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European Oligocene-Miocene
In 1997 Bruno Cahuzac and Armelle extended the LBF zonation into the Oligocene and Miocene of southern Europe, especially Mediterranean and Atlantic from Portugal to the Aquitaine. This period is characterised by a general global cooling, and a strengthening of the latitudinal temperature gradient. Since large benthic foraminifera are (sub)tropical organisms, this cooling and regional tectonic events (reduction in marine basins, increased topography in the hinterland) resulted in a deterioration in the conditions for LBF in SW Europe, and, as a result, in a reduction in diversification.
Ypresian (SBZ5-12)
SBZ 12 (late Cuisian)
Defined by the biostratigraphic range of : Alveolina violae, A. rakoveci, A. azzaro/ii, A. cuspidata, Nummulites manfredi, N. angularis, N. campesinus, N. quasilaevigatus, N. formosus, N. caupennensis, Assilina maior and Ass. Cuvillieri.
The Paleocene-Eocene boundary
Previous to the establishment of the Paleocene-Eocene (P/E) boundary stratotype it was common practice to indicate a boundary interval in anticipation on a formal decision on the position of the P/E boundary, as was also done in the Serra-Kiel et al (1998) zonation. This boundary interval covered SBZ 6-lower7. LBF faunas around this time are characterised by the larger foraminifera turnover, the onset of marked size differences between A and B-forms and dominance of Nummulites, Assilina, Alveolina and Orthophragminids in LBF assemblages.
update shallow benthic zones
Foraminifera are intensively used in the Cenozoic biostratigraphy. Especially the larger, symbiont bearing foramnifera are widespread in shallow water deposits. Several families show a rapid evolution that can be observed in morphological features. They allow the establishment of biostratigraphic correlations particularly in neritic habitats.
Ypresian-Lutetian boundary
How will the choice of the Ypresian-Lutetian stratotype affect the SBZ?
working group on larger foraminifera
This site provides a platform to discuss all aspects of (larger) benthic foraminifera. This includes but is not limited to taxonomy, classification methods, species boundaries and phylogeny, and also ecology, taphonomy and stratigraphy.
