Masters Theses

Abstract

"This study represents a contribution to Early Paleogene biostratigraphy in the tropics where published studies are sparse in comparison with mid and high latitude regions. Data were derived from a comprehensive analysis of dinoflagellate cysts (dinocysts) in 45 samples from the Early Paleocene to Early Eocene interval at two localities in West Africa, namely Alo-1 well in the Anambra Basin, southeastern Nigeria, and Ocean Drilling Program Hole 959D (ODP Leg 159) in the Cote d'Ivoire-Ghana Transform Margin. Dinocyst recovery varied from very good to poor, and the specimens were commonly well preserved. The dinocyst data were calibrated with existing calcareous nannofossil biozonations for Hole 959D, which allowed for a valid comparison with published dinocyst studies in well-dated rock sections in northwestern Europe, the Mediterranean region, New Zealand, and Tasmania. There is a closer correlation between the tropical and mid latitude assemblages than those of high latitude regions.

Last appearance and/or last abundance events of dinocysts were used to identify five informal zones in Hole 959D, four of which occur in Alo-1 well. Abundant thermophilic taxa that include the Cordosphaeridium group dominate the Early Paleocene to early Late Paleocene (Danian to mid Thanetian) interval. The presence of abundant to extremely abundant numbers of Apectodinium in the succeeding Late Paleocene (late Thanetian) sediments appears to record an important global warming event. This event is likely related to the episodes of intense climatic warming or "hyperthermals" that characterized the latest Paleocene to earliest Eocene time worldwide.

Twelve potentially new species attributable to Achomosphaera, Apteodinium, Areosphaeridium, Diphyes, Ifecysta, Kallosphaeridium, Palaeocystodinium, and Wilsodinium were identified in this study. A revision of the generic diagnosis of Ifecysta is proposed. In addition, lithostratigraphic and biostratigraphic analyses suggested a late Danian age for the contact between the Imo and Nsukka formations in Alo-1 well, where lower Eocene sediments were probably not recovered. In Hole 959D, the concentration of several dinocyst events in Late Paleocene interval confirms the presence of hiatuses or condensed horizons as suggested by previous studies in the Cote d'Ivoire-Ghana Transform Margin"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Oboh-Ikuenobe, Francisca

Committee Member(s)

Hogan, John Patrick
Frank, Ronald L.

Department(s)

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Geology and Geophysics

Sponsor(s)

American Association of Petroleum Geologists
University of Missouri-Rolla. Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

Spring 2006

Pagination

viii, 100 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 89-99).

Geographic Coverage

Ivory Coast
Ghana
Nigeria

Rights

© 2006 Hernan Antolinez-Delgado, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Dinoflagellate cysts -- Cote d'IvoireDinoflagellate cysts -- GhanaDinoflagellate cysts -- NigeriaDinoflagellatesPalynology

Thesis Number

T 8939

Print OCLC #

81253009

Electronic OCLC #

914355394

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