Globanomalina luxorensis, a Tethyan biostratigraphic marker of latest Paleocene global events

• Main Authors: Speijer, Robert, Samir, AM
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Micropaleontology Project 1997
• Subjects: early eocene; paleogene; foraminifera; isotopes; delta-c-13; turnover; end; Planktonic foraminifera
• Online Access: https://lirias.kuleuven.be/handle/123456789/269947; http://gateway.isiknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcAuth=JSTOR&SrcApp=PRODUCT_NAME&KeyAID=0026-2803%28199721%2943%3A1%3C51%3AGLATBM%3E2.0.CO%3B2-C&DestApp=JSTOR&SrcAppSID=APP_SID&SrcJTitle=WURS_TITLE; https://lirias.kuleuven.be/bitstream/123456789/269947/2//Speijer%26Samir_1997.pdf

The lowest common occurrence (LCO) of the planktonic foraminifera Globanomalina luxorensis marks the level of the latest Paleocene global benthic extinction event (BEE) and associated negative delta(13) C excursion in various bathyal and neritic successions in the Mediterranean region. Below the BEE level, G. luxorensis is extremely rare and subordinate in abundance relative to its precursor G, chapmani. From this level onwards, G. luxorensis generally constitutes a large proportion of the planktonic assemblage (up to 10%). We propose to adopt the LCO of G. luxorensis as a marker for the level of the BEE in Tethyan continental margin deposits. It appears particularly useful for pinpointing the level of the BEE in neritic successions, where the benthic turnover is less pronounced. In combination, the BEE, the LCO of G. luxorensis, and the delta(13) excursion, provide a powerful and accurate means of correlating a unique horizon through various marine environments. This makes this level very suitable to serve as a baseline for redefinition of the Paleocene/Eocene boundary. status: published