Biostratigraphy and Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction at the Gebel Nezzazat (Central Sinai, Egypt): A Paleocene Record for the Southern Tethys

The variations in assemblages of calcareous nannofossils are tracked the Dakhla and Tarawan Formations exposed at Gebel Nezzazat (central Sinai, Egypt). Five nannofossil biozones, namely NP2/3, NP4, NP5, NP6, NP7/8 identified. A distinct marker bed related to Latest Danian Event (LDE) occurs within Fm. earliest representative fasciculiths, Lithoptychius schmitzii, first just below LDE is followed by Los Diantholitha alata, D. mariposa, L. varolii, felis, collaris. abundance drops distinctive bed. base Selandian Stage here approximated Zone NP5 concurrence with a sudden drop nannofossils. No considerable lithological changes noted across this transition. absence subsequent occurrences ulii, janii, billii, stegostus suggest inconsistent lowest (Los) these taxa, insufficient sampling resolution, and/or hiatus. Thanetian topmost associated correspondence transition except LO mohleri, continuous occurrence (LctO) Bomolithus megastypus, increase Heliolithus kleinpellii as well NP7/8. prevailing warm-water oligotrophic conditions during Paleocene particularly along that interrupted minor fluctuations paleoclimatic conditions. In particular, Danian–Selandian marks decrease warm persisted Stage. Selandian–Thanetian shows an prevailed record. both likely resulted from dissolution carbonates rather than paleotemperature paleofertility.