Miocene foraminiferal and calcareous nannoplankton assemblages from the Gulf of Suez region and correlation

Abstract

The analysis of samples belonging to the Nukhul, Rudeis, Kareem and Belayim Formations (Miocene age), collected from the south-western flank of the Gulf of Suez, yielded the establishment of the following foraminiferal biozones mentioned from bottom to top : Globigerinoides altiaperturus (N. 6), Globigerinoides trilobus trilobus (N. 7), Globigerinoides sicanus (N. 8), Praeorbulina glomerosa (N. 8), Orbulina suturalis-Globorotalia fohsi peripheroronda (N. 9-10) and Globorotalia siakensis (N. 11). Calcareous nannoplankton assemblages in the Rudeis and Kareem Formations of the Gulf of Suez region can be placed in standard nannoplankton zones NN 3 (Sphenolithus belemnos zone) to NN 5 {Sphenolithus heteromorphus zone). Correlations with the Mediterranean, the Paratethys and northern Europe indicate well developed connections between these areas during the late Lower Miocene and the early Middle Miocene.