OSTRACODS AS MARKERS OF THE PERMIAN/TRIASSIC BOUNDARY IN THE KHUFF FORMATION OF SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

Abstract: Ostracods are described for the first time from Permian–Triassic shallow marine sediments of the Khuff Formation of central Saudi Arabia. They were collected using a modified acetolysis technique for releasing calcareous shells from limestones that is described herein. Thirty-four species belonging to 17 genera are recognized. Two new species are described: Arqoviella arabica sp. nov. and A. khartamensis sp. nov. The ostracod fauna supports a Late Permian age for the lower Khartam Member and a probable Early Triassic age for the upper Khartam Member of the Khuff Formation of central Saudi Arabia. This suggests that the Permian/Triassic boundary is located within the Khartam Member, rather than at the major lithological break between the Midhnab and Khartam members. Palaeoecological analysis suggests that the palaeoenvironment of the Khuff Formation was shallow marine (between 1 and 50 m deep) on an internal shelf.