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Minor differences in the morphology of the test, wall structure, arrangement of chambers and apertures, size are recognized as being of decisive specific or subspecific value. Twenty four phylogenetic lineages were produced by puncuated equilibrium and gradualistic evolutionary trends which observed within 50 benthic foraminiferal species and subspecies belonging to 18 genera throughout the Maastrichtian to Priabonian forms in Tethys as well as one recent species by the present authors and others. In this study, new eight lineages are presented: Clavulina parisiensis d'Orbigny ˃ C. pseudoparisensis Anan, Laevidentalina granti (Plummer) ˃ L. salimi Anan, Lenticulina carinata (Plummer) ˃ L. turbinata (Plummer) ˃ L. chitanii (Yabe and Asano), Percultazonaria ameeri Anan ˃ P. allami Anan, Percultazonaria alii Anan ˃ P. longiscata (Nakkady), Percultazonaria wadiarabensis (Futyan) ˃ P. tuberculata (Plummer), Palmula woodi undulata Nakkady ˃ P. w. woodi Nakkady, Gavelinella b. brotzeni Said and Kenawy ˃ G. brotzeni paleocenica Said and Kenawy. These lineages help, not only to define the major faunal changes at the Cretaceous/Tertiary (K/T) and the Paleocene/Eocene (P/E) boundaries, but also to emphasis the stratigraphic importance of them in different localities in the Tethys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We revisit the holotype of Calcardea junnei Gingerich, 1987 from the latest Paleocene (Clarkforkian) of the Willwood Formation (Wyoming, USA). The species is based on a partial skeleton and was originally assigned to the Ardeidae (herons). As we show, this classification cannot be upheld and Calcardea Gingerich, 1987 more closely resembles the taxon Vastanavis Mayr et al., 2007 (Vastanavidae), a parrot-like bird from the early Eocene of India. Even though C. junnei is a large bird, its long wings and short tarsometatarsus argue against a predominantly terrestrial way of living, and the morphology of the tarsometatarsus and pedal phalanges instead suggest strong grasping feet. We conclude that an assignment of Calcardea to the landbird clade (Telluraves) is better supported than its classification into the waterbird clade (Aequornithes), which includes Ardeidae and other 'ciconiiform' and 'pelecaniform' taxa. Calcardea junnei is one of the oldest known representatives of Telluraves and its morphology shows plesiomorphic features, which contributed to its previous misidentification as a heron. Calcardea exhibits a distinctive osteology and affords a glimpse of a previously unknown late Paleocene avian morphotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charophyte assemblages from the mid‐Campanian and lower Paleocene of the SK‐1(North) borehole in the Songliao Basin (NE China) are here re‐studied. Four charophyte biozones and one superzone are defined in the Sifangtai and Mingshui formations and correlated to the Geomagnetic Polarity Time Scale. These include a mid–late Campanian Atopochara trivolvis ulanensis Zone, a latest Campanian – early Maastrichtian Microchara gobica Zone, a late Maastrichtian Microchara prolixa Zone, and an earliest Danian Peckichara sinuolata Zone. The latter three zones are grouped within the Microchara cristata Superzone, which allows intra‐ and intercontinental correlation with other basins in China and Europe. Peckichara sinuolata first appears in chron C29r (upper Mingshui Formation) and is proposed as the basal marker of the Paleocene. The biozonation of the K/Pg interval proposed for the Songliao Basin differs from a previous biozonation proposed in the Pingyi Basin since it represents a different biogeographical and palaeoecological context. In the mid‐Campanian to Maastrichtian, the flora was limited to freshwater lakes in northern China and Mongolia, whereas in the Pingyi Basin, brackish water dominated. In the Paleocene, the Songliao Basin contained a diverse flora consisting of nine species that thrived in terrigenous and temporary lakes, whereas the flora in the Pingyi Basin was dominated by one species inhabiting permanent alkaline lakes. The species common to the two basins are widely distributed in Eurasia and constitute a useful tool for long‐distance correlations, but serve as a less‐precise tool for detailed biostratigraphical subdivision within one specific basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multituberculates were among the most taxonomically diverse mammals of the early Paleocene, having survived the catastrophic Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction and radiating soon thereafter. Although their evolution during the early Paleocene saw the advent of increasingly specialized dentitions, multituberculates generally remained small, rarely exceeding body sizes greater than those of extant rabbits. A conspicuous exception is the Taeniolabidoidea, a primarily North American clade whose members include the largest multituberculates yet discovered. Taeniolabidoidea includes several genera, with one of these, Catopsalis, being speciose and geographically wide ranging. Until recently, the chronological succession of Catopsalis appeared to document a trend of increasing body size. We report here on a new species of Catopsalis from the early Paleocene of Alberta that violates this trend and suggests that the evolutionary history of Catopsalis is considerably more complex. Catopsalis kakwa new species is not only the smallest species of Catopsalis, but is the smallest taeniolabidoid so far discovered, with an estimated body mass between 400 g and 660 g. In contrast to previous studies, we used recently proposed regressions based on lower cheek tooth row length to estimate body masses for North American taeniolabidoids. Our results propose more modest body mass estimates, particularly for the largest taeniolabidoids. The occurrence of C. kakwa n. sp. in the late early Paleocene implies either a significant ghost lineage, or reversal of several characters, including body size, during the latter part of the early Paleocene; the more likely of these scenarios must await a better understanding of the phylogenetic position of C. kakwa n. sp. UUID: http://zoobank.org/66d85345-49b8-4a46-ba6e-a4d4369cb3e0 urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:AF7A5659-9068-4F2F-A6EC-5522A2BBA4CB [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a new Maastrichtian species of the benthic foraminifer Elazigina siderea from Tarbur Formation. Its main characters are the presence of heavy feathered umbilical sutures, a wide umbilical plug, and umbilical piles. This species, formerly reported from Turkey as Smoutina cruysi, constitutes the oldest known record of the genus Elazigina. Elazigina siderea sp. nov. comes from the Arabian domain and its presence is probably related to the migration of the Cretaceous foraminifer Orbitokathina. Prior to this study, the oldest representatives of this genus were only known from the Paleocene. Therefore, the presence of the new taxon in the Maastrichtian suggests the genus Elazigina passed the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary, and survived to the environmental crisis associated with a great biosphere mass extinction that wiped out most of the Late Cretaceous larger foraminifers. This is supported by shell features displayed by Elazigina siderea sp. nov., interpreted as adaptation to thrive under elevated trophic levels, like the species of another benthic foraminifer Laffitteina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise of the Study: The fossil record is critical for testing biogeographic hypotheses. Menispermaceae (moonseeds) are a widespread family with a rich fossil record and alternative hypotheses related to their origin and diversification. The family is well‐represented in Cenozoic deposits of the northern hemisphere, but the record in the southern hemisphere is sparse. Filling in the southern record of moonseeds will improve our ability to evaluate alternative biogeographic hypotheses. Methods: Fossils were collected from the Salamanca (early Paleocene, Danian) and the Huitrera (early Eocene, Ypresian) formations in Chubut Province, Argentina. We photographed them using light microscopy, epifluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy and compared the fossils with similar extant and fossil Menispermaceae using herbarium specimens and published literature. Key Results: We describe fossil leaves and endocarps attributed to Menispermaceae from Argentinean Patagonia. The leaves are identified to the family, and the endocarps are further identified to the tribe Cissampelideae. The Salamancan endocarp is assigned to the extant genus Stephania. These fossils significantly expand the known range of Menispermaceae in South America, and they include the oldest (ca. 64 Ma) unequivocal evidence of the family worldwide. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of West Gondwana in the evolution of Menispermaceae during the Paleogene. Currently, the fossil record does not discern between a Laurasian or Gondwanan origin; however, it does demonstrate that Menispermaceae grew well outside the tropics by the early Paleocene. The endocarps’ affinity with Cissampelideae suggests that diversification of the family was well underway by the earliest Paleocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tattapani hot springs are located near the Kotli District of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. This study evaluates these hot springs based on surface geological information, radon emission measurements, hydro-geochemical and isotopic signatures and potential source mechanisms. Field observations reveal that the hot springs are located at the crest of the Tattapani anticline along the faulted contact of Cambrian carbonates with Paleocene siliciclastics. In addition, remnants of igneous intrusions in the Cambrian carbonates are commonly observed. Spatial distribution of radon emissions (ranging between 2.1 and 29.5KBq m-3) indicates an anomalous zone located over the Cambrian-Paleocene faulted contact. Hydro-geochemical data show sodium-bicarbonate affinity of hot springs. The highest surface temperature of these springs is recorded at 60.8ºC. Average reservoir temperatures based on silica and cation geo-thermometers are 101ºC and 115ºC, respectively. Giggenbach ternary diagram (Na-KMg) suggests a non-equilibrium state between fluid and rock, whereas isotopic and chemical data indicate heat loss by conductive cooling and mixing with groundwater during the flow of thermal water up to the surface. Oxygen and deuterium isotopes indicate that thermal water is of meteoric origin, rain and/or snow in the north at higher altitudes providing the potential recharge. Furthermore, absence of tritium in the thermal water suggests a residence time of more than 50 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The topography evolution of the southeastern Tibetan Plateau provides a constraint for evaluating various geodynamic models of plateau formation. We reconstruct the Paleocene to Eocene paleoelevation of the Cenozoic Gonjo basin in the Qiangtang terrane, using oxygen and carbon stable isotopic results from pedogenic carbonates of the lower Ranmugou Formation. Lithofacies associations indicate that the lower Ranmugou Formation was deposited in alluvial fan and fluvial floodplain environments. U-Pb dating of volcanics within the middle Ranmugou Formation constrains the deposition of the lower Ranmugou Formation as prior to 43.2 Ma. Paleoelevations are calculated using both a thermodynamic model and an empirical relationship. The empirical relationship of elevation-δ 18 O is determined from a series of modern water samples. Calculated paleoelevations indicate that the Gonjo basin attained a minimum average elevation of 2100–2500 m in the early Eocene. Together with recent paleoaltimetry studies in the region, it can be concluded that the crust of southeastern Tibetan Plateau was already thickened by that time. The calculation is based on the section in northern Gonjo basin, where δ 18 O values of paleosol nodules appear to be unaltered, but we cannot rule out the possibility that δ 18 O values of the pedogenic carbonates had been partially reset. Our preliminary results favor tectonic models compatible with pre-Miocene uplift of the SE-central Tibetan Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deepwater fold-and-thrust belts (DWFTBs) are geological structures recently explored thanks to advances in offshore seismic imaging by oil industry. In this study we present a kinematic analysis based on three balanced cross-sections of depth-converted, 2-D seismic profiles along the offshore Lamu Basin (East African passive margin). This margin is characterized by a regional-scale DWFTB (> 450 km long), which is the product of gravity-driven contraction on the shelf that exhibits complex structural styles and differing amount of shortening along strike. Net shortening is up to 48 km in the northern wider part of the fold-and-thrust belt (≈ 180 km), diminishing to < 15 km toward the south, where the belt is markedly narrower (≈ 50 km). The three balanced profiles show a shortening percentage around 20% (comparable with the maximum values documented in other gravity-driven DWFTBs), with a significant variability along dip: higher values are achieved in the outer (i.e. down-dip) portion of the system, dominated by basinward-verging, imbricate thrust sheets. Fold wavelength increases landward, where doubly-verging structures and symmetric detachment folds accommodate a lower amount of shortening. Similar to other cases, a linear and systematic relationship between sedimentary thickness and fold wavelength is observed. Reconstruction of the rate of shortening through time within a fold-and-thrust belt shows that after an early phase of slow activation (Late Cretaceous), > 95% of net shortening was produced in < 10 Myr (during Paleocene). During this acme phase, which followed a period of high sedimentation rate, thrusts were largely synchronous and the shortening rate reached a maximum value of 5 mm/yr. The kinematic evolution reconstructed in this study suggests that the structural evolution of gravity-driven fold-and-thrust belts differs from the accretionary wedges and the collisional fold-and-thrust belts, where thrusts propagate in-sequence and shortening is uniformly accommodated along dip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Torud–Ahmad Abad magmatic belt is located in the south-southeast of Shahrood (East of Semnan Province, NE Iran) and lies in the northern part of the Central Iran Structural Zone (CISZ), where a thick sequence of Paleocene to middle Eocene volcanic and volcanosedimentary rocks cropped out. This sequence was intruded by numerous dikes, hypabyssal igneous domes and one small gabbrodioritic intrusion, with compositions ranging from trachybasaltic andesite, trachyandesite, dacite, trachyte, gabbro, diorite and syenite. Various enclaves (cogentic and noncogenetic) with different composition, size and shape have been found in these domes and dikes. These enclaves are evidence of magma mixing and crustal contamination. Geochemically, the studied rocks exhibit a calc-alkaline to high potassium calc-alkaline affinity, and are enriched in LREE and LILE and depleted in HREE and HSFE. Other geochemical characteristics, such as a silica content varying between 59–63 wt% and 51–59 wt%, a Na 2 O content > 3 wt%, Al 2 O 3 content > 16 wt%, Yb < 1.8 ppm, and Y < 18 ppm, make it possible to classify these rocks as high silica adakite in the Ahmad Abad region and low silica adakite in the Sahl-Razzeh region or at least, adakitic like rocks. Also, depletion of Nb and Ti, and high enrichment in Rb, Ba, K and Th, imply crustal contamination of the mentioned adakitic domes. The petrographical and geochemical evidence show that the magma forming of the high silica adakites has been originated from partial melting of the subducted oceanic slab of Neo-Tethys (Sabzevar–Darouneh branch) in amphibolite to eclogite facies and the low silica adakites formed by partial melting of the metasomatized or modified mantle wedge, above the subduction zone. Gabbroic to syenitic rocks are the products of fractional crystallization of basic magma which originated from a nearly non-modified mantle wedge above the subducted oceanic slab. U-Pb dating of the dacitic and andesitic rocks belong to hypabyssal rocks yielded age of 41.4 ± 0.3 Ma, and 35.5 ± 0.2 Ma respectively and consistent to Middle to Late Eocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the lowermost stage of the Palaeogene, the Danian is a key period for ecosystems which followed the K–Pg boundary. The Vigny quarry (Val d'Oise, France) is a co-stratotype of the Danian stage, along with the well-known one of Fakse (Denmark). The Vigny ecosystem (Bois-des-Roches site at Vigny and allied Danian localities) is the only known Cenozoic reef of the Paris Basin and is formed by hermatypic corals, unlike reefs at Fakse. Well studied by scientists, including d'Orbigny, for almost two centuries, the decapod crustacean fauna of Vigny has been much less documented than that of Fakse. Here, we describe new material of decapod crustaceans from the Danian of the Paris Basin, based on material in the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle (Paris). This material (six carapaces and 14 isolated claws) constitutes anomurans, brachyurans and, for the first time, axiideans in the Danian of the Paris Basin. Among brachyurans, it includes the paleoxanthopsid crabJakobsenius cretaceusis described and the dynomenidDromiopsis mosae. Two new brachyuran species are described from Vigny:Titanocarcinus schweitzeraesp. nov. (Tumidocarcinidae) andDromilites montenatisp. nov. (Dromiidae). The latter is the oldest representative of its genus. The Danian decapod crustaceans of the Paris Basin are revised and their diversity is compared to that at Fakse. The enigmatic association of a limpet (Patella herbetiana) attached to a crab carapace is described and interpreted. Based on a small number of available specimens, this study reveals some specificity of the Vigny brachyuran fauna and recognizes the Paris Basin as an important region for knowledge of Danian decapod crustaceans. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:2813A14B-AE65-4296-9C3C-2B10B9C5DC6B [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discovered in 1969, the Abu Gharadig (AG) Field was the first large hydrocarbon discovery in the Abu Gharadig Basin of the Western Desert of Egypt. Oil production began in 1973, with gas brought into production in 1975. The field produces mainly from upper Cretaceous clastic reservoirs. The AG Basin is an E-W trending intracratonic rift basin, about 330 km long and 50–75 km wide. It was initially formed as a large half graben basin during the Jurassic time in response to Tethyan rifting and continued to subside throughout the Cretaceous time. The half graben was subsequently inverted during the Late Cretaceous as part of the Syrian Arc deformation which affected northern Egypt. The Mid-Basin Arch, the AG Anticline, and the Mubarak High are three NE-SW oriented main inversion anticlines located within the AG Basin and are controlled by inversion of pre-existing Jurassic rift faults. The AG Anticline has an overall NE-SW orientation with a gentle plunge towards the NE and SW. It is locally bounded by two NE–SW-trending inverted faults on the southwest and northeast, accounting for the asymmetry of the anticline. Reverse offset of Cretaceous horizons is obvious at these inverted faults. Fault propagation folding is developed above the tips of the inverted faults at the Late Cretaceous Abu Roash and Khoman Formations. Based on thickness changes and stratigraphic relationships, inversion started during the Santonian time and continued into the Campanian-Maastrichtian. Inversion continued during deposition of the Paleocene–Middle Eocene Apollonia Formation and the Late Eocene–Oligocene Dabaa Formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abundant availability of low rank coals in some developing countries has a great potential for socio-economic development. Pakistan, as a developing country, has taken a number of initiatives some of which are at an advanced stage. Thus, a critical study of regional and local geology of Salt Range and Trans Indus Range coals located in the Kohat–Potwar geologic province is presented in this paper. Permian coal is the oldest coal, which is located in the Western Salt Range in limited quantity while Palaeocene coal is the younger coal and it is mined from the Hangu and Patala formations. The Palaeocene coal is available in abundance and is mined in the Eastern and Central parts of the Salt Range and Trans Indus Range. Additionally, this study presents the thermo-chemical analyses of the coal samples collected from thirty coal mines of Salt Range and Trans Indus Range. The samples were analyzed for ash composition, ash fusion temperatures (AFT), proximate analysis, ultimate analysis and calorific value from two different Labs, i.e. SGS Pakistan and Changsha University of Science and Technology (CUST), China. The average AFT of the samples analyzed is > 1350 °C, which reveals that the coal is non-slagging. On average the coal has low slagging index, medium fouling index, good combustion characteristic parameters and indices. The coal samples have high ash (14–50%), ultra-high sulfur (3.3–11.1%), low moisture (3–10%), high volatile matter (VM, 24–41%), low carbon (23–57%) with low to medium gross calorific value (GCV, 10.2–25.7 MJ/kg). The data gathered from an extensive campaign is compared with the already published data. The study has provided a knowledge on utilization of coal reserves to meet the projected energy demand in Pakistan as well as in other developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bohai Bay Basin is an important petroliferous basin in China. Petroleum potential in Liaodongwan Depression of offshore Bohai Bay Basin has been proved by previous exploration and production, and overpressures were encountered. Summarized by the DST measurements and mud weight data of over 60 wells in Liaodongwan Depression, the abnormally high pressures preserved in Paleocene Dongying (Ed) Formation distribute over the entire depression and could reach as high as 64.2 MPa around the depth of 3420 m. Through the well logs analysis, typical corresponding characteristics to disequilibrium compaction can be found: higher in acoustic transit time and lower in density than normal compaction trend. Based on these corresponding features the pore pressure prediction was carried out for all the wells in the area. Sonic velocity-effective stress relationship and sonic velocity-density cross plots were employed to investigate the origin of overpressure in Ed Formation. Sedimentation rates and geothermal features were studied as well. Combining all the analysis, the overpressure of Ed Formation in northwest Liaodongwan Depression was dominantly generated by disequilibrium compaction. With this widely distributed overpressure, thick layers of mudstone of Ed Formation serve as a regional overpressured caprock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we present a biostratigraphic and systematic revision of American Ranikothalia, based on outcrop collections form Costa Rica end westernmost Panama and on type collections of the Naturhistorisches Museum Basel. Paleocene-lowermost Eocene Ranikothalia-bearing shallow-water limestones occur in three distinct palaeogeographic settings along the Southern Central American convergent margin: 1. The Barra Honda Limestone (Tempisque Basin, Costa Rica) is, according to 87Sr/86Sr-ratios and biostratigraphy of mid Selandian to late Thanetian (? earliest Ypresian) age. Tectonic uplift and temporary demise of a Middle American Arc segment during the Selandian allowed the formation of the pure carbonates of the Barra Honda Limestone. The upper well-bedded subunit exposes a higher energy facies, in which Neodiscocyclina spp. and Ranikothalia catenula group (redefined here) are locally abundant. Open marine facies with Morozovella velascoensis interfinger in a small scaled facies pattern in the topmost part. Tectonic subsidence and resumed arc activity resulted in rapid eutrophication/drowning. 2. Herradura - Quepos carbonate shoals on oceanic seamounts. The Herradura and Quepos terranes may represent the earliest seamounts formed by the Galapagos hotspot plume tail activity, >1000km to the SW of their present-day position. Pillowed lava flows and subaerial volcanic breccias occur with Upper Palaeocene-lowermost Eocene shallow-water limestones rich in Ranikothalia gr. catenula, Neodiscocyclina spp. and coralline algae. 3. Burica Peninsula - carbonate shoal on an accreted oceanic plateau. An Upper Paleocene carbonate shoal established on part of the Inner Osa Igneous Complex after its accretion to the western edge of the CLIP (Caribbean Large Igneous Province) and its possible emersion. In situ rhodoid limestones of the Río Palo Blanco (W-Panama) contrast with redeposited material in turbidites and debris flow breccias, interbedded with siliceous pelagic limestones and arc-derived mudstones. A morphometric study on 150 axial sections of Ranikothalia spp. from all studied settings reveals a morphologic continuum between megalospheric (A) forms and microspheric (B) forms previously described as several species, here grouped as the R. gr. catenula. We conceive that these co-occurring morphotypes belong to one biological species. The separation of this group into 2 or 3 genera seems highly artificial, since many samples contain transitional forms between the "sub-evolute" microsphreric forms "Caudrina" soldadensis (R. catenula soldadensis herein) and the involute "Chordoperculinoides" bermudezi (R. c. bermudezi herein). Neither from previous studies nor from our material we can conclude on a biostratigraphic relevance of the various morphotypes. In particular, we cannot confirm a stratigraphic succession from flatter (R. c. soldadensis) to more robust (R. c. bermudezi) forms. Shape and shell thickness distribution of morphotypes of the Ranikothalia gr. catenula can be interpreted in terms of hydrodynamic energy and light availability in their habitat, in comparison with observations made on living LBF. This interpretation matches the hydrodynamic energy deduced from the microfacies and the abundance of photosynthetic red algae in our thin sections. Flat lenticular delicate A-forms (R. c. catenula) occur together with delicate B-forms (R. c. soldadensis) both in shallow protected and deeper off-shore calm water areas. The most robust B-form R.c. bermudezi may be a good indicator of shallow, high energy palaeo-environments. Possible Paleoceme dispersal routes for Amerucan Ranikothalia are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fine-grained Paleocene–Miocene strata of eastern Azerbaijan record the evolution of the Kura Basin from an open marine system connecting the South Caspian Basin to the Paratethys of eastern Europe to an isolated epicontinental sea. Tectonic uplift associated with the Greater Caucasus mountains in Azerbaijan resulted in exposure of these strata over much of the northeastern part of the basin, allowing detailed observation and sampling over a broad area. Four hundred Paleocene–Miocene samples collected in eastern Azerbaijan demonstrate spatial and temporal geochemical heterogeneity within the predominately mudstone succession, indicating a complex evolution of this elongate basin. Through detailed organic geochemical analysis of samples, trends can be seen in the distribution of total organic carbon (TOC), pyrolysis characteristics, and biomarker results from a subset of twenty-four samples. In addition to confirming the well-documented regional basin restriction during the Oligocene to early Miocene deposition of the Maikop Series, heterogeneity of these geochemical indicators across the study area shows spatial variability in oxicity and terrestrial organic input within the basin on a sub-regional scale. Observed geochemical variability suggests a complex evolutionary history of the Kura Basin during the Paleocene–Miocene, and this has important implications for hydrocarbon prospectivity in the region. Within the 400 collected samples, total organic carbon (TOC) values range from 0.3 to 6.3%, with Oligocene–Miocene samples showing average values of 1.4%, compared to lower TOC values found in Paleocene–Eocene strata (average = 0.3%). Rock-Eval pyrolysis shows that the majority of strata are organic lean, immature, and mixed oil/gas to gas prone (Type II/III to Type III), with a smaller group of latest Eocene–Early Miocene samples having better oil prone source potential. Gas chromatography and biomarker analysis of 24 samples reinforces the immaturity of most samples, shows varying levels of terrestrial input in all samples, suggests well-oxygenated waters prevailed with periodic suboxic to dysoxic/anoxic events, highlights gross differences between the Paleocene–Eocene and Oligocene–Miocene stratigraphic intervals, and shows generally good lateral correlation between samples. These interpretations reinforce what is seen through inorganic geochemical evaluation of trace metals, bulk composition, and stable isotopic ratios, and offer more detail as to the evolution of this basin and the implications for oil and gas prospectivity of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the reliability and accuracy of source rock evaluation, a total of 102 shale samples of Çamalan Formation were collected, analyzed and re-characterized with taking matrix retention effect into account. Results from Rock-Eval and visual kerogen analyses indicate: 1. an excellent source rock with an average TOC of 6.39 wt.%. 2. An assemblage of amorphous (i.e., alginite, type I) organic matter as a major organic constituent with an excellent potential for generating oil. 3. Shale samples from Çamalan Formation are in immature/early–intermediate stage of maturity based on T max (Avg. ∼440 °C) and spore color index (SCI ∼2.5–4). Also no amount of Çamalan generated oils are migrated out of shale based on S 1 vs. TOC plot. (i.e., Transformation ratio (TR ∼0)). Samples of this study show a significant mineral matrix effect. After correction of mineral matrix effect the average hydrogen index (HI) of the Çamalan Formation increased by more than 60 mg HC/g TOC and reached to an average of 811 mg HC/g TOC. Gas oil ratio potential (GORP) factor were used in order to split up the TOC and S 2 into oil-prone and gas-prone and also to investigate the level of consistency between the results of GORP factor and those of visual kerogen studies. Based on obtained GORP factor more than 90% of TOC (live) is composed from oil-prone materials which is in acceptable agreement with petrographic assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thin mm to cm thick bentonite layers of Paleocene to Early Eocene age in the Tonsteinschichten of the Schlieren Flysch represent volcanic ash layers. Heavy mineral analysis of the layers indicates basic to acidic volcanic sources. U/Pb dating of single zircon crystals of a Paleocene layer (WW1948) by LA-ICP-MS points to an eruption at 59.87 ± 0.41 Ma, whereas ID-TIMS shows an eruption age of 60.96 ± 0.07 Ma. Taking into account the external precision of LA-ICP-MS analyses of 1–2% both ages are overlapping and indicate an apparent minimal durations of zircon crystallization of 350 ka. Hf-isotope analysis of the same zircon crystals reveals the hybrid character of the source magma. The geochemical composition of the pumice grains of all bentonite layers is strongly affected by alteration. Nevertheless, the original character of the volcanic source can be evaluated. The Paleocene ashes (Lower Tonsteinschichten, LT) show a more fractionated multi-element pattern than the ashes of Early Eocene (Upper Tonsteinschichten, UT). The LT ash series are of rhyodacite to dacite character whereas the UT ashes fall in the field of alkali basalts. Both ash series seem to originate from a within-plate volcanic setting according to their trace element concentrations. Geochemical and temporary counterparts can be found in ash layers from Anthering (Austria) and the Danish Basin. As proposed for those ashes, volcanism connected to the opening of the North Atlantic might be the source as well for the ashes in the Schlieren Flysch. By comparison of the composition of rocks from the British Paleogene Igneous Province BPIP and the Schlieren Flysch ashes many correlations can be drawn which supports the suggestion of a North Atlantic origin of the Alpine ashes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Upper Paleocene-Lower Eocene Hanadi and Dababiya Quarry members in West Central Sinai, Egypt, contain nannofossil taxa assigned to the NP9 and NP10 zones. The Hanadi Member displays lateral variation in thickness and is sharply overlain by a dark gray clay layer that defines the base of the Dababiya Quarry Member. The strata immediately overlying this layer contain nannofossil species assigned to the earliest Eocene. The lateral variation in thickness of the Hanadi Member and the abrupt lithological changes between the Hanadi and the Dababiya members probably suggest active syndepositional tectonism and possibly discontinuous sedimentation. The onset of the Eocene brought oceanic anoxic to dysoxic bottom water conditions as revealed by the dark gray and probably organic rich clay and the common occurrence of Chondrites trace fossils. The earliest Eocene calcareous nannofossil NP9b subzone is missing in the area of study and therefore the incoming of the Eocene is placed at the base of the NP10 zone at the first occurrences of Tribrachiatus bramlettei. The dominant nannofossil taxa around this boundary (Rhomboaster intermedia, R. bitrifida, and R. calcitrapa) in addition to Ericsonia subpertusa are interpreted as proxies for warm surface water. The abundance and diversity of Fasciculithus spp. decreased abruptly in the uppermost part of the NP9a subzone and they became fully extinct shortly above the Paleocene/Eocene interval (base of NP10 zone). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The description of two subspecies, Miscellanea juliettae pfenderae Leppig and M. juliettae villattea Leppig, is emended and a new holotype is designated. Both subspecies were previously described as subordinate units of Miscellanea juliettae, a species that has never been formally described. Here we provide the formal description of the species Miscellanea juliettae n. sp., and show that both subspecies are intergrading units of the same species. This results in retaining a single taxonomic unit, Miscellanea juliettae n. sp., leading us to abandon previous designations of subspecies rank. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A diverse elasmobranch fauna was collected from the early Danian Rødvig Formation and the early to middle Danian Stevns Klint Formation at Stevns Klint and from the middle Danian Faxe Formation at Faxe, Denmark. Teeth from 27 species of sharks are described including the earliest records of Chlamydoselachus and Heptranchias howelli from Europe. The fauna collected at the Faxe quarry is rich in large species of shark including Sphenodus lundgreni and Cretalamna appendiculata and includes no fewer than four species of Hexanchiformes. The species collected yield an interesting insight into shark diversity in the Boreal Sea during the earliest Paleogene. The early Danian fauna recorded from the Cerithium Limestone represents an impoverished Maastrichtian fauna, whereas the fauna found in the slightly younger bryozoan limestone is representative of a pronounced cold water fauna. Several species that hitherto have only been known from the Late Cretaceous have been identified, clearly indicating that the K-T boundary was not the end of the Cretaceous fauna; it lingered and survived into the early Danian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palynological investigation on 132 samples from the 428m thick outcrop section of Late Paleocene to Early Oligocene of the Pabdeh Formation in southwestern Iran yielded 55 species of dinoflagellate cysts and allowed establishment of seven biozones. Quantity of marine palynomorph elements indicate an open marine environment at that time interval but, a slight increase in number of spore and pollen grains in some samples indicate suitable conditions for forest development as a consequence of increase in climate humidity. The species are common in various latitudes and most of them are cosmopolitan. Thermal maturity index measurement indicate oil prone nature for majority of the samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pantolestidae are an extinct family of mammals known principally from the early Paleocene to late Oligocene (from approximately 64 to 30 million years ago) of North America and Europe. Although never particularly abundant, pantolestids are relatively well represented in the Eocene and Oligocene, with several taxa known from exceptionally well-preserved skulls and postcranial material. The early evolutionary history of the group, however, similar to that of many contemporaneous mammals, remains comparatively poorly known. The current study reports on several previously undescribed pantolestids from the early late Paleocene (late middle Tiffanian, Ti4) Roche Percée local fauna, Ravenscrag Formation, of southeastern Saskatchewan, Canada. Aatotomus placochton n. gen. n. sp. resembles the enigmatic pantolestid Paleotomus in having sectorial premolars with well-developed crests and tall, sharp molar trigonids, but differs principally in possessing narrow molar talonids. Besseocetor krausei n. sp. shares numerous similarities with B. thomsoni and B. septentrionalis but differs in being considerably smaller and less robust. Palaeosinopa reclusum n. sp., the oldest species of Palaeosinopa yet discovered, reveals a unique combination of primitive and derived pantolestid features, and supports previous suggestions of a close evolutionary relationship between Palaeosinopa and Bessoecetor. The new taxa document an unusually high diversity of pantolestids in the Tiffanian of western Canada and provide important new knowledge to the evolutionary history of this group during the Paleocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Palaeoryctidae are a group of small-bodied, likely insectivorous mammals known principally from the Paleocene and early Eocene (from approximately 65 to 53 Ma) of North America. Here we report on a new palaeoryctid from the early Eocene (early Wasatchian (Wa3) North American Land Mammal Age) Main Body of the Wasatch Formation, Washakie Basin, near Bitter Creek station in southwestern Wyoming, USA. Acerorcytes dulcis gen. et sp. nov. is unique among palaeoryctids in having a double-rooted P2 with a small anterior cusp, P3 with pronounced para- and metastylar cusps and a reduced but conspicuous metacone, P4 with a weakly developed metacone and an anteroposteriorly compressed protocone, and M1-2 with deep ectoflexus and a sharp metastylar blade. A phylogenetic analysis based on 32 dental characters of the nine known North American palaeoryctid species, including Aceroryctes dulcis, recovered eight equally parsimonious cladograms. Similar to prior studies, the analysis suggests that the genus Palaeoryctes is non-monophyletic, with Palaeoryctes cruoris and Aaptoryctes ivyi closely related. Aceroryctes dulcis is grouped with Ottoryctes winkleri and positioned in a more inclusive clade with Eoryctes melanus; the remaining palaeoryctid taxa, including Lainoryctes youzwyshyni, are part of an unresolved polytomy. These new findings indicate that early Eocene palaeoryctids were more diverse than previously thought, with genus richness during the early Eocene at least as great as that during the middle Paleocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present record of two species of brachyurous decapod crustaceans, Costacopluma grayi Feldmann & Portell, 2007 and Stevea martini sp. nov., from the lower Paleocene Pine Barren Member (Clayton Formation) in south-central Alabama, constitutes an extension of the range of the former and the sole occurrence of the latter. Previously, C. grayi was described from the middle Eocene Tallahatta Formation in Alabama. Stevea martini sp. nov. constitutes only the second species of the genus and the sole fossil occurrence known to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strata of latest Cretaceous (late Maastrichtian) and earliest Paleogene (early Paleocene) age in the (extended) type area of the Maastrichtian Stage are comparatively rich in decapod crustaceans. Particularly common are chelae of the callianassoid Mesostylus faujasi (Desmarest, 1822), followed by carapaces of various species of necrocarcinid and raninid, plus the ?longusorbiid Binkhorstia ubaghsii (van Binkhorst, 1857) and chelae of paguroids; other taxa are much rarer. Recently collected material, all stratigraphically well constrained, has enabled us to reinterpret, and reassign, a number of species. Specimens contained in old museum collections have proved indispensable in that respect. Undescribed taxa have also come to light; here a new dromioid, Distefania(?) vanrijsselti n. sp., is erected to accommodate a fragmentary carapace with a peculiar cauliflower-like ornament. Other new taxa are briefly commented upon, but not formally named. These include a few paguroids, a possible majoid, and a new portunoid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the discovery of extensive middle Eocene bryozoan reef complexes along the paleoshelf edge of the Great Australian Bight (GAB). The complexes form the earliest carbonate deposit in the GAB, which is the largest Cenozoic cool-water carbonate province on Earth. The bryozoan reef mounds, previously misidentified as volcanic bodies, were deposited parallel to the shelf margin for more than 500 km along strike. Individual reef mound complexes are 60-150 km long, as wide as 15 km, and as thick as 200 m, and dwarf all previously described examples. Superimposed on the distal margin of an underlying Paleocene to mid-Eocene siliciclastic delta complex, the reef mounds provide a critical insight into changing paleoenvironments of the Australo-Antarctic Gulf ca. 43 Ma, coinciding with global and continent-wide climatic and tectonic events. The rapid growth and demise of reef mound-building bryozoans raises new questions regarding the interplay of Southern Ocean opening, ocean currents, and biosphere interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Jahrum Formation act as reservoir rocks in the Zagros Mountains west of Iran. For the study of this formation, a stratigraphic section of Lapoee which is situated north of Shiraz has been examined. Petrographic and stratigraphic results along with field observations show that the Jahrum Formation consists of cream-grey thin-to-medium-bedded limestone so that at the top of the formation, they are locally changed to dolomite. The Jahrum Formation overlies the Sachun Formation. We also found Nubecularids as paleoecology indicators in middle parts of the Jahrum Formation. The presence of Nubecularids in the Lapoee stratigraphic section (i.e. the Jahrum Formation) indicates a lagoon depositional environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT—The skull of the Paleocene mammalRadinskyais redescribed here, based on direct study of the type and only specimen. A number of inaccuracies from previous studies are corrected.Radinskyapossesses two potential synapomorphies with perissodactyls, namely, posteriorly broad nasals and a small, laterally facing exposure of the mastoid process of the periotic. The phylogenetic position ofRadinskyais examined using matrices from three studies, two that originally includedRadinskyaand for which the scores forRadinskyaare corrected, and another recent study of archaic ungulates that did not originally includeRadinskya. In addition, a new analysis is performed combining data from all three previous studies, including modifications based on the present study. Reanalyses of the three previous studies give conflicting results regarding the issue of perissodactyl ancestry, placingRadinskyaas sister taxon to perissodactyls, as sister taxon to a perissodactyl-phenacodontid clade, or as part of a polytomy with perissodactyls and paenugulates. The results of the new analysis (1) place perissodactyls closer toRadinskyathan to phenacodontids; (2) place Hyracoidea and Proboscidea (i.e., Paenungulata) as sister taxa to Perissodactyla; (3) do not support inclusion ofRadinskyain Phenacolophidae; and (4) are equivocal in placingLophocionas the phenacodontid closest to perissodactyls. These results thus support neither an Asian nor a North American origin for perissodactyls. Future studies should examine the origins of perissodactyls and other ‘ungulates’ in a broader taxonomic context, in order to more directly address discrepancies between results supported by morphological data and those derived from molecular data. SUPPLEMENTAL DATA—Supplemental materials are available for this article for free at www.tandfonline.com/UJVP [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family Miscellaneidae of larger foraminifera is restricted to the Paleocene and earliest Eocene of the Tethyan carbonate platforms. The two species (Miscellanea miscella and Miscellanea juliettae) of this family are common in the Paleocene of the Indus Basin. Due to the small size, light ornamentation and thin walls, the M. juliettae can be easily distinguished from the M. miscella. The M. juliettae is restricted to the shallow benthic Zone 3 (SBZ3) and it is the diagnostic larger foraminifera of the hydrocarbon bearing Lockhart Formation in the Upper Indus Basin. However, M. miscella almost double of the size of M. juliettae and having dense ornamentation and thick walls representing shallow benthic zones 4 and 5 (i.e. SBZ 4 & 5). M. miscella commonly occurs in the limestone beds of the Patala Formation, Upper Indus Basin, Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The onset of the India-Asia continent-continent collision in Tibet was accompanied by the elimination of oceanic crust and the development of a peripheral foreland basin on the subducting continental crust. However, owing to the progressively southward migration of this foreland basin, the appearance of flexural uplift (forebulge) predated flexural subsidence (foredeep) at the distal location, such as at Gamba and Tingri in the southern Tethyan Himalaya. Consequently, to trace and date this forebulge may provide a better constraint on the India-Asia collision. At Gamba and Tingri, our studies on the stratigraphy, paleontology, and paleoenvironment show that depositional cessation of the limestones occurred at Shallow Benthic Zone 7 (SBZ 7, ~54-55 Ma) in the Gamba area and at the base of SBZ 10 (~52.8 Ma) in the Tingri area. At Gamba, a conglomerate layer within the upper Zongpu Formation is suggested to represent the formation of the forebulge at the onset of the foreland basin, and the coincidence of the conglomerate layer with the Carbon Isotope Excursion (CIE) provides a precise age of ~56 Ma (the Paleocene/Eocene boundary) for the possible initial India-Asia continental collision. Our results not only provide a reliable and precise age for the India-Asia collision but, for the first time, report time equivalence between the India-Asia collision and the CIE in Tibet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the relatively complete skeleton of Tetraclaenodon undoubtedly associated with its dentition, from the Torrejonian interval of the Nacimiento Formation in the San Juan Basin, New Mexico. Tetraclaenodon is the most primitive and oldest genus of the family Phenacodontidae and is very important for assessing the phylogenetic relationships of the family. The newly described skeleton belonged to a lightly built terrestrial mammal that could use trees for shelter. The structure of the ulna, manus, femur, crus, and pes corresponds to that of a typical terrestrial mammal, while morphological features such as the low greater tubercle of the humerus, long deltopectoral crest, pronounced lateral supracondylar crest, and hemispherical capitulum indicate some scansorial adaptations of Tetraclaenodon. The postcranial skeleton of Tetraclaenodon does not exhibit the cursorial adaptations seen in later phenacodontids and early perissodactyls. Phylogenetic analysis did not recover monophyletic "Phenacodontidae"; instead, phenacodontids formed a series of sister taxa to the Altungulata clade. Tetraclaenodon is the basal-most member of the "Phenacodontidae" + Altungulata clade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: New sedimentological and biostratigraphical data have been obtained from unconformable series (Tasraft Formation) on some intruded anticlines located in the Central High Atlas of Morocco. Our results lead us to contest the previous Middle Jurassic to Middle Cretaceous ages only based on lithostratigraphic similarities. The Tasraft Formation proves to be a syntectonic series characterized by detritic fluvial sediments followed by lacustrine and lagoonal-marine limestones. Ostracods and charophytes found in different levels of the unconformable series indicate Thanetian ages. According to these new stratigraphical data, we can conclude that the main structures of the axial part of the High Atlas (folds, cleavage and exhumation of gabbroic bodies) were settled before the Late Paleocene. Moreover, the occurrence of Paleocene nonmarine beds in the axis of the High Atlas Belt implicates to modify the paleogeographic boundaries of the Atlantic transgressions in the beginning of the Tertiary. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The oldest Cenozoic mammalian assemblages in South America have been recovered from levels of the Hansen Member of the Salamanca Formation, Punta Peligro locality in Argentina, and from the Santa Lucía Formation in Tiupampa, Bolivia. These faunas led to the recognition of the Peligran and Tiupampan South American Land Mammal Ages (SALMAs), each alternatively regarded as the oldest Paleocene SALMA. Due to the lack of radioisotopic dates for mammals bearing levels at these localities, no agreement has been reached yet about their relative ages. In this paper, the role of mammal faunas in age inference is discussed. Analysis of the SALMAs shows that the presence of non-therian mammals in the Peligran is of little consequence to the biochronological evaluation, reflecting instead a relict Mesozoic distribution. In contrast, therian mammals are particularly important in that (1) they were Lauraisan immigrants and (2) they support direct comparisons between the Tiupampa and Punta Peligro faunas. Parsimony and cluster analysis were used to quantitatively test hypotheses concerning the relative age of the Peligran and Tiupampan SALMAs. Our results support the hypothesis that the Tiupampan SALMA (early Danian) is older than the Peligran SALMA (early Selandian). This alignment results in an interpretation of the evolutionary history of South American land mammals that is more straightforward than the alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nine species, including two new species of decapod crustaceans, are described from the Paleocene Rancho Nuevo Formation, collected from two localities of the Parras Basin, southeast Coahuila state, Mexico. The astacid Enoploclytia gardnerae (Rathbun, 1935) is represented by a pair of large chelae and one cephalothorax. An incomplete nephropid carapace is identified as Enoploclytia sp. Partial specimens of a callianassid and a pagurid are described. One partial carapace representing Linuparus wilcoxensis Rathbun, 1935 is described. A new raninid, Macroacaena venturai new species extends the genus into Mexico. Paraverrucoides alahamensis (Rathbun, 1935) is the most abundant species, followed by Tehuacana tehuacana Stenzel, 1944 and Viapinnixa perrilliatae new species. Taxonomic affinities of this assemblage confirm influence of the Mississippi Embayment, particularly from Paleocene stratigraphic units of Texas and Alabama. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summarizes faunal changes through the thickest and one of the most complete records of terrestrial vertebrates spanning Lancian (latest Cretaceus) and Puercan (earliest Paleocene) ages, the type Ferris Formation in the Hanna Basin in Wyoming. Geologic setting; Paleontological zonation of and lithogic summary of lower parts of the Ferris Formation.

The article discusses a research study by Nore Praet on fauna during the late Paleocene period in Cernay, France. Topics noted include the morphological identification of all fauna specimens, paleography of fauna in the late Paleocene period, faunal ecology, influence of the Paleocene Eocene thermal maximum on the decimation of fauna in the early Eocene period.

Citation for this article: Mayr, G., and R. P. Scofield. 2015. New avian remains from the Paleocene of New Zealand: the first early Cenozoic Phaethontiformes (tropicbirds) from the Southern Hemisphere. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2015.1031343. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background:Taeniodonta is a clade of Late Cretaceous – Paleogene mammals remarkable for their relatively extreme cranial, dental, and postcranial adaptations and notable for being among the first mammals to achieve relatively large size following the Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction. Previous workers have hypothesized that taeniodonts can be divided into two clades: Conoryctidae, a group of small-bodied taeniodonts with supposedly “generalized” postcranial skeletons, and Stylinodontidae, a group of large-bodied, robust animals with massive forelimbs and claws adapted for scratch-digging. However, many taeniodont taxa are poorly known and few are represented by postcranial material, leaving many details about their anatomy, biology, and evolution ambiguous. Methodology/Principal Findings:In this paper, we describe three new specimens of the rare taxon Wortmania otariidens from the early Paleocene (Puercan) of New Mexico. Among these specimens is one that includes remarkably complete cranial and dental material, including associated upper and lower teeth, and another that consists of partial forelimbs. These specimens allow for an updated anatomical description of this unusual taxon, supply new data for phylogenetic analyses, and enable a more constrained discussion of taeniodont biology and functional morphology. Conclusions/Significance:The new specimen of Wortmania that includes associated upper and lower teeth indicates that previous interpretations of the upper dentition of this taxon were not accurate and the taxon Robertschochia sullivani is a junior synonym of W. otariidens. New specimens that include partial forelimbs indicate that Wortmania is very similar to later, large-bodied taeniodonts, with marked and distinctive adaptations for scratch-digging. Comparisons with other taeniodont taxa that include postcranial material suggest that all taeniodonts may have had scratch-digging adaptations. A phylogenetic analysis shows that Schowalteria and Onychodectes are basal taeniodonts, Stylinodontidae (including Wortmania) is monophyletic, and a monophyletic Conoryctidae (but not including Onychodectes) is only recovered when certain characters are ordered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduces a new genus for two new cocolithophorid taxa, Prinsius scissuratus and Prinsius simplex found in cocosphere-rich horizon of the Geulhemmerberg Lower Paleocene airshaft section in The Netherlands. Systematic paleontology.