Stratigraphy and sedimentology of the uppermost Albian-lower Turonian of the Morsott area (Algero-Tunisian Atlasic Basin)

Zaidi M. A., Krajewski M., KAYA ÖZER C., Salamon M. A., Kennedy W. J., Benyoucef M.

Journal of African Earth Sciences, vol.220, 2024 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Volume: 220
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2024.105455
  • Journal Name: Journal of African Earth Sciences
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), CAB Abstracts, Geobase, INSPEC
  • Keywords: Algeria, Ammonites, Calcareous nannofossils, Eastern Saharan Atlas, Late Cenomanian-early Turonian boundary, Microfacies
  • Yozgat Bozok University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The stratigraphical features and palaeoenvironmental conditions of the uppermost Albian-lower Turonian succession of the eastern Algerian Saharan Atlas domain are described for the first time. Two formations have been recognised, called the Ouled Serradj and the Chemla, respectively. Ammonites and calcareous nannofossils enable us to assign the Ouled Serradj Formation to the upper Albian-Cenomanian and the Chemla Formation to the uppermost Cenomanian-lower Turonian. Based on the field data and microfacies studies, the strata of these formations are arranged into eight microfacies types (MT 1 to MT 8) that are described in terms of depositional environments and grouped into three main facies associations (FA-1 to FA-3): FA-1 (MT 1–4), deep-water outer platform marl-dominated facies association 1 with limestone intercalations; FA-2 (MT 5 and 6), mid-platform marl-dominated facies association 2; and FA-3 (MT 7 and 8), mid- and inner platform limestone-marl facies association 3.