Cenomanian–Early Turonian Ostracoda of the shallow marine carbonateplatform sequence at west central Sinai: Biostratigraphy,paleobathymetry and paleobiogeographyOstracodes

EgyptAbstractThe Cenomanian–Lower Turonian succession exposed in west central Sinai is carefully studied for their ostracode content. The Raha andAbu Qada Formations were studied in 4 sections. Their ostracode content includes the recognition of 70 species belonging to 34 genera. Onespecies is considered as new (Spinoleberis grosdidieri n. sp.). The vertical distribution of the ostracodes in the sections enables the detection offour local biostratigraphic zones with a Barren Interzone in between. In terms of paleobathymetry, each studied sequence reveals deposition ona shallow reefal carbonate platform of less than 100 m depth. The flourishing of cytherellids in repeated intervals refers to kenoxic events withinthe Cenomanian section. These events are enhanced just below the Cenomanian–Turonian boundary referring to the Oceanic Anoxic Event 2. Thewide paleobiogeographic distribution of the recorded Cenomanian ostracodes reveals that there was a direct connection throughout the SouthernTethyan Realm countries. Also, there was a migration path between the Southern Tethyan bioprovince and the West African bioprovince duringthe Cenomanian via the Trans-Saharan Seaway and along the Atlantic coast of West Africa.