Biostratigraphy and tectonically controlled sedimentation of the Maastrichtian in Israel and adjacent countries

Abstract

Maastrichtian argillaceous chalks of the Ghareb Formation are widespread throughout Israel, both in exposures and in the subsurface. These strata contain a rich fauna of foraminifera and calcareous nannoplankton, allowing detailed biozonation of the sediments, which were deposited in a series of basins in an outer-shelf to upper-slope environment. The distribution of benthonic and planktonic foraminifera from a reference section in southern Israel is described. Three planktonic foraminiferal tethyan chronozones, the Globotruncana falsostuarti, Gansserina gansseri and Abathomphalus mayaroensis zones, are identified. The middle and upper parts of the Maastrichtian succession are fully recorded in the section. The common occurrence of Abathomphalus mayaroensis and Plummerita hantkeninoides at the top of the Maastrichtian strata indicate a continuous sedimentation till the Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary. The Maastrichtian beds in Israel vary in thickness from 0 to 200 m and reflect structures, controlled by the Syrian Are fold system, which evolved during pre- and syn-Maastrichtian times. Their isopach contours are in good agreement with present-day structural axes. The lithostratigraphy and tectonic events during the Maastrichtian in Israel are compared with those of other countries in the eastern Mediterranean