Kerogen and Palynomorph Analyses of the Mid-Cretaceous Bahariya Formation and Abu Roash "G" Member, North Western Desert, Egypt

Abstract

Bahariya Formation and Abu Roash "G" Member sediments in the Razzak #7 well, North Western Desert, Egypt, contain abundant kerogen and fossil palynomorphs. In this study, we examined changes in these organic components and use them to interpret paleoenvironmental conditions and biostratigraphy. Terrestrial organic components dominate the Bahariya Formation and basal Abu Roash "G" Member, in particular degraded phytoclasts. Because the dinoflagellate cysts in these units are dominantly peridinioids such as Subtilisphaera, the sediments were likely deposited in nearshore, moderate to high-energy conditions. In contrast, amorphous organic matter and marine palynomorphs are more abundant in the upper part of the Abu Roash "G" Member, suggesting deeper depositional conditions. The overall palynomorph composition is typi- cal of the mid-Cretaceous "African - South American" (ASA) Microfloral Province. There is a noticeable variation in the abundance of certain palynomorph taxa such as Afropollis jardinus and trilete spores, which are fewer toward the top of the Abu Roash "G" Member. This variation may be a reflection of prevailing changes in the wet/dry conditions and sea level rise.

Meeting Name

Joint Meeting of The Geological Society of America, Soil Science Society of America, American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies with the Gulf Coast Section of SEPM (2008: Oct. 5-9, Houston, TX)

Department(s)

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

Geographic Coverage

Egypt

Time Period

Cretaceous

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2008 Gulf Cost Association of Geological Societies, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Oct 2008

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