Shallow-water foraminiferal assemblages and microfacies of the Danian-Lutetian sequences in the Bolu region (Northwestern Turkey)

Abstract

The Paleocene and Eocene sediments of Bolu region were studied with respect to benthic foraminiferal stratigraphy and microfacies. In general, the Paleocene and Maastrichtian successions have conform contacts except for a few localities. The Paleocene shallow-sea limestones are characterized by presence of benthic foraminifers with hyaline calcareous tests. The Eocene is represented by shallow-water sandy limestones, limestones, clayey limestones, and marls with abundant benthic foraminifers. The benthic foraminiferal assemblages of the Paleocene and Eocene from the Bolu region are correlated with coeval faunas of the Tethyan Province. The microfacies analysis is carried out to establish distribution of sedimentary components and biota in the Paleocene-Eocene successions. The data obtained imply that shelf lagoon (open circulation), shelf tidal, and restricted platform environments prevailed in the study area during the Danian-Lutetian period.