High resolution biostratigraphy of the Cenomanian–Turonian interval (OAE2) based on planktonic foraminiferal bioevents in North-Central Tunisia

High-resolution foraminiferal biostratigraphic analysis has been undertaken on the Bahloul Formation, in Bargou, Jerisa, Guern Halfaya (Central Tunisia), Kherij (North-eastern Tunisia) and Gafsa (southern Tunisia) sections, which prove the preservation of the worldwide expression of the Cenomanian–Turonian transition (C–T) Oceanic Anoxic Event (OAE2). This study confirms that the OAE2 was rather a long-term global event. The high resolution biostratigraphical analysis has allowed subdividing the Whiteinella archaeocretacea zone of the standard biostratigraphic scheme. The ability to apply same subzones in both Tethyan and transitional/Boreal provinces during the C/T boundary has important palaeobiogeographical and palaeoecological implications. The palaeoecological framework shows that the OAE2 development is composed of several successive phases. In addition, a faunal turnover during the W. archaeocretacea zone interval is recorded. However, we confirm that the faunal turnover in the W. archeocretacea zone did not result in a loss of biodiversity, but rather in replacement through originations.

► High-resolution biostratigraphic analysis. ► Cenomanian–Turonian foraminiferal biostratigraphy. ► Paleoecology of the C/T foraminifera. ► C/T foraminifera subzone division.