Quantitative analysis of planktonic foraminifera across the Cretaceous-Paleogene transition and observations on the extinction horizon, Haymana Basin, Turkey

Date

2019-12-01

Author

Karabeyoğlu, Uygar
Altıner, Sevinç
Altıner, Demir

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The Haymana Basin, Turkey, hosts complete record of sedimentation across the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary. To examine the K-Pg boundary transition and delineate the bioevents, two consecutive sections (UH and UKHB) were measured and sampled at high resolution. Three biozones were established: Plummerita hantkeninoides, P0 and P alpha. A detailed quantitative study on planktonic foraminifera was carried out for the P. hantkeninoides and the P0 zones for 63 150 mu m and >150 mu m size fractions. Results show dominance of ecological generalists with small, simple tests over ecological specialists with large, robust, ornamented morphologies. Heterohelicids are the most dominant group on both size fractions throughout the late Maastrichtian, however right after the K-Pg boundary Guembelitria cretacea blooms and dominates the planktonic foraminiferal assemblage in early Danian P0 Zone. The K-Pg boundary characterizes itself as 2-3 mm thick reddish oxidized layer and its transition reveals a series of events: A rapid change in sedimentation from Maastrichtian mudstones to Danian marls. A sudden annihilation of large, ornamented ecological specialists (e.g., Globotruncana, Rugoglobigerina, Planoglobulina) right at the reddish layer (even though quantitative study revealed that there is a systematic reduction in the foraminiferal species richness throughout the P. hantkeninoides Zone). Spikes of calcareous dinoflagellate Thoracosphaera and fecal pellets right after the K-Pg boundary in the Danian P0 Zone. Anomalous increase in CaO rich spherules and amorphous grains coupled with barite crystals right at the K-Pg boundary layer. Paleobathymetric calculations also revealed approximately 400 m paleodepth for the study area corresponding the upper bathyal zone.

Subject Keywords

Palaeontology

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11511/42383

Collections

Department of Geological Engineering, Article