Studia Geologica Polonica  vol. 124 (Abstracts)

Micropalaeontological studies in Lower Cambrian rocks of the Yangtze Plate, China: methods and results

Andreas BRAUN*, Yunyuan CHEN**, Dieter WALOSZEK*** & Andreas MAAS***

Abstract
Deep water lowermost Cambrian sedimentary successions, Yangtze Plate, China, contain a variety of organic (acritarchs) and siliceous (sponge spicules, radiolarians) microfossils, representing oceanic both plankton and benthos. Predominant rock types are dark bedded cherts and black shales, with phosphorite concretions and phosphatic limestones. Specific methods used to separate micro- fossils from those rocks include surficial or whole-rock HF and HCl-etching, but also the acetate peel method. The latter method can be successfully applied to siliceous and clay-rich lithologies. Microfossil separation methods are described and their results are shown.

Key words: China, Yangtze Plate, Cambrian, microfossils, methods.

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Studia Geologica Polonica, 124: 21-36.

Chromo-stereoscopy as a tool in micropalaeontological investigations: echinoderms as a case study

Andrzej BOCZAROWSKI

Abstract
An anaglyph technique, as a variety of chromo-stereoscopy, is presented and adapted for the investigation purpose. This method allows perfect documentation of 3-dimensional objects, including all types of 3D micro/fossils. Anaglyphs are especially recommended for describing type collections and make them available worldwide. The methods of stereogram preparation by means of a scanning electron microscope and adaptation of the technique to micropalaeontology are described. This useful technique is tested on SEM images of complex echinoid structures (organs) called pedicellariae. The obtained stereograms document their anatomy and help identification of the fossil material as well as their comparison to Recent specimens. Numerous echinoid pedicellariae from Bajocian and Bathonian deposits of the ore-bearing clays of the Częstochowa formation have been analysed. Two separate methods of anaglyph image preparation are described (for RGB and grayscale image mode). The samples come from several brickyards located in the area of the Kraków-Często- chowa Upland, Central Poland. Pedicellariae are represented by globiferous and ophicephalous types. It has been proved that Jurassic echinoids already had very well developed defence strategies, which applied pedicellariae, quite often equipped with a venom-bearing system similar to the one in Recent specimens. Large morphological similarity of the investigated Jurassic specimens to the Recent representatives of the Parechinidae family, especially to the genus Paracentrotus Mortensen has been proved. However, no representatives of this type of echinoid have been found in Jurassic sediments so far.

Key words: chromo-stereoscopy, Echinoidea, anatomy, Middle Jurassic, Recent, Poland, Croatia

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Studia Geologica Polonica, 124: 37-52.

Pyritization of microfossils: crinoid remains from the Middle Jurassic of Ogrodzieniec (Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, Poland)

Patrycja SZCZEPANIK* & Zbigniew SAWŁOWICZ*

Abstract
Pyritized crinoid skeletal elements have been found in the so-called "ore-bearing clays" of the Middle Jurassic exposed in Ogrodzieniec (Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, Poland). Their assem- blage consists of columnals, cirrals and brachials; calyx plates have not been found. Ossicles occur both as unpyritized and pyritized. Three main types of pyritization have been distinguished in investigated material: (a) original calcitic skeleton is not replaced by pyrite but its void spaces are infilled with pyrite; (b) calcitic skeleton is replaced by pyrite, with or without void infilling; (c) pyritization overwhelms the primary morphology of the ossicle. The first two types predominate in the studied material. The types of pyritization have been explained by several subsequent stages of this process. The main stage of crinoid pyritization happened probably in the sediment during early diagenesis and was limited to microenvironments of fossils. Different morphological forms of pyrite registered in the same ossicles (euhedra, framboids and massive pyrite, can be explained by different position and time of the fossil pyritization, the type and location of organic matter, porosity, several stages of pyritization, "openness" of skeleton, different assemblages of bacteria, and probably many other factors.

Key words: pyrite, pyritization, crinoids, ore-bearing clays, Middle Jurassic, Bathonian, Poland

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Studia Geologica Polonica, 124: 53-65.

High resolution Single Particle Analysis by scanning electron microscopy: A new tool to investigate the mineral composition of agglutinated foraminifers

Jan BARTHOLDY*, Thomas LEIPE**, Peter FRENZEL***, Franz TAUBER** & Rainer BAHLO**

Abstract
A high resolution Single Particle Analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray microanalysis is introduced as a new technique to investigate components of tests of aggluti- nated foraminifers. In a feasibility study, specimens of Nodulina dentaliniformis (Brady, 1881) from surface sediment of the Lübeck Bight (southwestern Baltic Sea) were investigated. A chemical mapping of a selected part of the surface of the last chamber as well as analysis of isolated foraminiferal shell grains and the ambient sediment were carried out. The investigations point to the non-selectivity of the foraminifer to use specific minerals but a selectivity to use specific grain sizes and shapes.

Key words: X-ray microanalysis, single particle analysis, multielement mapping, agglutinated foraminifera, shell composition

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Studia Geologica Polonica, 124: 67-86.

Checklist and annotated bibliography of Recent Foraminiferida from the German Baltic Sea coast

Peter FRENZEL*, Thomas TECH* & Jan BARTHOLDY**

Abstract
There are 96 Recent foraminiferal species reported from the German sector of the Baltic Sea. All are benthic taxa. Most species are agglutinated forms, reflecting the brackish water conditions of the southern Baltic Sea. Decreasing diversity is visible following the salinity gradient along the coast from the west to the east. The associations of the deeper water below the halocline and of shallow water above are very different with higher diversity in the deeper water. A complete species list and annotated bibliography for Recent foraminiferal species from the brackish water of the German Baltic Sea coast are presented.

Key words: Baltic Sea, brackish water, benthic foraminifera, biogeography, biodiversity, checklist, bibliography

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Studia Geologica Polonica, 124: 87-98.

On the systematics of rugoglobigerinids
(planktonic Foraminifera, Late Cretaceous)

Marius Dan GEORGESCU

Abstract
A subdivision of the Late Cretaceous planktonic foraminiferal family Rugoglobigerinidae is now proposed according to the nature and patterns in ornamentation as well as the development of peripheral structures. Typical rugoglobigerinids, namely those presenting meridionally arranged pustules, rugosities and costellae are retained within the subfamily Rugoglobigerininae. The sub- family Archaeoglobigerininae is now erected to accommodate taxa presenting chamber ornamen- tation consisting of not fused pustules, papillae, rugosities, and spines which are not arranged following a meridional pattern. In what concerns the peripheral structures, whose development is regarded as indicative for adaptation to deeper water environments. It is demonstrated that the two subfamilies, Rugoglobigerininae and Archaeoglobigerininae respectively, present quasi-parallel evolutionary strategies. The status of the genus Rugotruncana is revised. Transitional specimens between Archaeoglobigerina blowi and Rugotruncana subcircumnodifer from the Upper Campanian of the New Jersey coastal plain demonstrate that Rugotruncana is the only known double-keeled rugoglobigerinid, and is included in the subfamily Archaeoglobigerininae, rather than among the Globotruncanidae.

Key words:Planktonic foraminifera, Late Cretaceous, Rugoglobigerinidae, new subfamily

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Studia Geologica Polonica, 124: 99-116.

Geometrical constraints in foraminiferal architecture: consequences of change from planispiral

Lukas HOTTINGER

Abstract
Large-sized, porcelaneous, planispiral-involute foraminifera react to the loss of alar chamber extensions in the transition from reniform to cyclical growth stages by compensating the abrupt loss of alar apertures with the production of meandrine lateral chambers fed from apertures in the ultimate alar prolongation. This is an analogy common to Late Cretaceous meandropsinids and Late Tertiary archaiasines. In genera with an early annular growth due to oblique-overcrossed stolon systems, the chamberlets of the main layer have oblique-retrovert stolons feeding lateral chamberlets disposed according to a chessboard pattern over the whole lateral surface of the discoďdal shell, as in so many orbitoďdiform genera. In lamellar foraminifera developing a median supplemental skeleton with radial canal systems, spiral marginal crests are laterally covered by a single, retrovert-spiral string of supplemental chamberlets per growth step, forming step by step a complete lateral cover as in Biplanispira. Early annular-concentric median supplemental skeletons are laterally covered by successive expanse chambers as in Vaughanina. The function of some, not all, lateral shell compar- tments as greenhouse for vegetal symbionts is briefly discussed.

Key words: foraminifera, architecture, chamber arrangement, planispiral-involute, annular, lateral chamberlets, cubicula

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Studia Geologica Polonica, 124: 117-142.

Polymerization and oligomerization in foraminiferal evolution

Valeria I. MIKHALEVICH

Abstract
The regularities of evolutionary development were studied so far mostly at a multicellular level in the Metazoa. The analysis of the morphologic development of some Protistan groups, mainly the Foraminifera, shows that the basic rules of evolutionary development such as Dogiel's (1929, 1954) concept on polymerization and oligomerization of the structures of the organism, leading to further differentiation and integration of these structures in their morphology and functions, can be seen in the Foraminifera as well. Concerning the usually minute dimensions of the foraminiferal cell, the processes of polymerization are more developed at this level of organization than the processes of oligomerisation. Polymerization represents at the same time the prerequisites for the subsequent processes of oligomerization and differentiation.
In the foraminifera the main polymerized structures are the number of nuclei and the genomes inside the nuclei (polyploidy), the number of chambers, the number of apertural openings and elements of the inner apertural structures. The polymerized elements of the foraminiferal skeleton are subject to the process of oligomerization as well. As a consequence of the preceding polymerization and oligomerization, new organismic differentiated and integrative structures emerge: the embryonal specialized chambers, integrative structures of stolons, tunnels and channels, and integrative apertural systems. These represent a new level of polymerization, the multiplication of the organism systems. Thus these processes promote the transition to a new level of organization, open pathways to further evolutionary change, which gives the organism a higher degree of wholeness and a higher level of activity of its functions. The processes of polymerization and oligomerization are the major pathways of macroevolution. These take place in different foraminiferal groups independently and in parallel, their investigation helps to construct a natural taxonomic system.

Key words: polymerization, oligomerization, macroevolution, nuclei, skeletal structures.

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Studia Geologica Polonica, 124: 143-158.

State-of-the-art in modelling of foraminiferal shells: searching for an emergent model

Jarosław TYSZKA*, Paweł TOPA** & Krzysztof SACZKA**

Abstract
Modelling of foraminiferal tests (shells) started from the fixed-reference models, which used fixed points or axes as coordinate systems. Simulated shells are limited to simple planispiral, trochospiral or uniserial shell patterns, stable throughout ontogeny. On the other hand, various groups of foraminifera change chamber arrangements during their growth. Modelling of more complex forms, with changing chamber arrangement patterns, requires apertures, which are essential for morphogenesis of foraminifera. The moving reference model has solved this requirement, including apertures as reference points. This approach gives morphogenetic priority to apertures and produces more realistic simulations. Nevertheless, these models are still not "deep" enough to reflect the complexity of foraminiferal shells. It is proposed to focus on morphogenesis of real foraminifera and go deeper into the processes responsible for chamber formation. Earlier studies have shown that the cytoskeleton plays a major role in shaping the chambers. A new emergent model should introduce intracellular dynamics during the chamber formation. Internal processes should rather mimic physical interactions and biochemical reactions than geometric transformations. The foraminiferal morpho- genesis ought to emerge spontaneously from simple rules and parameters, instead of being predefined in the form of geometric figures and their transformations. The Diffusion Limited Aggregation (DLA) model, presented here, tests such a new emergent approach.

Key words: theoretical morphology, foraminifera, morphogenesis, self-organization, simulation, Diffusion Limited Aggregation (DLA).

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Studia Geologica Polonica, 124: 159-170.

Middle Devonian conodonts from black shales of the Ściegnia section, Góry Świętokrzyskie Mountains, central Poland

Tatiana WORONCOWA-MARCINOWSKA

Abstract
The conodont fauna and conodont-based biostratigraphy of a part of the Devonian succession of the Ściegnia section (Łysogóry region, Góry Świętokrzyskie Mountains [Holy Cross Mountains]) are discussed. The studied strata are composed of rhythmically bedded black shales and marly shales with intercalations of marly and coarse-grained limestones. They overlie the shales and sandstones of the Świętomarz beds. This part of the shale-marly succession of the Ściegnia section represents the lower part of Nieczulice beds of the Devonian informal lithostratigraphical scheme for the northern region of the Góry Świętokrzyskie Mountains. The conodont assemblages indicate that the studied sequence ranges from the upper part of the Lower varcus conodont Zone to the Middle varcus conodont Zone of the Givetian.

Key words: Góry Świętokrzyskie Mountains, Łysogóry region, Devonian, Givetian, conodonts, biostratigraphy, Poland

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Studia Geologica Polonica, 124: 171-198

High resolution microfossil, microfacies and palynofacies studies as the only method in recognition of the Jurassic and Cretaceous "black shales" in a strongly tectonised section of the Czorsztyn Succession, Pieniny Klippen Belt, Poland

Krzysztof BĄK*, Marcin BARSKI** & Marta BĄK***

Abstract
Combined stratigraphic studies based on foraminifers, radiolarians and palynomorphs together with microfacies and palynofacies characteristics allowed us to separate the Lower Turonian sediments corresponding to the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary event from the Lower-Middle Jurassic black facies in a strongly tectonised section of the Czorsztyn Succession in the Pieniny Klippen Belt, Poland. The studied section, located at Trawne creek, includes tectonised incompetent series of black marly facies and pink, cherry-red marls and marly limestones.
The Cenomanian/Turonian boundary event deposits (ca. 0.5 m thick) belong to the upper part of the Altana Shale Bed of the Jaworki Formation with uncertain transition to the pelagic pink and cherry-red marly limestones and marls. Both facies represent the Helvetoglobotruncana helvetica planktonic foraminiferal Zone (Lower-Middle Turonian).
The other black facies in the studied section include dark-grey marly shales with dark-grey calcareous mudstone (ca. 1.5 m of total thickness). These sediments most likely belong to the Skrzypny Shale Formation. This is documented by the filament-radiolarian microfacies, dinocyst and radiolarian stratigraphic data. An Early Bajocian age was determined only for one thin package of dark-grey shale. Other packages of black facies include long-ranging dinocyst taxa of Late Pliens- bachian-Early Bathonian age. Following the earlier stratigraphic data for the Skrzypny Shale Formation (Middle Aalenian-Lower Bajocian), based on ammonite fauna, it may be suggested that a part of these black facies might represent the underlying lithostratigraphic unit, the Krempachy Marl Formation, or its transition to the Skrzypny Shale Formation.
Pelagic cherry-red marls and marly limestones which in most cases are in tectonic contact with the black facies are here also strongly tectonised. They represent different, non-continuous stratigraphic horizons of the Lower-Middle Turonian and the Lower Campanian.

Key words: Foraminifera, Radiolaria, dinocyst, microfacies, palynofacies, Lower-Middle Jurassic, Cenomanian-Turonian boundary event, biostratigraphy

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Studia Geologica Polonica, 124: 199-214.

Benthic foraminiferal morphogroups and taphonomy of the Cieszyn beds (Tithonian-Neocomian, Polish Outer Carpathians)

Andrzej SZYDŁO

Abstract
Test gross morphology and taphonomy of calcareous benthic foraminifers from the Cieszyn beds were mainly controlled by depositional parameters, paleoecological conditions and paleogeographical settings. All of these control factors were influenced by a major tectonic event represented by the rifting of the Cieszyn Basin. In its earliest history it acted as a gulf adjacent to the Eastern European Platform. The Tithonian marls and marly shales known in Polish regional geology as the lower Cieszyn shales and Cieszyn limestones yielded highly diverse calcareous benthic foraminiferal assemblages which are dominated by shallow and deep infaunal morphogroups. A remarkably well-developed epifaunal component can be recognized as well. Shelf and peri-reefal foraminifera originally developed their life cycles under well-oxygenated conditions in the immediate proximity of the sea-bottom. The initiation of turbidite sedimentation lead to the removal and transportation of shelf foraminifers into deeper water environments (bathyal). Consequently, the tests of calcareous foraminifers are small, and poorly preserved, presenting dissolution traces, and abraded and corroded surfaces. The mixed and reworked microfauna were replaced by a more uniform one in the proximity of the Jurassic/Cretaceous boundary. Active omnivorous infauna survived not only the change of deposition system but also the deepening of the Cieszyn Basin during Early Cretaceous times. Periodically the supply of reworked and allochthonous calcareous benthic forms into the Cieszyn Basin took place during the Berriasian and Late Valanginian-Hauterivian times.

Key words: palaeoecology, benthic foraminifera, morphogroup analysis, Jurassic, Cretaceous, Carpathians, Silesian Unit

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Studia Geologica Polonica, 124: 215-236.

Urgonian-type microfossils in exotic pebbles of the Late Cretaceous and Palaeogene gravelstones from the Sromowce and Jarmuta formations (Pieniny Klippen Belt, Polish Carpathians)

Michał KROBICKI* & Barbara OLSZEWSKA**

Abstract
The Late Cretaceous-Palaeogene flyschoidal deposits of the Sromowce and Jarmuta formations of the Pieniny Klippen Belt contain gravelstones composed of exotic pebbles of various lithology and age. Many pebbles are derived from the destroyed Early Cretaceous carbonate platform. They contain microfossils comparable with those of the Urgonian-type known from the peri-Medi- terranean Tethys. A rich assemblage of microfossils with characteristic: Archalveolina reicheli (de Castro), Palorbitolina lenticularis (Blumenbach), Mesorbitolina subconcava (Leymerie), Prae- orbitolina cormyi Schroeder, Pseudonummuloculina aurigerica Calvez and Simpliorbitolina manasi Ciry and Rat confirm the stratigraphical and paleoenvironmental connection of the microfossil assemblages with the classical Urgonian-type, shallow-water carbonate sedimentation. Single occurrences of planktonic foraminifera and tintinnids suggest sporadic contacts with the open sea environment and support the age designation based on benthic foraminifera.

Key words: Exotic pebbles, foraminifera, tintinnids, calcareous dinocysts, Urgonian, Pieniny Klippen Belt, Carpathians

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Studia Geologica Polonica, 124: 237-248.

The Trawne Member (Albian-Cenomanian, Pieniny Klippen Belt, Carpathians): a new insight into its foraminiferal assemblages and biostratigraphy

Katarzyna PIÓRO

Abstract
Detailed micropalaeontological analysis of samples from the Pasieczny and Trawne stream sections has been undertaken. Twenty five species including seventeen planktonic taxa have been identified. The Rotalipora ticinensis - Planomalina praebuxtorfi new biozone has been proposed. In the Pasieczny Stream section, turbiditic sedimentation commenced during the Early Cenomanian (Rotalipora appenninica Zone). The new biozone R. greenhornensis has been established. The Rotalipora reicheli - Rotalipora greenhornensis Zone, based on coexistence of both nominal species was recognized. The studied foraminiferal associations have confirmed palaeobathymetrical associa- tions B1-B2 (middle part of the continental slope)

Key words: Cenomanian, foraminiferids, biostratigraphy, palaeobathymetry, Pieniny Klippen Belt, Carpathians.

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Studia Geologica Polonica, 124: 249-258.

A Middle Cenomanian foraminiferal assemblage from the Nowe Rybie section (Żegocina Tectonic Window, Subsilesian Unit, Polish Outer Carpathians)

Elżbieta MACHANIEC*, M. Adam GASIŃSKI*, Andrzej ŚLĄCZKA* & Tadeusz LEŚNIAK**

Abstract
The Żegocina Tectonic Window is the most eastward located tectonic window of the Lanckorona-Żegocina Zone in the Polish Outer Carpathians and represents the slope parts of the Silesian basin and intrabasinal uplifted zones of the Subsilesian Unit. Upper Cretaceous and Palaeocene variegated marls, typical deposits of the studied part of the basin, are intercalated with the so-called Rybie beds (local sediments of siliciclastic submarine fans). A Middle Cenomanian foraminiferal assemblage (Rotalipora reicheli Zone) is here described from these sediments. The assemblage contains numerous planktonic (epipelagic and bathypelagic) foraminiferids, which is rather unique within the "Flysch" type assemblages. A middle slope palaeodepth is suggested as the depositional environment, based on benthic and planktonic foraminiferal associations.

Key words: foraminiferids, Cretaceous, Cenomanian, Subsilesian Unit, Polish Outer Carpathians

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Studia Geologica Polonica, 124: 259-272.

Comparison of deep-water agglutinated foraminifera from the hemipelagic variegated shales (Lower Turonian-Lower Santonian) and the turbiditic Godula beds (Upper Santonian-Campanian) in the Lanckorona-Wadowice area (Silesian Unit, Outer Carpathians, Poland)

Anna LEMAŃSKA

Abstract
Deep-water agglutinated foraminifera (DWAF) have been studied from variegated shales and Godula beds exposed in the vicinity of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska (Silesian Nappe, Outer Carpa- thians, Poland). Following the standard foraminiferal zonation scheme of Geroch & Nowak (1984), the studied variegated shales can be correlated with the Uvigerinammina jankoi Zone (Lower Turonian-Lower Santonian). The Godula beds can be correlated to the Caudammina gigantea Zone (Upper Santonian-Campanian). Foraminiferal assemblages from the variegated shales are dominated by infaunal and semi-infaunal forms. Their occurrence suggests aerobic bottom water conditions associated with low organic matter availability during the deposition of this unit. Such conditions are presumably related to slow sedimentation rate in low energy, well-oxygenated and oligotrophic bottom environment. In contrast, foraminiferal assemblages from the Godula beds are dominated by epifaunal forms, which collected food from the sediment/water interface. It may suggest that sedimentation took place under relatively higher energy conditions with a higher organic matter flux.

Key words: biostratigraphy, palaeoecology, agglutinated foraminifera, morphogroup analysis, variegated shales, turbidities, Carpathians

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Studia Geologica Polonica, 124: 273-284.

Micropalaeontological analysis of olistoliths from the Wieliczka Salt Mine (Outer Carpathians, Poland)

Elżbieta MACHANIEC* & Barbara ZAPAŁOWICZ-BILAN**

Abstract
Upper Cretaceous variegated marls of a Węglówka-type facies are exposed in the form of olistoliths within the Zuber-type salt deposits at the higher exploitation level of the "Kunegunda" Drift in the Wieliczka Salt Mine. This is the southernmost zone of occurrence of redeposited blocks of the Carpathian flysch sediments within the Miocene salt deposits of the Carpathian Foredeep.
The variegated marls contain considerably diversified assemblages consisting only of small benthic foraminifera, including both agglutinated and calcareous taxa. Basing on the ranges of the characteristic species the variegated marls in the "Kunegunda" drift are dated as Turonian-Campanian. Two zones of benthonic agglutinated foraminifera have been recognised: the Uvigerinammina jankoi and Goesella rugosa zones.
The foraminiferal assemblage of the youngest segment of the Węglówka marls is dominated by calcareous benthonic taxa with Stensioeina gracilis Brotzen as the most numerous species. Its presence indicates a Campanian age of this part of the studied deposits.

Key words: Flysch Carpathians, Upper Cretaceous marls, Miocene salt deposits, olistoliths, benthic foraminifera, biostratigraphy, palaeoecology

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Studia Geologica Polonica, 124: 285-296.

Foraminiferal biostratigraphy and palaeobathymetry of Senonian marls (Upper Cretaceous) in the vicinity of Kraków (Januszowice-Korzkiew area, Bonarka quarry) - preliminary study

Elżbieta MACHANIEC* & Barbara ZAPAŁOWICZ-BILAN**

Abstract
In the vicinity of Kraków, Upper Cretaceous sediments rest upon the Upper Jurassic (Oxfordian) massive limestones and are developed as sands, conglomerates and marls. Foraminiferal assemblages from Upper Cretaceous sediments are dominated by calcareous benthic forms whereas planktonic foraminifers are rare and represented by Hedbergella and Whiteinella (sporadically also Marginotruncana and Globotruncana). Taxa identified in foraminiferal assemblages enable to distinguish several zones: Lower Santonian Gavelinella thalmanni partial range zone, the Bolivinoi- des strigillatus partial range zone (Upper Santonian and lowermost Turonian) and the Lower Campanian Bolivinoides decoratus partial range zone. Analysis of foraminiferal assemblages allows us to draw preliminary conclusions concerning the palaeobathymetry of the Late Cretaceous basin in the study area. Palaeobathymetric evaluations give a maximum basin depth of about 200 meters.

Key words: Late Cretaceous, foraminiferal assemblages, palaeoecology, biostratigraphy, Poland

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Studia Geologica Polonica, 124: 297-324.

Foraminiferal palaeodepth indicators from the lower Palaeogene deposits of the Subsilesian Unit (Polish Outer Carpathians)

Anna WAŚKOWSKA-OLIWA

Abstract
The presented research results are an attempt at establishing the relative depth of sediment deposition in the Subsilesian zone of the Carpathian basin. To estimate palaeodepth calcareous and agglutinated foraminifera were investigated, taking into account the preservation conditions, life environment, and bathymetrical preferences of individual species of the calcareous benthic forms. Micropalaeontological analysis were carried out on foraminiferal assemblages from the Palaeocene- Middle Eocene deposits of the Lanckorona-Żegocina Tectonic Zone and the Żywiec Tectonic Window (Subsilesian Unit), which are represented by the Szydłowiec sandstones (Palaeocene part), the Czerwin sandstones, the Gorzeń sandstones, the Radziechowy sandstones, the Lipowa beds as well as shales, that occur above or between these sandstones.
The microfauna assemblages indicate that a change in the sedimentation depth of the individual lithosoms is conspicuous in the Early Palaeocene. During the Early Palaeocene the depth was between the CCD and the foraminiferal lysocline (FL); however, during the Late Palaeocene and the Early Eocene a deepening related to the CCD is evident or local shallowing of the CCD. Deposition took place in the lower part of the range between the CCD and FL, achieving the maximum palaeodepth in the latest Palaeocene. The depth changes of the Subsilesian basin zone can be correlated with global trends of the raising level of the World Ocean, and also with a period of increased subsidence of the Carpathian basins.

Key words: palaeobathymetry, CCD, foraminiferal lysocline, Subsilesian Unit, Palaeocene, Eocene, foraminifera

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Studia Geologica Polonica, 124: 325-340.

The utility of Deep-Water Agglutinated Foraminiferal acmes for correlating Eocene to Oligocene abyssal sediments in the North Atlantic and Western Tethys

Michael A. KAMINSKI

Abstract
Quantitative analysis of Deep-water Agglutinated Foraminifera (DWAF) assemblages from key ODP sites in the North Atlantic reveal the presence of stratigraphically-significant abundance maxima, that may be useful for correlating sedimentary sequences deposited beneath the CCD. The DWAF record from ODP Hole 647A in the Labrador Sea was re-studied and abundances were recalculated by excluding calcareous benthic foraminifera. This hole is a key locality, as it provides direct calibration of the DWAF biostratigraphy to the standard chronostratigraphy. Eight DWAF acmes are recognised in the Eocene to lower Oligocene at Site 647 and at other North Atlantic and Norwegian Sea sites. These are: The Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) Glomospira Acme, a lower Eocene N. excelsa acme, an early/middle Eocene Glomospira Acme, a Karrerulina acme, a middle Eocene Reticulophragmium amplectens acme, a middle/late Eocene Spiroplecta- mmina acme, a latest Eocene-early Oligocene Ammodiscus latus acme, and an early Oligocene Spirosigmoilinella acme. Some of these acmes can be correlated with similar events occurring at onshore localities in the Western Tethys (northern Spain, Moroccan Rif, Italian Appenines, Western Carpathians). The occurrence of these DWAF acmes is caused by variations in the trophic continuum which is a consequence of the profound climatic and oceanographic changes that took place in the deep ocean during the Eocene and early Oligocene.

Key words: Agglutinated Foraminifera, Eocene, Biostratigraphy, Atlantic Ocean

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Studia Geologica Polonica, 124: 341-352.

Oligocene palaeoenvironmental changes in the Romanian Carpathians, revealed by calcareous nannofossils

Mihaela Carmen MELINTE

Abstract
Calcareous nannofossils from five sections from the Eastern Carpathians (Romania) have been investigated to identify palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic changes during the Oligocene. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis hade been performed. The nannofloral assemblages reflect cool surface water conditions during Early Oligocene (corresponding to the upper part of NP21 through lower part of NP24 nannofossil zones) and warm water conditions during Late Oligocene (upper part of the NP24 and lower part of the NP25 nannofosil zones). A cooling interval was assumed for the latest Oligocene-basal Miocene (upper part of the NP25 and base of NN1 nannofossil zones), followed by a restoration of a warmer climatic mode in the earliest Miocene. A sea-level fall characterized the early Rupelian, interval when the salinity strongly decreases. These palaeoenviron- mental conditions are reflected by the bloom of endemic nannofloras. A sea-level rise characterized the late Rupelian as well as the early Chattian. The deposition of coccolithic limestones, containing bloom of cosmopolitan nannofloral species (within the NP24 Nannofosil Zone) could indicate the Late Oligocene Warming Event in the Romanian Carpathians. The sea-level dropped again in the late Chattian, followed by a new transgression within the latest Chattian-earliest Aquitanian interval.

Key words: calcareous nannofossils, Oligocene, Romanian Carpathians, palaeoenvironment, palaeoclimate

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Studia Geologica Polonica, 124: 353-370.

Calcareous nannoplankton from the Podhale Flysch (Oligocene-Miocene, Inner Carpathians, Poland)

Małgorzata GARECKA

Abstract
The presence of the Oligocene (upper Rupelian and Chattian)-Lower Miocene (Aquitanian) in the Podhale Flysch sediments is argued by the identification of calcareous nannoplankton zones: NP24, NP25 and NN1. The upper part of the Szaflary beds, the Zakopane beds and the lower part of the Chochołów beds belong to the NP24 Zone based on the occurrence of Helicosphaera recta, Cyclicargolithus abisectus, Sphenolithus distentus, Reticulofenestra lockeri and Reticulofenestra ornata in assemblages. The upper part of the Chochołów beds and the Brzegi beds belong to the NP25 Zone based on the presence of Sphenolithus conicus with the taxa listed above. The youngest Ostrysz beds contain Helicosphaera scissura and Sphenolithus delphix. These species are characteristic for the NN1 Zone (lowermost Miocene).

Key words: Inner Carpathian Palaeogene, Podhale Flysch, calcareous nannoplankton, biostrati- graphy, Oligocene-Lower Miocene

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Studia Geologica Polonica, 124: 371-394.

In situ and recycled dinoflagellate cysts from Middle Miocene deposits at Bęczyn, Carpathian Foredeep, Poland

Przemysław GEDL

Abstract
Middle Miocene clays exposed at Bęczyn (Carpathian Foredeep) contain frequent organic- walled dinoflagellate cysts. The age-assessment of the dinocysts from the clays at Bęczyn suggests their Early Badenian age (interregional dinocyst zone D17). However, dinocyst assemblage is in large part composed of recycled pre-Miocene specimens. Late Cretaceous and Palaeogene dinocysts are the most frequent among the forms treated as recycled. Occurrence of so frequent recycled dinocysts points at erosion of pre-Miocene substratum during the Early Badenian.

Key words: Miocene, biostratigraphy, dinocysts, Carpathians, Carpathian Foredeep

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Studia Geologica Polonica, 124: 395-410.

Organic-walled dinoflagellate cysts from Miocene deposits of the Legnica-33/56 borehole (Fore-Sudetic Monocline) as indicators of marine ingression in south-western Poland

Przemysław GEDL* & Elżbieta WOROBIEC**

Abstract
Marine dinoflagellate cysts are described from the basal part of the Mużaków series in the Legnica-33/56 borehole (Fore-Sudetic Monocline, south-western Poland). Their occurrence reflects marine ingression that covered this area during the Middle Miocene. Qualitative composition of dinocyst and sporomorph assemblages allows reconstructing the palaeoenvironment of present-day Legnica vicinity as a shallow marine bay with rich vegetation of the Everglades-type.

Key words: Middle Miocene, Mużaków series, Polish Lowland, dinoflagellate cysts (dinocysts), palaeoenvironment

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