Home›Integrated sedimentological and sequence stratigraphic framework of the Paleocene- Eocene Series at Kef Essnoun, Djebel Onk (Northeastern Algeria)
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Integrated sedimentological and sequence stratigraphic framework of the Paleocene- Eocene Series at Kef Essnoun, Djebel Onk (Northeastern Algeria)
BULLETIN OF THE MINERAL RESEARCH AND EXPLORATION (MTA Dergisi)
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Integrated sedimentological and sequence stratigraphic framework of the Paleocene- Eocene Series at Kef Essnoun, Djebel Onk (Northeastern Algeria)
Paleocene-Eocene, Sequence Stratigraphy, Carbonate Ramp, Facies Analysis, Djebel Onk
Abstract:
The Paleocene-Eocene succession at Djebel Onk, northeastern Algeria, remains poorly understood, despite its significance for reconstructing paleoenvironments during a critical period of global change. Unlike the well-studied equivalent series in the Metlaoui-Gafsa Basin, the Algerian counterpart lacks a robust stratigraphic and paleoenvironmental framework. This study addresses this gap by applying detailed sedimentological and petrographic analyses, integrated with sequence stratigraphic principles based on the model of Vail. Five erosional surfaces delineate five truncated depositional sequences, each containing only a transgressive and highstand systems tract, indicating repeated interruptions in sedimentation. Eight lithofacies were identified, reflecting deposition along a carbonate ramp system that ranges from outer ramp to restricted lagoonal and tidal flat settings. These facies transitions reveal shifts between transgressive and regressive phases, including a notable phosphatic-rich interval and an upper evaporitic horizon. The uppermost sequence is interpreted as an inner ramp deposit from the terminal Ypresian to early Lutetian. Stratigraphic correlation with distal, pelagic facies supports this age assignment. The integration of facies architecture with the influence of eustatic and tectonic controls allowed identification of two second-order tectonoeustatic cycles. This refined framework enhances regional correlation of Paleocene-Eocene deposits in North Africa and underscores the complex stratigraphic evolution of the Kef Essnoun section.
Muhittin GÖRMÜŞ, Mustafa YILDIZ, Alper BOZKURT, Aynur HAKYEMEZ
Indexed In · Volume 173 / April 2024
Paleocene-Eocene foraminifera from the Tuz Gölü Basin (Salt Lake Basin, Central Türkiye) and their paleoenvironmental interpretations
Authors:
Muhittin GÖRMÜŞ, Mustafa YILDIZ, Alper BOZKURT, Aynur HAKYEMEZ
ABSTRACT
Paleocene-Eocene aged sediments from the east of Tuz Gölü Basin (Central Türkiye) provide significant data for foraminifera contents and their paleoenvironmental clues. They are important in revealing the stratigraphy of the region and the Paleocene-Eocene geological history of Türkiye. The sediments, composed mainly of carbonates, are known as Karapınaryaylası Formation. In this formation, benthic foraminifera representing SBZ2 to SBZ12 biozones corresponding to the Selandian-Late Cuisian time interval were identified in ten measured stratigraphical sections. The zonal interval from the E7 Zone (late Ypresian) to the E10 Zone (Lutetian) is characterized by the marker species of planktonic foraminifera defined in the clayey limestones from the uppermost part. The studied formation is divided into four main facies and eleven sub-microfacies types. The clayey limestone levels of the Karapınaryaylası Formation, which generally starts with a transgressive sequence, contain abundant planktonic foraminifers, while the lithologies of grainstone, packstone and wackestone are rich in benthic foraminifers. Benthic foraminifer assemblages indicate different paleoenvironments from lagoon to back-bank, bank and fore-bank. The obtained foraminiferal data show the Selandian-Lutetian age range and various paleoenvironments from the lagoon to the open sea.
Dornadula CHANDRASEKHARAM, Govind UMMETHALA, Tripathi RAJENDRA PRASAD, Amir Hossein TAVABI, Sairam Krishna MALLADI, Rafal E Dunin BORKOWSKI, Dixit AMBESH
Indexed In · Volume 180 / August 2026
High resolution microscopy and Raman spectroscopic studies on the freshest Mukundpura meteorite, Rajasthan, India: Presence of nanodiamonds
Authors:
Dornadula CHANDRASEKHARAM, Govind UMMETHALA, Tripathi RAJENDRA PRASAD, Amir Hossein TAVABI, Sairam Krishna MALLADI, Rafal E Dunin BORKOWSKI, Dixit AMBESH
ABSTRACT
Carbonaceous Chondrites have special significance in the stellar evolution and in particular in the evolution of life on earth. The carbonaceous meteorite that fell in Mukundpura village, Jaipur, Rajasthan on 6th June 2017 is one such rare CM2 (Carbonaceous Chondrite) carbonaceous meteorite. We carried out high resolution scanning and transmission electron microscopic (SEM and TEM) studies on typical thin sections, showing abundant grains of iridium (Ir), pentlandite (NiS), and more interestingly crystalline carbon (C). These crystallite carbon grains resemble nanodiamond like signature in the freshest Mukundpura meteorite. The high-resolution Raman spectroscopic measurements are carried out on the crystalline carbon grains, showing well resolved three distinct peaks with a vibrational mode at 1315 cm-1, with the onset of a weak vibrational mode at 1150 cm-1, substantiating the observation of nanocrystalline diamond in Mukundpura meteorite. The broad peak centered at 1360 cm-1 and 1575 cm-1 (as an average), suggest the presence of graphitic carbon as well together with apparent presence of nanocrystalline diamond. The average size of nanocrystalline diamond is ~ 3-5 nm. High iridium content in this meteorite supports the meteoric impact related iridium anomaly in geological stratigraphic boundaries (e.g. Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary) that has caused mass extinction of flora and fauna.
Keywords:
Meteorite, Mukundpura, Nanodiamond, Raman Spectroscopy, TEM, Iridium Anomaly, Pentlandite, Mass Extinction.
Latest Pliocene-Quaternary uplift of the central Tauride and Evolutionary history of the Kızıllar Canyon, southern central Anatolia-Türkiye
Authors:
Ali KOÇYİĞİT, Uğur DOĞAN
ABSTRACT
The study area is located near the apex of the north-facing and V-shaped Konya-Niğde Graben. Its south-southeast margin is defined and controlled by the NE-trending Karaman-Niğde Fault Zone. It also forms the geographic boundary between the central Tauride in the south and central Anatolia in the north. This study aimed to determine the Latest Pliocene-Quaternary uplift rate of the central Tauride and the evolutionary history of the Kızıllar Canyon located on the uplifting southern footwall block of the Karaman Niğde Fault Zone. Both the geological and geomorphological field data, which were obtained within the framework of this study, revealed the following: (1) the Kızıllar River drainage system developed as a result of several capture events; (2) Lithological and hydrological characteristics of the valley reveal the reason for the lack of gradation in the river’s longitudinal profile; (3) the Kızıllar Canyon reflects the incision process of the Kızıllar River; (4) the Kızıllar River cut vertically into its bed up to 230 m, which corresponds to the minimum Latest Pliocene- Quaternary uplift rate of the central Tauride (~0.06 mm/yr); and (5) the Kızıllar Canyon developed as a natural response of the river to the uplift of the Konya-Niğde Fault Zone footwall block.
Keywords:
Kızıllar Canyon, Central Taurides, Central Anatolia, Fault, Uplift Rate
David I. BLUASHVILI, Kerem M. AVCI, Keti BENASHVILI, Giorgi MINDIASHVILI, Revaz MENABDE, Vakhtang BLUASHVILI
Indexed In · Volume 180 / August 2026
General geology and integrated ASTER-based lineament and hydrothermal alteration mapping of the Zoti Ore Field (Guria, Western Georgia)
Authors:
David I. BLUASHVILI, Kerem M. AVCI, Keti BENASHVILI, Giorgi MINDIASHVILI, Revaz MENABDE, Vakhtang BLUASHVILI
ABSTRACT
The Zoti ore field, located in the Guria region of western Georgia within the Lesser Caucasus metallogenic belt, hosts iron-gold-copper mineralization related to volcanic-sedimentary sequences and intrusive bodies. This study aims to delineate potential mineral anomalies and evaluate their structural controls using remote-sensing techniques. Terra ASTER (AST_L1B 00309232004081235) imagery acquired on 4 March 2024 was utilized. The dataset exhibits less than 5% cloud and snow cover, while vegetation density is moderate. After applying radiometric and atmospheric corrections and NDVI-based masking, the data were prepared for image processing. Image analyses were conducted using ENVI 4.8, ERDAS IMAGINE 2022, and ArcMap 10.8.2. Band-ratio techniques were implemented in ENVI, lineament extraction was performed in ERDAS IMAGINE, and final mineral anomaly maps were generated in ArcMap. Lineament analysis indicates dominant structural trends subparallel to the Lesser Caucasus, exerting significant control on the spatial distribution of argillic-phyllic alteration zones and iron-oxide anomalies. Hematite and metabasalt anomalies are mainly concentrated in the southern and southeastern parts of the study area. Furthermore, iron-oxide, alunite, clay, muscovite, calcite, kaolinite, and sericite anomalies show a strong spatial association with the Natanebi River corridor. Intense Fe-oxide and Al-OH alteration zones coincide with known mineral prospects and extend into previously unexplored structural domains,highlighting promising targets for future field investigations.
