Ichnological analysis of the Messinian-Zanclean (Miocene-Pliocene) transition at Eraclea Minoa (Sicily): Tracemaker response to the Terminal Messinian Flood

A detailed ichnological analysis has been conducted, for the first time, of Arenazzolo and Trubi formations Caltanissetta Basin in Sicily. Aim this is to evaluate paleoenvironmental changes affecting macrobenthic tracemaker communities during re-flooding Mediterranean at end Messinian Salinity Crisis. The uppermost Formation characterized by a scarcity trace fossils, probably related high energy depositional conditions, perhaps no fully normal salinity level yet, resulting an unfavourable habitat communities. exclusive presence small traces (Chondrites) sparsely distributed several horizons associated intermittent phases lower conditions facilitating colonization opportunistic tracemakers. significant change fossil assemblages observed transition Zanclean Formation. Here ichnofossil assemblage consists of?Arenicolites, Chondrites, Halimedides, Palaeophycus, Planolites, Thalassinoides, Trichichnus Zoophycos, assigned Zoophycos ichnofacies, revealing abundant, diverse, well-developed, multi-tiered, community. This Messsinian/Zanclean boundary rapid establishment normal, full-marine, with well oxygenated bottom- pore-waters, food availability deep marine environment. Comparison previous micropaleontological studies supports magnitude both pelagic benthic environments.