Abstract:

An integrated biostratigraphical analysis based on the larger and planktonic foraminifera from three sections provides a well-defined zonal scheme of the Oligocene-Lower Miocene successions in the Kahramanmaraş Basin. The planktonic foraminiferal zonation is based on a combination of standard (P) and Mediterranean (MMi) zonal schemes and consists of Turborotalia ampliapertura (P19), Globigerina angulisuturalis-Paragloborotalia opima opima (P21), Globigerina ciperoensis (P22) biozones spanning the Upper Rupelian-Chattian interval and Globoquadrina dehiscens-Globigerinoides altiaperturus (MMi 2a), Globigerinoides altiaperturus-Catapsydrax dissimilis (MMi 2b) and Globigerinoides trilobus (MMi 3) biozones in the Upper Aquitanian-Burdigalian interval. The larger foraminiferal zonation of the studied successions has been established by means of European shallow benthic foraminiferal zonation (SBZ). This zonal scheme consists of SB 22B-23 Zone and SB 23 Zone in the Chattian, SB 24 Zone in the Aquitanian and SB 25 Zone in the Burdigalian. By integrating the established foraminiferal zonal schemes, the stratigraphical ranges of some larger foraminifera with planktonic foraminiferal zones have been calibrated. According to the integrated zonation the FO of Nephrolepidina morgani falls into the P21 Zone; Nummulites vascus and Eulepidina dilatata last occur in the P22 Zone; Miolepidocyclina burdigalensis, Miogypsina intermedia and Borelis curdica first occur in the MMi 2b Subzone, whereas Nephrolepidina spp. last occur within the same subzone.

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