New observations of planktonic foraminifera from the Burdigalian-Langhian deposits (Kilisecik Formation) of Kahramanmara/Turkey

Abstract

Early-Middle Miocene is a period of significant geological events (such as global marine transgression) on the Alpine-Himalayan belt. The Kahramanmaras Basin is located in transition between the Taurides and Arabian Plate, which are important segments of Alpine-Himalayan Belt. Eleven planktonic foraminifera species belonging to Dentoglobigerina, Globigerina, Globoquadrina, Globigerinoides, Praeorbulina and Globigerinella genera have been identified by micropaleontological studies. Planktonic foraminiferal assemblage demonstrates that the Kilisecik Formation is not older than the Burdigalian as suggested by concomitant presence of G. bisphaericus, and not younger than Langhian as suggested by last occurrence of Praeorbulina glomerosa. Globigerinoides spp, Praeorbulina glomerasa and Dentoglobigerina altispira indicate the existence of a warm climatic condition in the Early-Middle Miocene period (the Burdigalian-Langhian time). (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.