Kimmeridgian protoglobigerinids (Foraminifera) from Crussol (SE France)

Abstract

A detailed investigation of the protoglobigerinids from the Kimmeridgian section of the Montagne de Crussol, SE France is presented. This monotonous succession of predominantly carbonate beds represents periplatform hemipelagic deposits, well dated by ammonites. Three species were determined in thin sections and in isolated forms after extraction by acetolysis. Favusella? parva (KUZNETSOVA) is the most common species occurring in almost the entire succession from the Orthosphinctes to the Beckeri zones. Favusella hoterivica (SUBBOTINA) has been retrieved less frequently from the Platynota to the Beckeri zones, and it is its oldest occurrence. The rare Globuligerina bathoniana (PAZDROWA) occurs only in the Late Kimmeridgian. Based on our study and the review of the literature a palaeogeographical map was plotted, showing that most of the protoglobigerinid occurrences are in deep water facies of the northern margin and central part of the Tethys. These records demonstrate the presence of Globuligerina bathoniana, G. oxfordiana (GRIGELIS), Favusella hoterivica, F.? parva and Compactogerina stellapolaris (GRIGELIS) in the Kimmeridgian.