PALEOENVIRONMENTAL DISTRIBUTION OF LARGER FORAMINIFERA IN UPPER CRETACEOUS SILICICLASTIC-CARBONATE DEPOSITS (AREN SANDSTONE FORMATION, SOUTH PYRENEES, NORTHEASTERN SPAIN)

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examines the distribution of larger foraminifera in an upper Campanian–lower Maastrichtian siliciclastic–carbonate depositional environment within the Aren Sandstone Formation. Three assemblages have been identified, which refer to prodelta, reef, and lagoon depositional facies. Prodelta deposits are characterized by Lepidorbitoides socialis, Lepidorbitoides aff. minor, Clypeorbis mammillata, and Siderolites cataluniensis. The reef deposit assemblage contains Siderolites calcitrapoides, Siderolites cataluniensis, Orbitoides gruenbachensis, “Orbitoides” aff. concavatus, Lepidorbitoides aff. minor, and Fallotia jacquoti. They are associated with the encrusting foraminifera Solenomeris and Haddonia. The lagoonal assemblage contains Fascispira colomi and Omphalocyclus macroporus. Among the siderolitids, the keeled saucer-shaped Siderolites cataluniensis colonized the deepest environments at the lower photic zone, whereas the canaliculate spine-bearing Siderolites calcitrapoides characteriz...