging to the Middle-Late Miocene age.

Investigation of the Boundary between Abderaz and Kalat Formations Based on Calcareous Nannofossils in West Kopet-Dagh (NE IRAN)

The biostratigraphy of calcareous nannofossils of the Cretaceous is investigated in the boundary between Abderaz and Kalat Formations through the record of species richness, diversity and distribution patterns in the west Kopet-Dagh region. The Kalat Formation comprising of coarse-grained detritus limestone with subordinate sandstone intercalations and the Abderaz Formation mainly consists of limestone, Shale and Limy marl. Nannofossils of this boundary in each of studied sections are listed and figured. 21 species in?Ghalehzoo section, 29 species in Sheikh section and 19 species in Jozak section have been determined. Boistratigraphy based on calcareous nannofossil allow the identification of nannofossil standard zones CC21 and CC26 in all of sections, According to these zones in all of sections, the age of the studied thickness is Early Late Campanian-Late Late Maastrichtian in these sections.

Late Maastrichtian Calcareous Nannofossil Biostratigraphy and Paleoecology of the Tamera Well, Siwa Area, Western Desert, Egypt

The upper Cretaceous interval of the Khoman Formation in the Tamera well, Siwa area, Western Desert of Egypt was studied for the first time on the basis of calcareous nannofossils. Twenty-one nannofossil species were identified from this interval. The study interval includes the Micula murus Zone, which is precisely dated as Late Maastrichtian age. The Micula murus Zone includes besides the marker species: Micula decussata, Watznaueria barnesae, Arkhangelsktella cymbiformis and relatively rare occurrences of Eiffellithus turrisieffellii, Cribrosphaerella ehrenbergii, Thoracosphaera operculata and Braarudosphaera bigelowii. The latest Maastrichtian Micula prinsi Zone is missing, and an unconformity surface is detected in this well. The high abundance of Micula decussata is indicative of very low surface productivity and high-stress environmental conditions. Several nannofossil species are recognized as cool water indicators such as Micula decussata, and Arkhangelsktella cymbiformis.

Reconstruction of Paleoceanography Significance in the Western Pacific and Atlantic Oceans during the Neogene Based on Calcareous Nannofossil Productivity and Size Variations, Related to the Global Tectonic Events

We investigated the calcareous nannofossils in the western Pacific and Bahama Bank of Caribbean Sea to reconstruct the paleoceanography and correlate with the global events. The absolute abundant of coccolith (number/g) are gradually increased from NN6 throughout NN19 Zone, while the relative abundance of Discoaster is decreased at Sites 782 in the western Pacific Ocean. The changes of the modal and maximum size of Reticulofenestra which are strongly reflected the collapse of sea surface stability, show four times in 8.8 Ma, 6.4 Ma, 5.4 Ma and 3.75 Ma at Site 782. On the basis of relationship between the changes of maximum sizes of Reticulofenestra and nutrient condition, these eutrophication events are clearly traceable to the western Pacific, Bahama Bank, northwestern Pacific Ocean and to the Indian Ocean. Two paleoceanographic events found in 8.8 Ma and 3.75 Ma are interpreted as change to high nutrient condition resulted in the intensification of Asian Monsoon and closure of Panama Isthmus.

Stratigraphy of the Alveolina elliptica group from the Middle Eocene of Iran:Calibration with calcareous nannofossils biozones and description of Alveolina ozcani n. sp.

Precise taxonomy and the chronostratigraphic calibration of the Middle Eocene Alveolina from Central Iran is here undertaken from the Chah-Talkh section of the southern Sabzevar region(Central Iran). We have identified Alveolina kieli, Alveolina stercusmuris and Alveolina nuttalli along with the new species Alveolina ozcani n. sp. that we include into the Alveolina elliptica group. We have also found Nummulites uroniensis, Nummulites obesus and Nummulites cf. verneuili and associated calcareous nannofossils that look reliable to make thoughtful correlations with the Shallow Benthic Zones(SBZ). The foraminiferal biostratigraphy suggests an assignment to the upper part of the lower Lutetian-lower part of the middle Lutetian,SBZ13(Middle Eocene), further strengthened through the identification of the calcareous nannofossil NP14b-NP15b or CNE8-CNE10 biozones, providing a solid correlation with the global stratigraphic standards.

Exploring variations in upper ocean structure for the last 2 Ma of the Nansha area by means of calcareous nannofossils

A great number of calcareous nannofossils have been found in the deep-sea sediments of 2.32 Ma at ODP Site 1143 located in the Nansha area, the southern South China Sea. The number of coccoliths varies from about 0.5 × 106 up to almost 53 × 106 coccoliths/g sediment, with an average of 16 × 106 coccoliths/g sediment. The accumulation rate of total coccoliths varies from 1 × 106 to 278 × 106coccoliths/cm2 ka. The nannofossil assemblages are usually dominated by a Iower-photic species-Florisphaera profunda, of which the average percentage is about 70% in all samples. The absolute abundance and the accumulation rate of nannofossils as well as the per centage of F. profunda display significant oscillations on two different time scales. One is the fluc tuation coincident with the glacial-interglacial cycle, and the other is the long-term changes on a time scale longer than 100 ka. Six evolutionary stages of calcareous nannofossils could be divided for the last 2.32 Ma, from which we can reconstruct the changes in the depth of nutricline of the Nansha area. In this paper, the possible mechanism resulting in these variations is also discussed.

Variations in late Quaternary upper ocean structure of Okinawa Trough:A nannofossil approach

The relative abundance of Florisphaera profunda , a calcareous nannofossil species in lower euphotic zone, affords an opportunity to study variations in upper ocean structure such as thickness of mixed layer. As revealed by the nannofossil analysis in sediments since 20 ka B.P. from three Okinawa Trough cores, the percentage of F. profunda increased significantly from glacial to Holocene, with a declining event ca 4 ka B.P. in its southern part. Its downcore trend is similar to that of Pulleniatina obliquiloculata, a tropical planktonic foraminiferal species which lives in subsurface water below thermocline in the modern ocean. Their similar variations imply an eastward shift of the Kuroshio Current, a reduction in thickness of the mixed layer, a shallowing of thermocline and a possible increase of turbidity in the upper ocean during the glaciation. The eastward shift of the Kuroshio might be repeated again about 4 ka B.P.

Lithostratigraphy and Biostratigraphy Based on Calcareous Nannofossils at the Late Campanian to Thanetian Transition in the Izeh Zone,Southwestern Iran(Eastern Neo-Tethys)

This study investigates the Gurpi Formation in the northeast of Izeh,southwestern Iran.In this study,59 species and 34 genera were determined.Biostratigraphy allows the identification of zones CC21 to CC26,which is equivalent to the UC15c^(TP)-UC20d^(TP) that spans the Late Campanian to Late Maastrichtian.Subsequently,the presence of NP1 to NP6,equivalent to CNP1 to CNP8,indicates that the sequence extends to Selandian.Then the Pabdeh Formation,which dates back to Thanetian,covers the sequence.Several major changes were recorded here in order of importance.The first change is the Campanian-Maastrichtian transition,which was identified based on the last occurrence of the Aspidolithus parcus constrictus.Subsequently,the Early/Late Maastrichtian boundary was determined based on the last occurrence of Reinhardtites levis.In addition,another change in the Late Maastrichtian–Early Danian is associated with an abrupt decrease in the richness of nannofossils,although a significant increase in the abundance of Early Paleocene new species has been observed along with the abundance of Thoracosphaera spp.blooms.Eventually,the final change coincides with an increase in Iridium throughout NP1.These changes may indicate changes in environmental conditions in this part of Iran during the Late Cretaceous–Paleogene transition in the eastern Neo-Tethys domain.

Evaluation of Organic Matter Richness of Eocene Strata Based on Calcareous Nannofossils and Rock-Eval Analysis in North Dezful, Iran

Hydrocarbon source potential of the Paleogene Pabdeh Formation was studied by means of organic geochemistry and distribution of calcareous nannofossils.Based on the results,an Eoceneaged organic matter(OM)-rich interval was identified and traced across different parts of the North Dezful zone and partly Abadan Plain.In order to characterize the OM quality and richness of the studied intervals,Rock-Eval pyrolysis and nannofossils evaluation were performed,and the geochemical data collected along selected wells were correlated to capture the variations of thickness and source potential of the OM-rich interval.Accordingly,remarkable variations were identified within the depth ranges of 2480–2552 m and also 2200–2210 m,which were attributed to the maximum increase in the rate of growth R-selected species.This increase in the productivity rate was found to be well correlated to high Rock-Eval total organic carbon(TOC)and hydrogen index(HI)values.Given that the maturity of Pabdeh Formation in the studied area was found to have reached the oil window,we expect significant hydrocarbon generation(Type II kerogen),making the play economically highly promising.

Eocene to Oligocene nannofossils stratigraphy and environmental conditions in Izeh Province, Zagros Basin, East Tethys

Data obtained from the calcareous nannofossils, distributed in the upper part of the Pabdeh Formation(Priabonian–Rupelian) and the lower part of the Asmari Formation(Chattian) in the Bid-Zard section, were used to investigate the Eocene to Oligocene palaeoenvironmental conditions in the southwest of Izeh, southwestern Iran(eastern Tethys). The upper part of the Pabdeh Formation was composed of shale, thin-bedded pelagic limestone and dolostone, which is disconformably overlain by the Asmari Formation. For the first time, 29 species of calcareous nannofossils belonging to 13 genera were identified in the studied section. The calcareous nannofossils in the upper part of the Pabdeh Formation indicate the Isthmolithus recurvus Zone/Sphenolithus pseudoradians Zone(combined zone), Ericsonia subdisticha Zone, Helicosphaera reticulata Zone and Sphenolithus praedistentus Zone,from the Priabonian to the Rupelian. The Sphenolithus ciperoensis Zone of the Chattian was identified in the lower part of the Asmari Formation. Calcareous nannofossil stratigraphy across the upper Eocene–Oligocene interval also reveals a disconformity at the Rupelian/Chattian transition due to a bio-event. Shallowing of the basin and environmental changes in this part of the Tethyan domain could have led to the lithostratigraphic and biostratigraphic changes. In fact, during the late Eocene to late Oligocene, marine phytoplankton was sensitive to climate changes such as decreasing temperature, as well as possibly to a nutrient increase and changes in basin depth.