Taxonomy of Middle Miocene foraminifera from the northern Namibian continental shelf

Middle Miocene foraminifera from the northern Namibian outer continental shelf are indicators of a period prior to the initiation of the Benguela Upwelling System (BUS). This study provides an update to the occurrence and taxonomy of Miocene foraminifera from the continental margin of Namibia. The taxonomy of 51 benthic and 12 planktic foraminiferal species from the northern Namibian shelf are discussed, their stratigraphic significance given, and their ecological preferences and regional distribution summarised within this study. The identification of extinct planktic foraminifera provided key stratigraphic control for the middle Miocene strata of this region. The taxa identified in this study provide a distinct and different assemblage to the overlying younger strata. Many of the species recorded in this study have not been identified in the region and are reported for the first time from the middle Miocene on the southwestern continental shelf of Africa, off Namibia. A total of 47 species are identified and discussed for the first time from this region. Nineteen species recorded in this study are extinct and eleven taxa reported here have previously only been reported on the genus level on the southwestern shelf of South Africa. Seven benthic species (Amphicoryna scalaris, Marginulina obesa, Glandulina laevigata, Globocassidulina subglobosa, Uvigerina peregrina, Sphaeroidina bulloides and Melonis affinis) and two planktic species (Globigerina bulloides and Orbulina universa) did not disappear from the regional stratigraphy and continued to occur in Plio-Pleistocene to Recent sediments along the southwestern continental shelf of Africa.

Constraining the Role of Shell Porosity in the Regulation of Shell Calcification Intensity in the Modern Planktonic Foraminifer Orbulina Universa d'Orbigny

ABSTRACT Porosity in planktonic foraminifers (the proportion of the shell surface covered by pores) is a conspicuous quantitative trait, well preserved in fossil shells and implicated as a source of environmental information. Despite its potential, the functional importance of porosity remains poorly understood. It is likely that pores are important in gas exchange, and differences in shell porosity among species or within species may reflect differences in metabolic rates or ambient oxygen concentration. Theoretically, porosity also affects the weight of the shell; and differences in porosity may reflect an adaptation to the specific density of the seawater or differences in allocation of resources to calcification (shell calcification intensity). Finally, there is evidence that porosity may differ between closely related cryptic species. Here we analyzed the potential role of porosity as a regulator of calcification intensity in Orbulina universa by combining biometric measurements based on sediment surface samples from the western Atlantic with a modelling approach. Specimens of O. universa were analyzed concerning their shell size, shell thickness, and shell porosity under light and scanning electron microscopy, and weighed using a microbalance. The resulting empirically derived model shows an effect size of shell thickness that is 7.5 times larger than the effect of shell porosity on the overall shell calcification intensity. This indicates that porosity is unlikely to be used by this species to regulate calcification intensity. By implementing the model on literature data which analyzed calcification intensity in O. universa, we also show that porosity differences among cryptic species in O. universa are unlikely to explain the observed differences in calcification intensity within the species. These findings indicate that functional explanations for differences in porosity in planktonic foraminifers have to be sought outside of calcification or density regulation and, conversely, that the observed differences in calcification intensity are likely driven by shell thickness and their relationship with environmental forcing can be applied without correction for porosity.

Testing the effect of crystal growth rate on foraminiferal calcite microchemistry using Sr/Ca of individual day/night bands

<p>The Mg/Ca paleotemperature proxy in planktic foraminifera is one of the most widely-used proxies for sea surface temperature. However, this ratio is not constant throughout the test, varying systematically by several fold independent of temperature between faster and slower growing diurnal bands. This phenomenon has yet to be explained mechanistically, however, changing calcification rates may be a contributing factor. Observing the relationship between calcification rate and trace metal incorporation for multiple proxies at the scale of this banding will allow us to better understand the contribution of kinetic effects to heterogeneity. In this study, we examine Me/Ca ratios on a diurnal cycle in Orbulina universa, utilizing a novel approach based on multiple isotopic spikes that allows us to measure Sr/Ca, Li/Ca and Mg/Ca with the precision of isotope dilution while still maintaining the time resolution of microanalytical techniques. Using independently measured growth rates derived from NanoSIMS measurements of diurnal Mg/Ca heterogeneity, we examine the effect of crystal growth rate on foraminiferal Sr/Ca and Li/Ca.  We observe that Sr/Ca ratios in foraminifera are ~3% higher during the night than during the day, which initially appears opposite to the expected signal based on growth rate. However, we also observe a positive correlation between Sr and Mg in foraminiferal calcite, which falls on the same mineralogical line as the Sr/Ca and Mg/Ca of other biogenic and inorganic calcites. We attribute offsets in calcite composition from this mineralogical relationship to kinetics. Interpreted within that framework, day Sr/Ca ratios appear more affected by kinetics than night Sr/Ca ratios, which is consistent with observed calcification rates. The difference between any given data point and the mineralogical line can be explained by kinetic processes, and correlates with oceanographic properties in cultured foraminifera, which could help separate temperature from growth rate effects in the paleorecord.</p>

Insights into the Cenozoic geology of North Beirut (harbour area): biostratigraphy, sedimentology and structural history

The biostratigraphy and sedimentology of the outcrops and bedrock recently exposed in archaeological excavations around the harbour area of Beirut (~5 km²) unlock the geological and structural history of that area, which in turn are key to understanding the hydrocarbon and hydrogeological potential of the region. A key location (Site 2) of a studied outcrop section and newly uncovered bedrock is on the northern foothill cliff of East Beirut (Achrafieh). The outcrop section of carbonates is of Eocene beds overlain by conformable Miocene beds. The excavation of the slope bordering the outcrop uncovered a bedrock section of an early Pliocene shoreline of carbonate/siliciclastic sands at its base and topped by a beach-rock structure. The early Pliocene age of the shoreline section is dated by an assemblage of planktonic foraminifera that includes Sphaeroidinellopsis subdehiscens , Sphaeroidinella dehiscens and Orbulina universa . The Eocene carbonates of Site 2 extend the coverage of the previously reported Eocene outcrops in the harbour area. They form a parasequence of thin-bedded, chalky white limestones that includes the youngest fossil fish deposits in Lebanon ( Bregmaceros filamentosus ). The deposits are dated as early Priabonian by their association with the planktonic foraminiferal assemblage of Porticulasphaera tropicalis , Globigerinatheka barri , Dentoglobigerina venezuelana , Globigerina praebulloides , Turborotalia centralis and Borelis sp. The Middle Miocene carbonates that conformably overlie the early Priabonian, parasequence include a planktonic foraminiferal assemblage of Globigerinoides trilobus , Orbulina universa and Borelis melo . Elsewhere, in the harbour area, the preserved Eocene limestones are also overlain by conformable Miocene carbonate parasequences of Langhian–Serravallian age. Younger argillaceous limestone beds of the Mio/Pliocene age occur in the eastern central part of the harbour area and enclose an assemblage of Truncorotalia crassaformis , Globorotalia inflata and Orbulina universa . The three markers of old and recently raised structural blocks in the harbour area are a Lutetian/Bartonian marine terrace in the south west corner, a lower Pliocene shoreline carbonate section in the north east side and a Holocene raised beach of marine conglomerates in the north east corner of the area. The locations of these paleo-shorelines, less than 2 km apart, indicate a progressive platform narrowing of North Beirut since the Paleogene. This study underpins the geological complexity of the region and contributes to understanding the underlying geology, which will be needed for future regional archaeological, hydrocarbon and hydrogeological exploration.

Insights on the Cenozoic Geology of North Beirut (Harbour Area): Biostratigraphy; Sedimentology and Structural history

The biostratigraphy and sedimentology of the outcrops and bedrock exposed in archaeological excavations around the harbour area of Beirut (~5 km 2 ) unlock the geological and structural history of that area, which in turn are key to understanding the hydrocarbon and hydrogeological potential of the region. A key location (Site 2) of a studied outcrop section and newly uncovered bedrock is on the northern foothill cliff of East Beirut (Achrafieh). The outcrop section of carbonates is of Eocene beds overlain by conformable Miocene beds. The excavation of the slope bordering the outcrop uncovers a bedrock section of an early Pliocene shoreline of carbonate/siliciclastic sands at its base and a beach-rock structure at top. The age of the shoreline section is dated by an assemblage of planktonic foraminifera including Sphaeroidinellopsis subdehiscens , Sphaeroidinella dehiscens , and Orbulina universa. The Eocene carbonates of Site 2 extend the coverage of the previously reported Eocene outcrops in the harbour area. They form a parasequence of thin bedded chalky white limestones that includes the youngest fossil fish deposits in Lebanon ( Bregmaceros filamentosus ). The deposits are dated as early Priabonian by their association with the planktonic foraminiferal assemblage of Porticulasphaera tropicalis , Globigerinatheka barri , Dentoglobigerina venezuelana, Globigerina praebulloides , Turborotalia centralis and Borelis sp. The Middle Miocene carbonates that conformably overlie the early Priabonian parasequence, include a planktonic foraminiferal assemblage of Globigerinoides trilobus, Orbulina universa and Borelis melo. Elsewhere, in the harbour area, the preserved Eocene limestones are equally directly overlain by conformable Miocene carbonate parasequences of the Langhian - Serravallian age. Younger argillaceous limestone beds of the Mio/Pliocene age occur in the eastern central part of the harbour area and enclose an assemblage of Truncorotalia crassaformis , Globorotalia inflata , and Orbulina universa . The three markers of old and recently raised structural blocks in the harbour area are a Lutetian/Bartonian marine terrace in the south west corner, a lower Pliocene shoreline carbonate section in the north east side and a Holocene raised beach of marine conglomerates in the north east corner of the area. The locations of these paleo-shorelines, less than 2 kms apart, indicate a progressive platform narrowing of North Beirut since the Paleogene. This study underpins the geological complexity of the region and contributes to understanding the underlying geology which will be needed for future archaeological, hydrocarbon and hydrogeological exploration.

Insights on the Cenozoic Geology of North Beirut (Harbour Area): Biostratigraphy; Sedimentology and Structural history

The biostratigraphy and sedimentology of the outcrops and bedrock exposed in archaeological excavations around the harbour area of Beirut (~5 km 2 ) unlock the geological and structural history of that area, which in turn are key to understanding the hydrocarbon and hydrogeological potential of the region. A key location (Site 2) of a studied outcrop section and newly uncovered bedrock is on the northern foothill cliff of East Beirut (Achrafieh). The outcrop section of carbonates is of Eocene beds overlain by conformable Miocene beds. The excavation of the slope bordering the outcrop uncovers a bedrock section of an early Pliocene shoreline of carbonate/siliciclastic sands at its base and a beach-rock structure at top. The age of the shoreline section is dated by an assemblage of planktonic foraminifera including Sphaeroidinellopsis subdehiscens , Sphaeroidinella dehiscens , and Orbulina universa. The Eocene carbonates of Site 2 extend the coverage of the previously reported Eocene outcrops in the harbour area. They form a parasequence of thin bedded chalky white limestones that includes the youngest fossil fish deposits in Lebanon ( Bregmaceros filamentosus ). The deposits are dated as early Priabonian by their association with the planktonic foraminiferal assemblage of Porticulasphaera tropicalis , Globigerinatheka barri , Dentoglobigerina venezuelana, Globigerina praebulloides , Turborotalia centralis and Borelis sp. The Middle Miocene carbonates that conformably overlie the early Priabonian parasequence, include a planktonic foraminiferal assemblage of Globigerinoides trilobus, Orbulina universa and Borelis melo. Elsewhere, in the harbour area, the preserved Eocene limestones are equally directly overlain by conformable Miocene carbonate parasequences of the Langhian - Serravallian age. Younger argillaceous limestone beds of the Mio/Pliocene age occur in the eastern central part of the harbour area and enclose an assemblage of Truncorotalia crassaformis , Globorotalia inflata , and Orbulina universa . The three markers of old and recently raised structural blocks in the harbour area are a Lutetian/Bartonian marine terrace in the south west corner, a lower Pliocene shoreline carbonate section in the north east side and a Holocene raised beach of marine conglomerates in the north east corner of the area. The locations of these paleo-shorelines, less than 2 kms apart, indicate a progressive platform narrowing of North Beirut since the Paleogene. This study underpins the geological complexity of the region and contributes to understanding the underlying geology which will be needed for future archaeological, hydrocarbon and hydrogeological exploration.

Foraminifera Biostratigraphy of Two Wells in Niger Delta

Biostratigraphic studies of foraminifera were carried out on two exploratory wells drilled in the Eastern Niger Delta to establish the age, biozonation and paleoenvironment of the foraminifera present in the strata penetrated by the wells. A total of 80 ditch cutting samples retrieved at 60ft intervals from AX-1 and AX-2 Wells at the depth of 3,600ft to 6,000ft and 4,200ft to 6500ft. respectively were subjected to micropaleontological analysis which involves picking and identification of the foraminifera present. The resulting data were loaded into the Stratabug software and interpreted. The foraminifera recovered and identified from the two wells are made up of both benthic and planktic species. The marker species, whose stratigraphic range are well established were used to describe the biozonation and these includes Heterostegina sp, Catapsydrax stainforthi, Chiloguembelina victoriana, Orbulina universa/suturalis, Praeorbulina sicana,Buliminella subfusiformis, Nonion centrosulcatum, Catapsydrax dissimilis, Globigerinoides bisphericus and Globigerinoides sicanus. Four biozones of foraminifera made up of N8, N7-N8, N6-N7 and N5-N6 were recognised based on the zonation scheme of Grandstein; with their stratigraphic age ranging from early Miocene to middle Miocene. Furthermore, the environment of deposition prevailing in the Formations penetrated by the two wells are predominantly middle neritic with similarity in their ages as observed from the correlation of the biozones from the two wells