Search

Following sustained development, numerous palaeontology databases and datasets of various types have been created. However, the lack of a unified standard language to describe knowledge and unclear sharing mechanisms between different databases and datasets has limited the large‐scale integration and application of paleontological data. The knowledge graph, as a key technology for semantic translation and data fusion, offers a possible solution to these challenges. Given the potential of knowledge graphs to overcome these obstacles, this paper presents a practical approach to express paleontological knowledge in a knowledge graph via the resource description framework language. By delving into the structured data associated with calcareous nannofossil biozones (the UC zone, CC zone and NC zone), we propose an ontology to describe the semantic units and logical relationships of paleontological biozones and species and then integrate relevant species records from unstructured research reports to construct a knowledge graph for calcareous nannofossils, that integrates multisource paleobiological data and knowledge reconstruction. Our focus lies in detailing the technical aspects of constructing a paleontological knowledge graph. The results demonstrate that knowledge graphs can integrate semistructured and unstructured paleontological data from various sources. This work aims to assist palaeontologists in building and utilizing knowledge graphs, serving as an initial effort for future paleontological knowledge reasoning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two sediment sections are investigated at Cape Arkhangelos, island of Rhodes, where Pleistocene marine sediments crop out in horsts and grabens of a Mesozoic basement. There, hemipelagic sediments characterized by upper bathyal communities are atypically mixed with much shallower faunal components because they were deposited close to rugged coastal landforms. Biostratigraphic analyses show that the sections were deposited between 1.8 and 0.9 Ma, and between 1.8 and 1.6 Ma, respectively. By combining the planktonic/benthic foraminiferal ratio with 31 bathymetric indicators chosen among extant species of benthic foraminifera, mollusks, and bryozoans, we show that relative sea-level fluctuations can be reconstructed in these atypical settings despite the proximity of steep slopes that favored transportation of allochthonous fauna. The shallow-water components (including gravels and calcareous algae) were transported downslope by the combined action of gravity, currents, and tectonic disturbance that promoted drowning (with a maximum flooding recorded at ca. 1.7 Ma) and then uplift of fault-bounded paleovalleys that formed during the Early Pleistocene. Abrupt facies changes and age differences between sections have been triggered by the irregular paleotopography of the Mesozoic basement, which fostered differential depositional settings, with outer to middle neritic deposits above the horsts and upper bathyal deposits in paleovalleys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of water samples collected during the MD218 CROTALE expedition (February-March, 2019), and the 4th Indian Southern Ocean Expedition (SOE) (January-February, 2010) (re-visited samples) resulted in the occurrence of a new coccolithophore species belonging to the genus Alisphaera, and is named Alisphaera crostae sp. nov. This new species appears monomorphic and shows distinctive morphological differences in terms of its coccolith size, flange structure, and nodules, compared to other known Alisphaera species. In this study, morphological differences between A. crostae and other Alisphaera species are illustrated and compared. We suggest that the genus Alisphaera may have a higher diversity and may possess a wider distribution than previously evidenced, which requires more careful observation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nannofossils and planktonic foraminifers from the Lower Miocene Alkun Formation of central and western Ciscaucasia were studied in the following sections: the stratotype section on the Alkunka River, the Republic of Ingushetia; stratotype of the Caucasian Regional Stage on the Kuban River, Karachay-Cherkessia; Lower Miocene reference section on the Belaya River, Adygea; and in the sections of the Alkun Formation stratotype area on the Fiagdon and Mairamadag rivers, North Ossetia. Planktonic foraminifers in the Alkun Formation were studied for the first time. The available results made it possible to reveal the composition and structure of nannofossil and planktonic foraminiferal assemblages from the Alkun sediments in Ciscaucasia, to refine their stratigraphic and correlation potential and to recognize bionomic conditions of the Alkun basin in the studied area. As a result of the nannoplankton study the Cyclicargolithus floridanus Beds were recognized in the Alkun Formation and, taking into account the occurrence of the zonal species Triquetrorhabdulus carinatus along with Tr. milowii, they are correlated with the upper (Miocene) part of the Aquitanian Zone NN1. Planktonic foraminiferal data permitted to recognize the Streptochilus pristinum Beds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the calcareous nannofossil assemblages in detail from the early Miocene aged Lice Formation outcropping in the Kahramanmaraş basin. The biostratigraphy of calcareous nannofossils was outlined and paleoenvironmental features determined. In 81 samples taken from three measured sections in the region, 17 calcareous nannofossil genus and 48 nannofossil species were identified. These calcareous nannofossil genus and species identified the Lice Formation as being in the CNM4 nannofossil biozone. The abundance and diversity of early Miocene calcareous nannofossil species varied in the measured sections, with the samples generally moderate‐poor, apart from a few samples. The relative abundance of individuals of Cyclicargolithus floridanus, Coccolithus pelagicus, Reticulofenestra hagii and Sphenolithus moriformis species, with paleoecological importance identified in the study region, indicate that in early Miocene times, the basin in which the Lice Formation deposited was meso‐eutrophic with excess nutrient input, temperate and generally stable shallow marine conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first calcareous nannoplankton extinction and recovery close to the Triassic/Jurassic boundary (TJB) were studied in two Tatra Mountains sections of Kardolína and Furkaska. The studied sediments were deposited in an intra-shelf depression of the Tethyan shelf (the Zliechov Basin). Rare nannofossil assemblages were discovered in both sections. Rhaetian nannofossils are characterized by the dominance of Prinsiosphaera triassica and by episodic increases in the abundance of small-sized coccoliths. Coccoliths belonging to Calyculus? kardolinae sp. nov. were found on tops of the bedding planes. Triassic index species Eoconusphaera aff. hallstattensis was also recovered, it is rare though, probably due to the marginal or relatively high-latitudinal position of the area. The uppermost Triassic is characterized by a significant reduction in nannofossil abundance accompanied by the presence of organic matter in the rock, which was significant especially in the Kardolína section. The signal of the last occurrence of Prinsiosphaera triassica is overwritten by the reworking of Upper Triassic material into Jurassic strata within the boundary clay interval. The presence of representatives of Watznaueriaceae in the Jurassic Kopieniec Formation is surprising and might indicate hiatus in the TJB in the studied sections. We are also presenting the results of a newly developed method for the extraction of calcareous nannofossils from indurated rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide new insights into the Badenian transgression (Langhian to early Serravallian) in western Serbia, focusing on the marginal part of the Central Paratethys. Nano- and microfossils (calcareous nannofossils, foraminifers, and ostracods) are used along with U–Pb radioisotope dating of a tuff layer near the Badenian lower boundary to reconstruct the timing of the middle Badenian marine flooding. Our findings reveal the occurrence of a second (main) Badenian transgression (TB2.4 third-order cycle) around 14.2–13.8 million years ago. The Badenian marine waters flooded the continental formation of the poorly defined early-middle Miocene sequences. The sedimentary succession (KC-4 core, 490–205 m) is grouped into five units (I–V). The lower two units (I–II) are non-marine alluvials that are characterized by coarse-grained siliciclastics. Unit III represents the basal coarse-grained clastites and sandy limestones of the initial shallow-marine environment and unit IV consists of marls and high-calcitic fine-grained clastites of neritic facies. Unit V contains carbonaceous marlstone and limestone deposited in a restricted marine shallow-water environment. Biostratigraphically, over 154 m of dominantly fine-grained clastites (units III–IV) confirm the presence of the marine middle and upper Badenian. Its lower part (366–325 m) corresponds to the nannofossil NN5 Zone and the youngest Upper Lagenidae Zone (local Zone Ammonia viennensis–Trilobatus trilobus), as well as a part of the Spirorutilus carinatus Zone. The upper part (325–212 m) corresponds to the nannofossil NN6 Zone as well as the foraminifer Bulimina-Bolivina Zone. The U–Pb age for zircon grains is 14.58 ± 0.08 Ma. Petrographic data from the tuff sample show a strong correlation with volcanic records along the S-SW margin of Central Paratethys (N Croatia, NE Bosnia, and central Serbia). The U–Pb age as well as tuff glass composition and mineralogy suggest the possible source of the tuff as from the Subotica area (N Serbia) or the Bükkalja Volcanic Field in NE Hungary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A biostratigraphic integration study based on the planktonic foraminifera and calcareous nannofossils from the Mango-2 well, North El Fayrouz Offshore Field, Mediterranean Sea, Egypt, provides a well-defined zonal scheme for the Oligocene-middle Miocene interval. The lithologic succession was subdivided into three formations, from oldest to youngest; Sidi Salem, Qantra and Tineh. Six planktic foraminiferal zones and four calcareous nannofossils zones, in addition to two unconformities are identified. The planktic foraminiferal zones include Ciperoella angulisuturalis, Paragloborotalia opima opima (Oligocene), Globigerinoides primordius, Praeorbulina curva (early Miocene), Praeorbulina glomerosa and Fohsella peripheroronda (middle Miocene). The calcareous nannofossil zones include Furcatolithus distentus, (Oligocene), Discoaster druggii, Helicosphaera ampliaperta (early Miocene) and Sphenolithus heteromorphus (middle Miocene). The absence of the Paragloborotalia kugleri, Paragloborotalia pseudokugleri and Furcatolithus ciperoensis zones suggests an unconformity across the Oligocene-Miocene boundary. Another unconformity was identified across the Aquitanian-Burdigalian boundary based on the absence of the Globoquadrina dehiscens, Globigerinita dissimilis, Globigerinatella insueta and Sphenolithus belemnos zones. These unconformities are most likely related to regional tectonics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Keresta Formation, located in the Volgograd–Volga region (the Volga–Caspian subregion of south-west Russia) has been dated as Middle Eocene, Lutetian, based on dinoflagellate cysts of the Enneadocysta arcuata Zone and nannofossils from the Lutetian subzones CP13c–CP14a. Within this interval, four new species of dinoflagellate cysts are described: Spiniferella grigorovichiae sp. nov., Impagidinium tuberculatum sp. nov., Hystrichostrogylon crassitunicatum sp. nov. and Hystrichosphaeropsis tenerum sp. nov. The new species present a high correlation potential for Middle Eocene stratigraphy over the southern part of the Russian Platform. Also, the assemblage of organic-walled microphytoplankton from the Keresta Formation indicates warm-water marine environments within the marginal part of the Paratethys Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigations of calcareous nannofossils were done on the Serikagni Formation in the southern limb of the Sinjar anticline northwest of Iraq, specifics of the identification process's investigation (18 species of calcareous nannofossils belonging to 10 genera). Two biozones were proposed in this study based on their stratigraphic distribution, and they are as follows: Triquetrorhabdulus carinatus partial range Biozone CN1 and Sphenolithus belemnos Interval Biozone CN2. Correlation with other calcareous nannofossil biozones from regional schemes led to the conclusion that the Serikagni Formation's age is Early Miocene (Aquitanian)in the studied sections. It can conclude from higher speciation for calcareous nannofossils that the bloom at the Miocene because of increased temperature impacts climate change on the warm ocean's ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eocene Kuldana Formation (KF) in the Yadgar area of Pakistan, comprises a diverse range of sedimentary facies, including variegated red beds of shales, mudstones, and sandstones, as well as interbedded limestone and marl. In this study, we conducted an integrated micropaleontological, sedimentological, mineralogical, and geochemical investigation to determine the depositional setting, biochronology, provenance, and paleoclimate of the KF. The study identified six lithofacies and six microfacies, which indicate a variety of environments ranging from floodplains and channels to the margins and shallow marine settings. The nannofossil biostratigraphy places the KF in the Early Eocene, more precisely the NP10 zone (Ypresian), and the fossil zone of benthic foraminifera classifies the study section as the Shallow Benthic Zone SBZ-8 (Middle Ilerdian 2). In terms of petrography, the KF sandstone was classified as litharenite and feldspathic litharenite, while the QtFL diagram suggests a recycled orogen. Geochemical proxies indicate an oxidizing environment, a high-to-low regular sedimentation rate, moderate-to-intense chemical weathering in the source region, and a warm-humid to dry climate during the deposition of KF. Overall, the findings suggest that the deposition of KF marks the end of Neo-Tethys due to the Early Eocene Indian–Kohistan collision and that the uplifting of the Himalayas provided the source for the deposition of KF in the foreland basin. The study provides new insights into the depositional environment, biochronology, provenance, and paleoclimate of KF, and highlights the potential for red beds as reliable indicators of oxygenation levels in proximity to mineral deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cretaceous Period is a vital time interval in deciphering the evolutionary history of the Neo-Tethys Ocean and the convergence of different plates and blocks across the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. A detailed stratigraphic framework and paleogeographic patterns are the basis for understanding the evolution of the Neo-Tethys Ocean and the formation of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Here, the Cretaceous stratigraphy, biota, paleogeography, and major geological events in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau are analyzed to establish an integrative stratigraphic framework, reconstruct the paleogeography during the Cretaceous Period, and decode the history of the major geological events. The Cretaceous rocks of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and its surrounding area are predominantly marine deposits, with a small amount of interbedded marine-terrestrial and terrestrial conponents. The Indus-Yarlung Tsangpo Suture Zone was responsible for the deposition of deep marine sediments dominated by ophiolite suites and radiolarian silicalite. To the south, the Tethys Himalayas and Indus Basin received marine sediments of varying depths and lithology; to the north, the Xigaze and Ladakh forearc basins are also filled with marine sediments. The Lhasa Block, Karakorum Block, western Tarim Basin, and West Burma block consist of shallow marine, interbedded marine-terrestrial, and terrestrial sediments. The Qiangtang Basin and other areas are dominated by terrestrial sedimentation. The Cretaceous strata of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and its surrounding areas are widely distributed and diversified, with abundant foraminifera, calcareous nannofossils, radiolarians, ammonites, bivalves, and palynomorphs. On the basis of integrated lithostratigraphic, biostratigraphic, geochronologic, and chemostratigraphic analyses, we proposed herein a comprehensive stratigraphic framework for the Cretaceous Period of the eastern Neo-Tethys. By analyzing the Cretaceous biota of different biogeographic zones from eastern Neo-Tethys and its surrounding areas, we reconstructed the paleobiogeography of different periods of eastern Neo-Tethys. The Cretaceous paleogeographic evolution of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and its surrounding areas can be divided into three phases: (1) gradual breakup of the Indian Plate from the Australia-Antarctica continent and the early collision phase of the Lhasa-Qiangtang blocks (145–125 Ma); (2) northward drift of the Indian Plate and the collision phase of the Lhasa-Qiangtang blocks (125–100 Ma); (3) rapid northward drift of the Indian Plate, formation of the Tarim-Tajik-Karakorum Bay, and early uplift of the Gangdise Mountains (100–66 Ma). The Indus-Tethys Himalayan biota underwent a transition from the cold-water type in the high latitudes of the southern hemisphere to the warm-water type near the equator from the Early Cretaceous to the Mid-Cretaceous. The biodiversity and abundance of the eastern Neo-Tethys Ocean increased gradually in the Early Cretaceous, peaking in the Mid-Cretaceous, and decreased sharply during the late Late Cretaceous (late Maastrichtian). Along with the northward drift of the Indian Plate and subduction of the Neo-Tethys, the eastern Neo-Tethys and its surrounding areas experienced a series of major geological events, including the formation of the large igneous province, oceanic anoxia events, and mass extinction, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rich larger foraminifera assemblage from the Eocene carbonates of the south Sabzevar region (Now-Deh section) in central Iran indicates a late Ypresian to early Lutetian age. Nine species of Alveolina d’Orbigny are studied for systematics and biostratigraphy. The assemblage includes A. minuta, A. decastroi, A. cremae, A. cremae elongata, A. decipiens ayrancensis, A. celali, A. rugosa, A. cuspidata, A. frumentiformis. We have also found nummulitids (genus Nummulites and Assilina) and orthophragmines identified as N. campesinus, N. praediscorbinus, A. placentula, A. praespira, A. reicheli, A. ex. intrec. laxispira-maior and Discocyclina archiaci bartholomei. The recovery of Alveolina cremae elongata, A. decipiens ayrancensis, A. celali, A. rugosa, A. cuspidata and Assilina praespira has permitted for the first time to extend their geographical distribution outside of the classical peri-Mediterranean area to the central Tethys regions. The obtained biostratigraphy points to the Shallow Benthic Zones SBZ11 to SBZ13, indicating the occurrence of a Lower-–Middle Eocene carbonate system. Part of the age model is supported by the calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy that belong to the NP14b and CNE8 biozones, recorded from the central portion of the studied section. Issues regarding the application of the SBZ into the Middle East domains are discussed in terms of relative stratigraphic position and biogeographic dispersal of some significant Alveolina species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biostratigraphy of the Tonasa Formation in the Jeneponto Regency of South Sulawesi, Indonesia, is still poorly known, and there are barren ages, such as much of the Oligocene to Early Miocene. The Tonasa Formation is well exposed along the coast of the Jeneponto Regency, in which the Karama area consists of the most important outcrops of this formation which in this area consists of interbedded marl and limestone. Our study focuses on the biostratigraphy of the Karama area section A based on nannofossil. Samples were collected by measured stratigraphy methods and then subjected to investigation using smear slides. The assemblages of species were determined by semiquantitative analysis. Data analysis obtained three nannofossil datums (boundaries): The First Occurrence (FO) of Sphenolithus pseudoradians NP19/NP20), the First Occurrence of Sphenolithus distentus (CP.16/CP.17), and the Last Occurrence (LO) Sphenolithus predistentus (NP.23/NP.24. The zonal boundary was determined based on calcareous nannoplankton; the Late Eocene to Middle Oligocene boundary of the Tonasa Formation was found in this section. Interestingly, throughout this period, the marker species in this section is Sphenolithus. In addition, the presence of Sphenolithus, Discoaster, and Zygrhablithus bijugatus indicated that the basin was in warm water condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of calcareous nannofossil species in the upper part of Gurpi Formation and lower part of Pabdeh Formation has been investigated in the Karta section (northwest of Izeh in Zagros Basin, Iran, Eastern Tethys) to provide a biostratigraphic framework from Maastrichtian to Thanetian interval. In this study, 31 genera and 52 species of calcareous nannofossils have been identified and based on the recognized bioevents and the resulting biozones, the studied interval spans from the top of the nannofossil zone UC19TP to the base of the NP7 zone and covers ~10.8 Myr. In this study, the Gurpi Formation spans from the upperUC19TP to NP4 zones, while the lowest part of Pabdeh Formation covers NP5, NP6 and NP7 zones. The studied sequence is continuous and encompasses Cretaceous-Paleogene (K/Pg), Danian/Selandian and Selandian/Thanetian boundaries. The K/Pg boundary is characterized by nannofossil assemblage recognized worldwide, such as the occurrence of Biantholithus, Cruciplacolithus, Braarudosphaera, Praeprinsius, and calcareous blooms of Thoracosphaera spp. A decrease in the abundance of nannofossils is observed in the upper part of the Maastrichtian to the lower part of the Danian; poor to moderate preservation of nannofossils and low diversified nannofossil assemblages cover most of the studied samples. Here, as a result of species poor to moderate preservation, we observe patterns of stepwise extinctions upward in the top of CC25 zone, that culminate with the last occurrence of eight species, just prior to the base of the UC20bTP. We interpret these patterns to be mainly the result of diagenetic alteration. Our dataset provides a record over a long-lasting interval of stepwise extinctions toward the K/Pg boundary that was likely caused by the diagenetically-enhanced Signor-Lipps effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mid-Cretaceous interval has been recognized as a crucial period in Earth's history, and a number of studies on Neo-Tethyan successions illustrate intense evolutions in the nature of Mid-Cretaceous ocean chemistry, sea level, and marine faunal communities. However, much less investigations have been conducted in the Sistan Ocean, in the eastern Neo-Tethys. Here, the Nimbolook Section (Lut Block, central Iran) has provided an opportunity to address these shortcomings and provide a better understanding of the paleoenvironmental changes in this region. The biostratigraphic analysis and age interpretation of the Nimbolook Section have been performed in earlier investigations by means of planktonic foraminifera, ammonites and calcareous nannofossils. This provides a reliable age framework for the chemostratigraphic interpretations. In the Nimbolook Section, the δ13C stratigraphy was carried out on a total of 41 samples, which ranged between −3.26‰ and 2.86‰ with an average of 1.09‰ (standard deviation = 1.15‰), and expanded within the upper Aptian to lower Cenomanian stages. However, there is a prominent negative shift at the base of the section, accompanied by episodes of sea-level fluctuations. Notably, according to the age-diagnostic calcareous nannofossils records, this carbon isotope negative shift (0.88‰ to −3.26‰) straddle between late Aptian and early Albian ages. Furthermore, these new chemostratigraphic observations could be interpreted as being the coeval data from the reference well-studied successions in the other parts of the world, tentatively reflecting the oceanic anoxic event (OAE) 1b. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The middle Miocene Fatha Formation is a prominent cap rock for hydrocarbon accumulations in Iraq's oil fields. It is widely distributed in the Low Folded Zone but less common in the High Folded Zone of Iraq. For the first time, a nannostratigraphic study has been conducted on the formation at the Miryas locality in the High Folded Zone of the Qaradagh Mountain Series, southwest of Sulaimaniyah, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. The Fatha Formation consists of claystone, siltstone, marlstone, gypsum and few limestone beds. Ten samples were taken from marl-rich strata in the upper part of the formation between the red claystones of the Miryas. On the basis of the identified calcareous nannofossils, three biozones are recorded from the upper part of the Fatha Formation: the NN1, NN2 and NN3 zones. The combined stratigraphic ranges of the calcareous nannofossils identified here support the early Miocene-Aquitanian age; Discoaster druggii, Sphenolithus belemnos, S. cometa, S. procerus, S. tintinnabulum, S. delphix and S. capricornutus are marker species of the Aquitanian that have been identified inside the Miryas's smear slides. These genera/species are also accompanied by the occurrences of Sphenolithus moriformis, Cyclicargolithus floridanus, Reticulofenestra minuta, R. bisecta, S. minuta, S. dictyoda, Coccolithus pelagicus, Helicosphaera carteri and Coronocyclus nitescens. The appearance of Discoaster saundersi at the top of the formation indicates the last occurrence of the NN2 zone of the Aquitanian and first occurrence of the NN3 zone of the Burdigalian. Through this study, for the first time, the early Miocene biozones determined within the Fatha Formation indicate that lower Miocene sediments (facies) were not deposited at some locations in the Qaradagh Mountain Series. Instead, the equivalent cap rock sediments of the Fatha Formation were deposited in the High Folded Zone; this clarifies why accumulation of hydrocarbons is rare within the late Oligocene-earliest Miocene succession in the High Folded Zone rather than the reservoir rocks of the same age in the Low Folded Zone (such as Kirkuk Oil Fields). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite their extremely rare and fragmentary record, aquatic crocodylomorphs from the Middle to Upper Jurassic (Bajocian-Tithonian) Rosso Ammonitico Veronese (RAV) of northeastern Italy have sparked interest since the late 18th century. Among marine reptiles, Thalattosuchia is by far one of the best represented groups from the RAV units, especially in the Middle Jurassic. Although some specimens have been the subject of multiple studies in recent times, most of them still lack precise stratigraphic assignment and taphonomic assessment, while others remain undescribed. Here we provide a comprehensive revision of the thalattosuchian record from the RAV, alongside the most up-to-date age determination, by means of calcareous nannofossils, when available. Three new metriorhynchoid specimens are described for the first time from the Middle Jurassic of Asiago Plateau (Vicenza province). While the taphonomy of the newly described specimens hampers any taxonomic attribution below superfamily/family level, all three were confidently assigned to a precise interval between the upper Bajocian and the upper Bathonian. This revised record has major paleobiogeographical implications: the new specimens confirm an early origin and distribution of Metriorhynchoidea in the Tethys area and suggest a fast colonization of the open-ocean environment since the upper Bajocian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper summarizes sedimentological and biostratigraphic data for the Minjur and Marrat Formations in Kuwait and places them within an expanded sequence stratigraphic framework based on the letter and number scheme initiated by Sharland and others (2001). Only two sequences (Tr80 and J10) were identified in this interval in the original scheme, whereas, between Tr80 and the top of the Upper Marrat, 18 sequences are now recognized and their sequence boundaries and maximum flooding surfaces identified and illustrated herein. One new sequence (Tr90) was proposed in the underlying Jilh A Member. Three new sequences (Tr100, Tr105 and Tr110) are recognized in the Minjur Formation (= Lower Minjur in Saudi Arabia). Four sequences (J02, J04, J06 and J08) and part of a fifth (J10) are recognized in the Lower Marrat. Seven sequences (part of J10 and J11-J16) are recognized in the Middle Marrat. Three sequences (J17, J18 and J19) are recognized in the Upper Marrat. Biostratigraphic data are sparse for the Minjur and Marrat Formations. In the Marrat Formation, calcareous nannofossils are extremely rare, benthic foraminifers are relatively common but long-ranging and palynomorphs are sparse and most commonly non-age diagnostic. Published and unpublished proprietary data from 33 wells have been combined to determine the ages of the succession. Using palynology, the Minjur Lower Member was dated as Norian. An undifferentiated Norian-Rhaetian age range is assigned to the Middle and upper Members of the Minjur Formation. The Triassic/Jurassic boundary is placed just below the base of the Lower Member of the Marrat Formation, where cuttings samples from a thin interval of strata yielded long age-ranging palynomorphs. The Sinemurian/Pliensbachian boundary occurs in the Lower Marrat at the base of the S J06 transgressive systems tract. The Pliensbachian/Toarcian boundary, dated on the basis of Nannoceratopsis triceras and Lotharingius crucicentralis, is also in the Lower Marrat at the base of the S J10 transgressive systems tract. The contact of the Middle and Upper Marrat is unconformable and locally karsted but appears to correlate to the Toarcian/Aalenian boundary. The upper section of the Upper Marrat and the base of the overlying Dhruma Formation have not been cored but the Aalenian/Bajocian boundary is placed in the upper portion of Sequence J19. SB J20 is placed at the top of the Upper Marrat Member. Change in the age of the Late Triassic Baluti Formation in Iraq has resulted in changes in correlations of the Minjur and Marrat Formations to each other and to other formations in the region. The Lower Marrat is shown to be the shallow marine equivalent of the Upper Minjur siliciclastics in the subsurface Rub al Khali Basin and in the shallow subsurface Arabian Basin near the outcrop belt in Saudi Arabia. The Lower Marrat correlates to the Adaiyah Formation and the Upper Sarki Formation in Iraq. The Middle Marrat correlates to the Mus and Alan Formations in Iraq and to all of the Marrat Formation as defined in outcrop in Saudi Arabia. The Upper Marrat is largely represented by an Aalenian-age hiatus in the Saudi Arabian outcrop belt but a thin, condensed Aalenian section is present in the subsurface, basinward of the outcrop belt, and correlated with the Lower Dhruma (D1-D2). The Upper Marrat is correlated to the lower Sargelu Formation in Iraq. These new and revised correlations clarify the timing of the Late Triassic (Norian) uplift of the Qatar Arch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Introduction Aida Sergeevna Andreeva-Grigorovich, an eminent Soviet and Ukrainian palynologist and micropalaeontologist, passed away on the 13 SP th sp of April 2022 at the age of 86. Later, an updated Palaeogene dinoflagellate cyst zonation was proposed by Aida Sergeevna and her colleagues for the southern regions of the former USSR (Andreeva-Grigorovich [6]) and Ukraine (Andrejeva-Grigorovich and Shevchenko [26]; Andreeva-Grigorovich et al. [23]). For example, she established a new genus ( I Carpatella i ), and described 18 new species (Grigorovich [33], [34]; Andreeva-Grigorovich and Savitskaya [18], [19]; Andreeva-Grigorovich et al. [23]). Aida Sergeevna paid special attention to the study of boundary strata such as the Eocene/Oligocene transition (Andreeva-Grigorovich and Portnyagina [17]; Andreeva-Grigorovich [5]; Andreeva-Grigorovich et al. [22], [13]) and the Palaeogene/Neogene boundary (Grigorovich [36]; Andreeva-Grigorovich and Gruzman [10], [11]; Andreeva-Grigorovich [7]). [Extracted from the article]

To understand the important significant climatic and paleoceanographic changes occurred in the Southern Hemisphere during the Paleogene, and especially those related to the opening of the Drake Passage, is essential to correlate the Eocene lithostratigraphic units in areas adjacent to this passage, such as those from the Austral-Magallanes and James Ross basins, to the north and to the south, respectively. For many years, there was no correlation between these units due to the absence of reliable chronostratigraphic and biostratigraphic information. Recently, other authors published U/Pb data for the Austral-Magallanes Basin and introduced important modifications to the previous stratigraphic scheme. Subsequently, due to reinterpretating the available isotope data together with U/Pb ages, the chronostratigraphic model has modified again, also including the James Ross Basin. In light of an updated quantitative dinoflagellate cyst dataset from the units adjacent to the Drake Passage, we performed a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to discuss the correlation between the studied sections. The PCA groups assemblages with a high contribution of Antarctic taxa (e.g., Enneadocysta dictyostila, Deflandrea antarctica) containing in the Upper Member of the Río Turbio Formation (lower part), Man Aike, Leticia, and La Meseta formations, being Bartonian in age. The other group joined assemblages with younger ages, Priabonian, dominated by Antarctic species (Vozzhennikovia-Spinidinium) and cosmopolitan taxa, corresponding to the Upper Member of the Río Turbio Formation (upper part). This study reinforces the most recent chronostratigraphic proposal and proves the biostratigraphic useful of some taxa for sites near the Drake Passage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the Fueguian Atlantic coast and in the southern Andean fold and thrust belt, the Paleogene is partially represented by numerous turbiditic deposits. Between Río Bueno and Cabo Leticia in Península Mitre, the Paleocene-Eocene is represented by the Río Claro Group (Cabo Leticia, La Barca, Punta Noguera, and Cerro Ruperto formations) and the Río Bueno Formation; which together constitute a ~1050-m-thick succession. Calcareous nannofossil assemblages recovered from 95 samples were analyzed to determine their relative ages. The Cabo Leticia Formation was barren in nannofossils. The upper LB2 Member of La Barca Formation contained Rhomboaster cuspis and Fasciculithus richardii, frequent in the Paleocene/Eocene boundary (subzones NP9a/NP9b). Nannofossils recovered from Punta Noguera Formation indicate an early Eocene age (biozones NP9b-NP10), with Fasciculithus tympaniformis, Rhomboaster cuspis, and abundant Toweius spp. The Cerro Ruperto Formation provided one productive sample, with specimens of Reticulofenestra spp. and Toweius spp., which indicates an early Eocene age for the formation (biozones NP12-NP13). The Río Bueno Formation yields calcareous nannofossil assemblages characterized by Chiasmolithus eograndis, Chiasmolithus expansus, Toweius spp., and Reticulofenestra spp., which indicate a late early Eocene to middle Eocene age (biozones NP14-NP15). Although the calcareous nannofossil record is discontinuous due to preservational biases in the Río Claro Group, our data allow a better age constraint for the investigated formations and to correlate these units with other surface and subsurface units in the Austral Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the Late Cretaceous, northern South America was characterized by broad epicontinental seas, with variable surface productivity and changing bottom-water oxygenation. Global sea-level fluctuations and local tectonic shifts caused their disappearance in the latest Cretaceous. We present an integrated micropaleontological and geochemical study of a section comprising the Umir Formation and its lower stratigraphic contact with the La Luna Formation, in the Middle Magdalena Valley, northeastern Colombia. Foraminiferal assemblages were moderately diverse and mainly dominated by benthic taxa, characterizing the biozones Siphogenerinoides bramlettei and Ammobaculites colombiana (Maastrichtian). Planktonic foraminiferal assemblages were less diversified, being species assigned to Heterohelicidae and scarce keeled forms (Globotruncana spp.) the most recurrent taxa. Ostracod recovery was very scarce, and we could only identify the genus Actinocythereis. In contrast, calcareous nannofossil assemblages were moderately diversified along the section, and composed of typical Late Cretaceous low-latitude taxa such as Micula staurophora, Cribrosphaerella ehrenbergii, Gartnerago segmentatum. The identified microfossils indicate a transition from middle-inner shelf conditions, with moderately oxygenated bottom waters within the La Luna Formation, to a shallower marine setting within the Umir Formation. This interpretation is supported by Sr/Ba and log(Fe/Ca) ratios measured in bulk sediment, which indicate increased continental runoff and terrigenous input in the upper part of the section. Moreover, a significant biotic turnover was identified at the base of the section, suggesting the presence of a xenoconformity at the La Luna-Umir contact, which has been previously described and proposed as a regional stratigraphic feature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micropaleontological investigations performed at four sections in the Pucará Group, northwestern Peru, revealed the presence of late Triassic calcareous nannofossils. Recovered assemblages are poorly preserved and show low abundance and species richness. However, these findings represent one of the three records outside the Tethyan Realm and allow independent biostratigraphic constraints for the Pucará Group. In the Cantera Tello section, Chambará Formation, only the genus Prinsiosphaera was observed, suggesting a late Norian age for the lower part, and the occurrence of Eoconusphaera zlambachensis indicates a Rhaetian age for the upper part. In the Río Cocahuayco section, Chambará, and Aramachay formations, only the genus Prinsiosphaera was recovered, indicating the late Triassic. In Ricardo Palma section, Aramachay Formation, the presence of E. zlambachensis indicates a Rhaetian age. The Aguas Verdes section, Condorsinga Formation, yields an assemblage with P. triassica and E. zlambachensis, indicating that, at least in this part of the basin, the lower section of this Formation is Rhaetian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chalk has been used since Antiquity for various purposes, and since Gothic for preparatory layers of painted cultural heritage objects. Several materials are called chalk in Cultural Heritage, but this work especially focuses on chalk composed of calcareous nannofossils (up to 98%). These are fossil remains of photoautotrophic algae generally smaller than 30 μm. They are mainly visible as platelets of various shapes under a cross-polarised or scanning electron microscope. The provenance of chalk can be determined using calcareous nannofossils due to their well-known paleobiogeographic localities. They are already used as proxies since the 90s in Cultural Heritage, but rarely for paintings. In this work, 6 chalk historical mining areas were chosen: Germany (Ruegen), France (Champagne, Meudon), Belgium (Mons), England (Norfolk) and Italy (Bologna). Natural and processed chalk were used as reference materials and compared to 3 original paintings. The difference between the chalks calcareous nannofossil assemblages was shown using multivariate statistical analysis based on species relative abundance. Marker nannofossil species were defined for each chalk locality. One painting material could not be originated due to the preservation of its nannofossils assemblage, but the origins of the rock chalk material from the two other paintings could be geographically located in France. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Well-preserved fossil assemblages provide valuable insights into the evolutionary history of biota and their environments. Here, we report on Rupelian (early Oligocene) siliceous nanoeukaryotes from diatomites in the Carpathian Mountains, southeastern Poland. These sediments yielded novel forms of parmaleans and parmalean-like fossils. Their cell wall structure differs from that of described genera. Instead of the generically specific separate dorsal plate and set of girdle plates, some of our taxa contain one upended, hollow, subspherical, perforated cup. To accommodate these differences, we propose a new division Parmaphyta, a new family Parmoligocenaceae, a new genus Parmoligocena and a new species Parmoligocena janusii. Other remains are reminiscent of the extant genus Pentalamina and for this we propose a new genus and species, Pentalaminamorpha radiata. The taxonomic affinity is less certain for other nannofossils found, as they are only somewhat similar to parmaleans, and so we only tentatively associate them with this group. All these fossils occur together with a diverse assemblage of diatoms (mostly from Leptocylindrales, Rhizosoleniales, Coscinodiscales, Cymatosirales, and Hemiaulales), silicoflagellates (mostly species from the genus Corbisema) and archaeomonads. Together they suggest the palaeoenvironmental context for the parmaleans, a neritic marine environment, thus similar to where silicified parmaleans can be found today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Well-preserved fossil assemblages provide valuable insights into the evolutionary history of biota and their environments. Here, we report on Rupelian (early Oligocene) siliceous nanoeukaryotes from diatomites in the Carpathian Mountains, southeastern Poland. These sediments yielded novel forms of parmaleans and parmalean-like fossils. Their cell wall structure differs from that of described genera. Instead of the generically specific separate dorsal plate and set of girdle plates, some of our taxa contain one upended, hollow, subspherical, perforated cup. To accommodate these differences, we propose a new division Parmaphyta, a new family Parmoligocenaceae, a new genus Parmoligocena and a new species Parmoligocena janusii. Other remains are reminiscent of the extant genus Pentalamina and for this we propose a new genus and species, Pentalaminamorpha radiata. The taxonomic affinity is less certain for other nannofossils found, as they are only somewhat similar to parmaleans, and so we only tentatively associate them with this group. All these fossils occur together with a diverse assemblage of diatoms (mostly from Leptocylindrales, Rhizosoleniales, Coscinodiscales, Cymatosirales, and Hemiaulales), silicoflagellates (mostly species from the genus Corbisema) and archaeomonads. Together they suggest the palaeoenvironmental context for the parmaleans, a neritic marine environment, thus similar to where silicified parmaleans can be found today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mochras core, UK, an historic reference site for the study of Early Jurassic calcareous nannofossils, has been reinvestigated here across the Hettangian to Lower Pliensbachian. Both relative and absolute abundances of 24 calcareous nannofossil species reveal patterns and occurrences that define not less than 37 defined biohorizons. However, due to the low abundance of many of those species towards the base and top of their stratigraphical range, we observe large inconsistencies in first and last occurrences of these species. Instead, we consider records of first consistent and last consistent occurrences (FCOs and LCOs), as well as base and top of acme events, as more reliable biohorizons. Accordingly, we assess the reliability of our biohorizons and show that, in addition to previously established zonal and sub-zonal biomarkers, nine non-zonal biohorizons prove to be robust. Based on that, an updated biozonations scheme with additional subzones for NJB has been proposed and tested against other localities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three key Paleocene deep-sea sections cropping out in northern Italy contain intercalations of calciturbiditic, larger foraminifera-bearing beds derived from shallow water environments. The reconstructed Southern Alps record obtained by splicing the three sections allowed a direct correlation of the shallow benthic SB and calcareous nannofossils CN Zones, leading new data about the Shallow Benthic biozonation for the Danian-Thanetian interval and proposing four new SBP (Shallow Benthic Paleocene) Zones (SBP1-4). Such revision relies on an innovative biostratigraphic approach based on larger foraminiferal biohorizons instead of marker species according to the traditional approach used since the introduction of the SB Zones. Based on our study, the SBP1/SBP2 boundary turns out to be about 2 Ma after the K/Pg crisis, highlighting a quite fast recovery of the complexity among foraminifera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abiometrical study on four reticulate Nummulites populations from the lower part of Asmari Formation of the Vazag section (Zagros zone) is carried out. The biostratigraphy obtained by studing the succession points to the Early Oligocene (Rupelian), indicating shallow benthic zones SBZ21 and SBZ22A by the occurrence of Operculina cf. complanata, Eulepidina formosoides, Nephrolepidina sp. The age assignment is calibrated with calcareous nannofossils biostratigraphy indicating the NP22–NP23 (=CNO2–CNO3) Zones. We have observed a stratigraphic trend related to Nummulites bormidiensis Tellini 1888 that results to be characterized by two populations composed of transitional Nummulites fichteli/bormidiensis with values of mean inner proloculus that exceeds by very little the boundary commonly established at 300 µm. Such a populations, indicated as Nummulites ex interc. bormidiensis et fichteli, span through the lower Rupelian where classically just N. fichteli is reported so far. The stratigraphic distribution ofNummulites bormidiensisis and related transitional forms is here stretched to the Rupelian (SBZ21 and SBZ22A), encompassing older ages than previously recorded throughout the Neo-Tethys Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular clocks estimate that diatom microalgae, one of Earth's foremost primary producers, originated near the Triassic–Jurassic boundary (200 Ma), which is close in age to the earliest, generally accepted diatom fossils of the genus Pyxidicula. During an extensive search for Jurassic diatoms from twenty-five sites worldwide, three sites yielded microfossils initially recognized as diatoms. After applying stringent safeguards and evaluation criteria, however, the fossils found at each of the three sites were rejected as new diatom records. This led us to systematically reexamine published evidence in support of Lower- and Middle-Jurassic Pyxidicula fossils. Although Pyxidicula resembles some extant radial centric diatoms and has character states that may have been similar to those of ancestral diatoms, we describe numerous sources of uncertainty regarding the reliability of these records. We conclude that the Lower Jurassic Pyxidicula fossils were most likely calcareous nannofossils, whereas the Middle Jurassic Pyxidicula species has been reassigned to the Lower Cretaceous and is likely a testate amoeba, not a diatom. Excluding the Pyxidicula fossils widens the gap between the estimated time of origin and the oldest abundant fossil diatom record to 75 million years. This study underscores the difficulties in discovering and validating ancient microfossils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports a set of primeval marine incursions identified in two drill cores, 1PS-06-CE, and 1PS-10-CE, which recovered the Barbalha Formation, Araripe Basin, Brazil. Based on a multi-proxy approach involving stratigraphy, microbiofacies, ichnofossils, and microfossils, three short-lived marine incursions were identified, designated Araripe Marine Incursions (AMI) 1–3. AMI-1 and AMI-2, which occur within the shales of the Batateira Beds (lower part of the Barbalha Formation), were identified by the occurrence of benthonic foraminifera, calcareous nannofossils, dinocysts, and a mass mortality event of non-marine ostracods. AMI-3 was recognized in the upper part of the Barbalha Formation, based on the occurrence of ichnofossils and planktonic foraminifera. The observation of the planktonic foraminifera genus Leupoldina for the first time in the basin indicates early Aptian/early late Aptian age for these deposits, and the first opportunity of correlation with global foraminifera biozonation. Our findings have implications for the breakup of the Gondwana Supercontinent, as these incursions represent the earliest marine-derived flooding events in the inland basins of northeastern Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were the biostratigraphic and paleobiogeographic interpretations of the calcareous nannofossil records of the Romualdo Formation (Aptian-Albian) in the south-central portion of the Araripe Basin. The methods used to process the samples were decanting, smear slide, centrifugation, and ultra-thin section confection. The taxonomic and biostratigraphic interpretations were carried out through qualitative and quantitative investigations. A total of 11 genera and 17 species of calcareous nannofossils, namely, Biscutum constans, Biscutum sp., Braarudosphaera africana, Braarudosphaera sp., Calculites sp., Discorhabdus ignotus, Hayesites albiensis, Hayesites sp., Nannoconus bucheri, Nannoconus sp., Retecapsa surirella, Rhagodiscus sp., Thoracosphaera sp., Watznaueria barnesiae, Watznaueria sp., Zeughrabdotus erectus, and Zeughrabdotus noeliae were identified. The integrated analysis of three outcrops suggests two distinct marine phases: the first in the Aptian, recognized in two outcrops, and during the Albian age. The genera Hayesites and Nannoconus suggest a strong Tethyan affinity. Differently, other calcareous nannofossils such as Watznaueria, Thoracosphaera, and Braarudosphaera recorded here are considered more resistant, cosmopolitan, and/or opportunistic species. Biscutum and Zeughrabdotus are sensitive calcareous nannofossils because they are more susceptible to dissolution and cannot be surely used to define this paleobiogeography and biostratigraphic range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Arroyo Malo Formation represents the first marine ingression during the Late Triassic in the Neuquén Basin, west-central Argentina. The presence of calcareous nannofossils in this unit provides an independent age constraint of a late Norian to Rhaetian age for its lower and middle parts, in agreement with known fossil invertebrates. Furthermore, this represents one of the only three records of this group known so far outside the Tethyan Realm. The presence of monospecific assemblages of Prinsiosphaera triassica in the late Norian and assemblages characterized by P. triassica and Eoconusphaera zlambachensis in the Rhaetian, together with a review of other known records worldwide, allows the formal proposal of a global biozonation for the Late Triassic. Prinsiosphaera triassica Biozone, from middle Norian to late Norian, and Crucirhabdus primulus Biozone, spanning the Rhaetian (comprising two sub-biozones in the Tethys), are defined. Based on the new record from the Upper Triassic of the Neuquén Basin, we interpret that calcareous nannofossils originated during the middle Norian in the Western Tethys, and we suggest that they then rapidly dispersed to the Southeastern Tethys and from there to the Eastern Pacific across Panthalassa by southern mid-latitude easterly oceanic currents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultural heritage has become a keystone for comprehending our society, as it represents and reflects our origins, passions, beliefs and traditions. Furthermore, it provides fundamental information about specific temporary spaces, materials' availability, technology, artist's intention, and site weather conditions. Our aim was to develop a multidisciplinary approach with a main focus on investigating two Italian large-format paintings located in highly diverse environments such as the National Theater of Costa Rica. We monitored environmental conditions and quantified fungal aerial spores. Then, we determined regions of possible biodeterioration with the software MicroorganismPattern and used the software PigmentArrangement to elucidate the apparent colour of the paintings based on distribution and arrangement of the pigment crystals. Finally, we characterized eight genera of calcareous nannofossils found in the ground layers of the artwork. The former Men's Canteen at the National Theater of Costa Rica presented a mean air temperature of 23.5 ∘ C, a relative humidity of 72.7% and a concentration of CO 2 of 570 ppm. The fungal aerial concentration was 1776 spores/m 3 . The software MicroorganismPattern identified 32 sampling regions, out of which 11 were positive for microbial contamination. The software PigmentArrangement determined that the blue crystals (ultramarine pigment) had the shortest distances between themselves (29 μ m). Finally, the nanofossils identified enabled us to restrict the age of the material to a biostratigraphic interval ranging from Coniacian to Maastricthian ages. By using a multidisciplinary approach we were able to explore the diptych, suggest a set of minimally invasive perspectives in tropical environments to be used worldwide and obtain key information about the artist's artistic process, materials used along with better understand its state of conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the assemblages of organic walled dinoflagellate cyst (dinocysts) and calcareous nannofossils from Quilon Formation, Kerala Basin, south-western India are analyzed for age interpretation and reconstruction of the depositional environment. The integrated biostratigraphy based on dinocysts and calcareous nannofossils from the same sediment samples indicates that the studied succession was deposited during the early Miocene (middle Burdigalian, ∼19-17.5 Ma) time. The dinocyst assemblages contain abundant taxa (Cleistosphaeridium, Polysphaeridium, Lingulodinium, Homotryblium and Spiniferites) that range from shallow inner to outer neritic marine zone. The abundance of autotrophic, thermophilic taxa suggests relatively high surface water temperatures and high nutrient availability. The dinocyst assemblage in the lower part of the studied succession is dominated by Cleistosphaeridium spp., Polysphaeridium spp., Spiniferites spp., Homotryblium spp. and Lingulodinium spp. An increase in the relative abundances of outer neritic dinocyst taxa such as Spiniferites, Achomosphaera and Hystrichokolpoma in the upper part of the succession suggests a change towards more open marine conditions created during marine ingression. The interpreted marine ingression along the south-western Indian coast probably corresponds to the initial small pulses of transgression at the onset of the long-term global sea-level maximum related to the Mid-Miocene Climatic Optimum (MMCO). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy was conducted in the Toarcian-lower Bajocian interval at Colle di Sogno (Lombardy Basin, Southern Alps, Northern Italy) where the type-section of the Sogno Formation consisting of pelagic marly limestone, marlstone and marly claystone was established. Semiquantitative analyses of calcareous nannofossil assemblages allowed to achieve a high-resolution biostratigraphy based on several biohorizons, including zonal/subzonal markers and additional events. The NJT5 to NJT9 Zones of the standard nannofossil zonation established for the Mediterranean Province were identified. The biostratigraphy obtained at Colle di Sogno was compared to published nannofossil events calibrated with ammonite zones in sections from SE Spain, S France, Portugal and N Algeria. This assessment evidenced some discrepancies in the succession of events of the standard zonation and, furthermore, resulted in the revision of the age of a few datums. Moreover, some new/additional nannofossil biohorizons are proposed as subzonal markers. A morphometric analysis of the genus Watznaueria was conducted to identify diagnostic features for unambiguous species identification. The species W. colacicchii and W. contracta are distinguished on the basis of the coccolith width/central area width ratio, whereas W. britannica britannica is discriminated by the size - as in the original definition of the species - relative to the new subspecies W. britannica minor. The new species W. gaetanii differs from all other Watznaueria taxa by the bridge ultrastructure. In the Toarcian-Aalenian interval a progressive increase in size of Watznaueria specimens is paralleled by the progressive closure of the central area and the modification of the central area structure passing from a cross (W. colacicchii and W. contracta) to a double-button bridge (W. gaetanii) to a singlebutton bridge (W. britannica). These intrageneric evolutionary innovations accelerated in the Aalenian under stable paleoceanographic conditions and an oligotrophic regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reticulofenestra pseudoumbilicus is a Neogene calcareous nannofossil species whose highest stratigraphic occurrence (Top) is a reliable biohorizon in the Pliocene, calibrated at 3.82 Ma. The species is present in the stratigraphic record from at least the Middle Miocene, within an interval around the biohorizon Top Sphenolithus heteromorphus, calibrated at 13.53 Ma, but its lower distribution range is not precisely delineated. The study of nannofossil assemblages in sediment cores from Integrated Ocean Drilling Program IODP Site U1338 (eastern equatorial Pacific) indicates a lower stratigraphic position for the evolutionary emergence (Base) of R. pseudoumbilicus, detected in the Early Miocene with an estimated age of 16.46 Ma. This age results from a new astronomically tuned chronology, which dates the deepest sediments at Site U1338 to 16.67 Ma. Base R. pseudoumbilicus is followed above by a temporary disappearance of the taxon until a re-entrance after ~3 Myr. This lengthened stratigraphic range has been confirmed by data from other locations at low and mid-latitudes in the Atlantic. The distribution range of R. pseudoumbilicus, lasting ~13 Myr during the Neogene, is thus characterized by a variable pattern of repeated occurrences and disappearances. Comparison to benthic foraminifera d18O and d13C records suggests a control by global climatic/environmental conditions on these events, particularly by temperature variations. The recurrent presence of R. pseudoumbilicus at stratigraphically different intervals could represent an example of iterative evolution, expressed as repeated speciation events that are in part influenced by complex external factors related to the dynamic climate and environmental evolution during the Miocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultural heritage has become a keystone for comprehending our society, as it represents and reflects our origins, passions, beliefs and traditions. Furthermore, it provides fundamental information about specific temporary spaces, materials' availability, technology, artist's intention, and site weather conditions. Our aim was to develop a multidisciplinary approach with a main focus on investigating two Italian large-format paintings located in highly diverse environments such as the National Theater of Costa Rica. We monitored environmental conditions and quantified fungal aerial spores. Then, we determined regions of possible biodeterioration with the software MicroorganismPattern and used the software PigmentArrangement to elucidate the apparent colour of the paintings based on distribution and arrangement of the pigment crystals. Finally, we characterized eight genera of calcareous nannofossils found in the ground layers of the artwork. The former Men's Canteen at the National Theater of Costa Rica presented a mean air temperature of 23.5 ∘ C, a relative humidity of 72.7% and a concentration of CO 2 of 570 ppm. The fungal aerial concentration was 1776 spores/m 3 . The software MicroorganismPattern identified 32 sampling regions, out of which 11 were positive for microbial contamination. The software PigmentArrangement determined that the blue crystals (ultramarine pigment) had the shortest distances between themselves (29 μ m). Finally, the nanofossils identified enabled us to restrict the age of the material to a biostratigraphic interval ranging from Coniacian to Maastricthian ages. By using a multidisciplinary approach we were able to explore the diptych, suggest a set of minimally invasive perspectives in tropical environments to be used worldwide and obtain key information about the artist's artistic process, materials used along with better understand its state of conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultural heritage has become a keystone for comprehending our society, as it represents and reflects our origins, passions, beliefs and traditions. Furthermore, it provides fundamental information about specific temporary spaces, materials' availability, technology, artist's intention, and site weather conditions. Our aim was to develop a multidisciplinary approach with a main focus on investigating two Italian large-format paintings located in highly diverse environments such as the National Theater of Costa Rica. We monitored environmental conditions and quantified fungal aerial spores. Then, we determined regions of possible biodeterioration with the software MicroorganismPattern and used the software PigmentArrangement to elucidate the apparent colour of the paintings based on distribution and arrangement of the pigment crystals. Finally, we characterized eight genera of calcareous nannofossils found in the ground layers of the artwork. The former Men's Canteen at the National Theater of Costa Rica presented a mean air temperature of 23.5 ∘ C, a relative humidity of 72.7% and a concentration of CO 2 of 570 ppm. The fungal aerial concentration was 1776 spores/m 3 . The software MicroorganismPattern identified 32 sampling regions, out of which 11 were positive for microbial contamination. The software PigmentArrangement determined that the blue crystals (ultramarine pigment) had the shortest distances between themselves (29 μ m). Finally, the nanofossils identified enabled us to restrict the age of the material to a biostratigraphic interval ranging from Coniacian to Maastricthian ages. By using a multidisciplinary approach we were able to explore the diptych, suggest a set of minimally invasive perspectives in tropical environments to be used worldwide and obtain key information about the artist's artistic process, materials used along with better understand its state of conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Albanian-Thessalian Basin, which is located in the vicinity of Mount Morava, includes Eocene to Middle Miocene sediments with a poorly-known, calcareous nannofossil content. This study is focused on the investigation of calcareous nannofossil assemblages from the Lower Miocene sediments outcropping in the area, resulting in the correlation to the global nannofossils zones/subzones NN2-NN3/CN1c-CN2, as well as to the zonation from the Mediterranean area, where the MNN2b and MNN3a biozones have been identified. An early-middle Burdigalian age for the studied outcrops is supported by primary and secondary index species (Helicosphaera ampliaperta, Helicosphaera mediterranea, Sphenolithus belemnos, Sphenolithus disbelemnos, Sphenolithus pseudoheteromorphus). Quantitative analyses were performed on calcareous nannofossils and statistics were applied to all of the counted samples. Based on the statistical analysis, short-time fluctuations in palaeoenvironmental parameters, such as temperature, salinity and eutrophic regime, are documented through the changes in the calcareous nannofossil assemblages and their abundance patterns. The depositional palaeoenvironment indicates changes in basin water depth, with influence of cold upwelling currents, terrigenous nutrient influx, and increased palaeoenvironmental perturbations over short time intervals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcareous nannofossils evolved in the global ocean from the Carnian (early Late Triassic) and have contributed to the accumulation of biogenic calcium carbonate in marine sediments since then. Bio-diversification and bio-productivity became more significant in the Rhaetian (Late Triassic), representing an important period to understand the dynamics of calcareous nannofossil evolution. The calcareous nannofossil content of the Zlambach Formation, Northern Calcareous Alps, Austria, was qualitatively and quantitatively investigated using both scanning electron and light microscopy. The nannolith, Prinsiosphaera triassica triassica, dominates the assemblage in most samples and increases slightly in abundance in the lower Rhaetian, followed by a small-scale short-term increase during the middle Rhaetian and reaches rock-forming abundance in the upper Rhaetian. A systematic size decrease is recorded from the lower Rhaetian onwards, possibly due to changes in the palaeo-environment. The abundance of P. triassica triassica is slightly affected by the occurrence of Eoconusphaera hallstattensis and strongly by E. zlambachensis. E. hallstattensis is constrained to a relatively short interval, from the upper Paracochloceras suessi Zone (lower Rhaetian) and disappeared during the lower Vandaites stuerzenbaumi Zone (middle Rhaetian), after the occurrence of a second Eoconusphaeraceae species: E. zlambachensis. The last occurrence of E. hallstattensis comes along with the subspecies Prinsiosphaera triassica crenulata showing characteristic parallel-oriented calcite lamellae. Those three species are suggested as good biostratigraphical markers for the Upper Triassic. The coccolithophorids are present in low abundance, increasing slightly in the middle Rhaetian. After the first record of coccoliths in the middle Norian (Alaunian), the oldest Crucirhabdus minutus and Archaeozygodiscus koessenensis were observed in the upper Norian (Sevatian) and the first occurrence of Crucirhabdus primulus was recorded in the lower Rhaetian. These observations suggest a rather slow temporal diversification of the first coccolithophorids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of a study of calcareous nannofossils found for the first time in the lower part of the Stolbovaya Group of the Kamchatsky Mys Peninsula in Eastern Kamchatka are presented. Two assemblages of different age are identified, with one assigned to the Upper Cretaceous and the other to the Paleogene (not older than the Lutetian Stage of the Middle Eocene). These data make it possible to refine the age of terrigenous–tuffaceous sequences in the lower part of the Stolbovaya Group, which are poor in organic remains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present new biostratigraphic results from two ophiolite outcrops in Armenia. The discovery of upper Tithonian-lower Berriasian diagnostic radiolarian species (Vallupus gracilis Li and Sashida) in the lower radiolarites of the Dali section allows to date more accurately submarine lava eruptions of transitional to alkaline composition. The radiolarian results also indicate that blocks of shallow-water carbonates slid into the basin during this time interval. At Vedi, upper Coniacian-Santonian calcareous nannofossils identified in marls of the post-obduction sedimentary cover refine previous age data. Synthesis of the existing bio-chronostratigraphic constraints in Armenia and Karabagh sheds light to the depositional and magmatic history of Tethys in the Lesser Caucasus and highlights the age constraints of fossils on the timing of ophiolite obduction in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcareous nannofossil assemblages have been investigated in the uppermost Eocene to the lowest Oligocene in the Marun oil field in the Dezful Embayment (south‐west Iran). The studied interval includes shales, marlstones and limestones. Seventeen genera and 35 species of calcareous nannofossils have been determined. Regarding the succession of nannofossil bioevents, the studied interval ranges from the late Eocene (Priabonian, CNE18 Zone or NP18 Zone) to the early Oligocene (Rupelian, CNO2 Zone, or NP22 Zone). A high relative abundance of warm water taxa (such as Sphenolithus spp., Discoaster spp. and Helicosphaera spp.) is recorded in the late Eocene, while towards the Eocene–Oligocene boundary (EOB), an increase in the relative abundance of cool and temperate taxa (such as Reticulofenestra spp., Cyclicargolithus floridanus, Dictyococcites bisecta and Markalius inversus) is identified. A marked decrease in the abundance of warm water taxa along with a decrease in species diversity indicates that the cooling event at the EOB in the Marun oil field in Iran is similar to other parts of the world (Tethys realm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New field observations and discovery of calcareous nannofossils and planktonic foraminifera from the 'shallow-marine' Çayraz Formation (Haymana Basin, Central Anatolia), a contributing Eocene section to the shallow benthic zonation (SBZ) in the Tethys, allow us to revise its stratigraphy and establish an integrated biostratigraphic scheme for the first time. The hemipelagic marls in the uppermost part of the Eskipolatlı Formation that underlies the Çayraz Formation yielded nannofossil assemblages of Zone CNE3, pinning down the initiation of the Çayraz shelf system into the 'middle' Ypresian. The prominent marly part (Member B) between the carbonate-clastic packages of the Çayraz Formation with prolific occurrences of larger benthic foraminifers (LBFs) (Members A below and C above) yielded calcareous nannofossils suggesting Zone CNE6 (late Ypresian). We show that the mixed carbonate-siliciclastic sequence with abundant LBFs in the upper part of the formation (Member C) is overlain by newly discovered hemipelagic marls (here named as Member D). These marls yielded calcareous nannofossils indicating Zone CNE9 and CNE10 for the lower and Zone CNE12(?Lutetian) for the upper samples. The same beds yielded planktonic foraminifers indicating Zone E8 for the lower and Zone E9 for the upper samples. We conclude that shallow-marine sedimentation in the Çayraz section ended in the 'middle' Lutetian, challenging the previous Bartonian records by LBFs. A new lithostratigraphic scheme consisting of four members with distinctive lithological and biotic characteristics is proposed for the Çayraz Formation: two main shelf systems (Members A and C), each followed by deep-marine sedimentation (Members B and D). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Upper Cretaceous succession (Coniacian to lowermost Maastrichtian, with focus on the Campanian) at Petrich, Central Srednogorie Zone in Bulgaria, is described and calibrated stratigraphically based on nannofossils, dinoflagellate cysts and inoceramids. The following standard nannofossil zones and subzones are identified: UC10–UC11ab (middle to upper Coniacian), UC11c–UC12–UC13 (uppermost Coniacian to Santonian), UC14a (lowermost Campanian), UC14bTP–UC15cTP (lower Campanian to ‘middle’ Campanian), UC15dTP– UC15eTP (upper Campanian), UC16aTP (of Thibault et al. 2016; upper part of the upper Campanian), and UC16b (Campanian–Maastrichtian boundary). The base of the Campanian is defined by the FO of Broinsonia parca parca (Stradner) Bukry, 1969 and Calculites obscurus (Deflandre) Prins and Sissingh in Sissingh, 1977 (a morphotype with a wide central longitudinal suture). The Areoligera coronata dinoflagellate cyst Zone (upper lower Campanian to upper upper Campanian) is identified, corresponding to the UC14bTP–UC16aTP nannofossil subzones. The inoceramid assemblage indicates the ‘Inoceramus’ azerbaydjanensis–‘Inoceramus’ vorhelmensis Zone, correlated within the interval of nannofossil subzones UC15dTP–UC15eTP. The composition of the dinoflagellate cyst assemblages and palynofacies pattern suggest normal marine, oxic conditions and low nutrient availability within a distal shelf to open marine depositional environment during the Campanian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bystřice section, which was previously interpreted as the continuous Cretaceous-Paleogene transition, has been newly studied using biostratigraphy (planktonic foraminifers, calcareous nannofossils), magnetic properties, and geochemistry. Biostratigraphy has confirmed the presence of the upper Maastrichtian (UC20dTP nannozone; Abathomphalus mayaroensis foraminifer zone) and Selandian (NP5-NP7 nannozones; P3b-P4b foraminifer zones). Moreover, the Danian is completely absent. Strong remagnetisation of the rocks did not enable magnetostratigraphy of the section. The magnetic fabric indicates tectonic disturbance of the section. The studied strata consist predominantly of paraconglomerates, which are interpreted as slumps. The slumps contain pebbles and blocks of diverse exotic rocks, intraclasts, and reworked carbonate concretions enclosed within a marly matrix. A few thick paraconglomerate bodies are separated by bedded grey silty marls, sequences of medium-rhythmic sandstone turbidites, and conglomerate. Frequent slump folds indicate synsedimentary deformation. Submarine landslides are manifested by folded and thrusted sandstone beds, breccia of partly-lithified sandstones, and characteristic failure planes. In the lower part of the section, marls and paraconglomerates with Maastrichtian microfossils are interbedded with marls containing Selandian microfossils. It is most likely that the whole of the studied sequence was deposited during the Selandian, and that Maastrichtian marls and paraconglomerates represent submarine mass flows. The deposition took place on the basin slope in the bathyal zone. The geochemical proxy parameters indicate more reducing setting, higher input of terrestrial phytodetrite, as well as higher surface-water temperatures in the Maastrichtian, which is confirmed also by occurrences of low-latitude nannoplankton. The Selandian sediments contain a higher share of aquatic organic matter. The pristane/phytane ratio indicates an oxygenated water column, and carbonate d13C and d18O isotopes point to lower surface-water temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]