Al Azhar Bulletin of Science Vol. 29, No. 2 (December), 2018, pp. 1-18.

SUBSURFACE LOWER–MIDDLE MIOCENE BIOSTRATIGRAPHY OF RAS EL-

USH OIL FIELD, G. ZEIT AREA, GULF OF SUEZ, EGYPT

Abdel Galil A. Hewaidy, Haitham M. Ayyad and Ahmed Abdallah

Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt

ABSTRACT
The Lower-Middle Miocene succession penetrated in four wells in Ras El Ush oil field (Ras El Ush 7,8,12
and 14), East G. Zeit, Gulf of Suez is examined in detail for its foraminiferal and nannofossil contents. The
Rudeis, Kareem and Belayim formations are distinguished. One hundred and fifty-one foraminiferal and forty-
five nannofossils species are identified. Three planktonic foraminiferal and two nannofossils biozones are
distinguished and integrated. The planktonic foraminiferal zones are Catpsydrax dissimilis (M3) of early
Miocene (Burdigalian) age, Praeorbulina sicana (M5) of early-middle Miocene (Burdigalian-Langhian) age and
Fohsella peripheroacuta (M7) of middle Miocene (Serravallian) age. The nannofossil biozones are Sphenolithus
belemnos Zone (NN3) of early Miocene (Burdigalian) age and Helicosphaera ampliaperta Zone (NN4) of early
Miocene (Burdigalian)to middle Miocene (Serravallian) aga.
Keywords: Ceramic tiles, Wadi El-Yatim, Wadi El-Tuleia, feldspar-sand, Eastern Desert, Egypt.
initiation of many palaeo-highs during most of
1. INTRODUCTION
the Miocene age (Evans and Moxon, 1986).
Ras El Ush Oil Field was discovered in Microfaunal zonation and paleoecologic
February 1995 by Marathon Oil Company. The interpretation of the Gulf of Suez area were
production from the field started in Jan. 1996 attempted before (Macfadyen, 1931; Souaya,
by two wells (Ras El Ush-2 from the Matulla 1966; El-Heiny and Martini 1981; Andrawis
Formation and Ras El Ush-3 from the Nubia and Abdel Malik, 1981; Evans, 1988; Haggag.,
Sandstones). The total number of producing et al 1990; El-Azabi 2004; Abul-Nasr et al.,
wells in the field now is four wells (Ras El Ush 2009; Mandur, 2009; Mandur and Baioumi,
3,7,8 and 12). The main producing horizons of 2011; Hewaidy et al. 2013,2016 and Ayyad., et
the field are the Nubia and Matulla reservoirs. al 2018). The aim of the present work is to
The Ras El Ush Oil Field represents the nearest apply the results of analyses of planktic
oil field to the hydrocarbon seepage in the area. foraminiferal and calcareous nannoplankton
It covers onshore and offshore area along Ras assemblages to construct lower-middle
El Ush fault trend. Ras El Ush oilfield is Miocene integrated biostratigraphic schemes
located on the eastern side of Gebel El Zeit and a high-resolution correlation for the Lower-
range. Gebel Zeit Range is one of the main Middle Miocene succession in Ras El Ush Oil
topographic features on the southwestern shore Field at Gebel Zeit area.
of the Gulf of Suez (Fig.1). It extends for about
1. LITHOSTRATIGRAPHY
30 km from north to south close to the Gulf
shore. Its average breadth is 5-6 km. Since the Lithostratigraphically, the Miocene
beginning of the last century, the Gulf of Suez successions in the Gulf of Suez area have been
has been a highly attractive hydrocarbon studied and classified by many authors (e.g.
location and the focus of much oil exploration. Moon and Sadek 1923, 1925; Ghorab &
The Miocene successions in the Gulf of Suez Marzouk (1967), Said & El Heiny (1967), the
display radical vertical and lateral facies National Stratigraphic Sub-Committee (1976),
changes due to its tectonic rift events. Gulf of Grafunkel & Bartov (1977), El Heiny (1982),
Suez tectonic setting played an important role El-Azabi, (2004), Ied et al.(2011),Soliman et
in facies distribution, configuration of the al.,(2012),Hewaidy et al.,(2013), and Hewaidy
depositional sequences and resulted in the et al., (2016). According to the National
2 ABDEL GALIL A. HEWAIDY, et al.

Fig.1. Location map of the studied wells at Ras Elush Oil Field, Gebel Zeit area (Conoco, 1987 and
Issawi et al., 1999)

Stratigraphic Sub-Committee, (1976), The well) in west central Sinai. The Rudeis
Miocene sequence in the Gulf of Suez is Formation is formally approved by the National
classified into two major lithostrtigraphic units. Stratigraphic Subcommittee of the Geological
from older to younger as follows Sciences of Egypt (NSSGS), 1974.
1. The lower mainly clastic Gharandal Group, The Rudeis Formation overlies
subdivided into the Nukhul, Rudeis and unconformably the Nukhul Formation and
Kareem formations from base to top. underlies unconformably the Kareem
Formation at Ras El Ush 8, Ras El Ush 12 and
2. The upper Ras Malaab Group, subdivided
Ras El Ush 14, while at Ras El Ush 7 it
into the Belayim, South Gharib, and Zeit
unconformably underlies the Belayim
formations from base to top.
Formation due to the tectonic event. The
In the present study, the Rudeis, Kareem Rudeis Formation is widely distributed and
and Belayim formations are examined and well developed on both sides of the Gulf of
described in detail. Suez region. It is separated by the mid-Clysmic
Rudeis Formation event (Garfunkel and Bartov, 1977; Hewaidy et
al., 2013; Hewaidy et al., 2016). It is composed
Ghorab (1964) firstly introduced the term ' of white and offwhite, cryptocrystalline,
Rudeis Formation' at its type section (Rudeis-2 argillaceous limestone. A major lateral
 SUBSURFACE LOWER–MIDDLE MIOCENE BIOSTRATIGRAPHY … 3

thickness variation of Rudeis Formation is The Belayim Formation is of the middle

noticed. 2095 feet (between 2960 to 865 feet) at Miocene (Serravalian) age. It unconformably
Ras El Ush 7 well; 2011 feet from (2749 to 738 overlies the Kareem or Rudeis formations
feet) at Ras El Ush 8 well; 16951 feet (from respectively and underlies South Gharib or Zeit
2705 to 1010 feet) at Ras El Ush 12 well and in formations due to tectonic activity. It consists
Ras El Ush 14 well it attains about 2667 feet mainly of anhydrites, argillaceous limestones
thick (from 3360 to 693 feet). and calcareous shales.
Kareem Formation 3. MATERIAL AND METHODS
Moon and Sadek (1923) firstly introduced 3.1. Sample preparation
the term ' Kareem Formation ‘at its type section
Sixty ditch-cutting samples from four
(Gharib North-2 Well). The Kareem Formation
offshore wells penetrated in the Ras El Ush Oil
is formally approved by the National
Field, east G. Zeit. Ras El Ush-7, 8, 12 and 14
Stratigraphic Subcommittee of the Geological
wells are prepared for foraminiferal and
Sciences of Egypt (NSSGS), 1974. This unit is
calcareous nannofossil contents. The obtained
well represented in the central part of the Gulf
residues were dried, packed, and studied under
of Suez basin where it was deposited in a
Binocular Olympus Stereoscopic Microscope.
structurally deep faulted area.
The calcareous nannofossils were separated
The Kareem Formation is of middle from the studied samples and identified by
Miocene (Langhian) age. It unconformably using Olympus Polarizing Microscope with
overlies the Rudeis Formation and represents ×100 oil immersion lens.
the oldest extensive evaporites development in
The biostratigraphic schemes adopted here
the Gulf of Suez. In the present study, it is
are those of Wade et al. (2011), Martini, 1971
recorded in Ras El Ush 8, Ras El Ush 12 and
and Perch-Nielsen, 1985.
Ras El Ush14 wells unconformably overlying
the Rudeis Formation, while it is missing in 3.2. Faunal pattern
Ras El Ush 7 well due to tectonic activity. It One hundred and fifty-one foraminiferal
consists mainly of calcareous shales and species, of which 47 are planktics,104 are
argillaceous limestones with few anhydrites at benthics, in addition to 45 calcareous
the base. The thickness of this formation differs nannoplankton species, are identified and their
from place to another. In the Ras El Ush 8 well first occurrence (=FO) and last occurrence
the Kareem Formation occupies the depth from (=LO) events are recorded. The SEM
738 to 524 feet with a total thickness of about photographs of important species were taken
214 feet, In the Ras El Ush 12 well it occupies and shown on plate 1 for the planktic
the depth from 1010 to 750 feet with a total foraminiferal species and plate 2 for the
thickness of about 260 feet while at Ras El Ush nannofossil species. The planktic foraminifera
12 well, the thickness of this formation is about and nannoplankton assemblages in the
174 feet from depth 693 to 519 feet. Burdigalian-Serravallian sediments from Ras El
Belayim Formation Ush wells are moderate to well preserved.
Ghorab, (1964) firstly introduced the 4. BIOSTRATIGRAPHY
Belayim Formation at its type locality at the Planktic foraminifera and calcareous
Belayim Oil Field, Gulf of Suez. The Belayim nannoplankton fauna were used for providing
Formation is formally approved by the National good resolution of biostratigraphic biozonation.
Stratigraphic Subcommittee of the Geological The age determination for the study area is
Sciences of Egypt (NSSGS), 1974. based on these fossil groups. Furthermore, the
significant bioevents between planktic
4 ABDEL GALIL A. HEWAIDY, et al.

foraminifera and calcareous nannoplankton are Age: early Miocene (Burdigalian); 19.66–17.62
discussed too. Ma.
4.1. Planktic foraminiferal biozones Assemblage: Species of the genus
Globigerinoides are the most common taxa in
The biostratigraphic scheme of Wade et al.
this zone. These are Globigerinoides
(2011) is used here. Three planktic
altiaperturus Bolli, Gs. immaturus (Le Roy),
foraminiferal biozones were determined in
Gs. quadrilobatus (d'Orbigny), Gs. sacculifer
ascending stratigraphic order. The distribution
Brady and Gs. trilobus (Reuss). The following
of planktic foraminifera are shown on Figs.3, 4,
species are common too: Globorotalia mayeri
5 and 6.
Cushman & Ellisor, Gt. munda Jenkins, Gt.
4.1.1. Catapsydrax dissimilis Concurrent semivera (Hornibrook), Cassigerinella
Range Zone (M3) chipolensis (Cushman & Ponton), Gg.
Definition: Wade et al. (2011) defined this Globigerina angustiumbilicata (Bolli) Gg.
zone as the concurrent range of the nominate preabulloides (Bolli), Gg. leroyi (Bolli), Gg.
taxa between the LO of Globigerinatella sp. occlusa (Bolli), Gg. bulloides d'Orbigny, Gg.
and the HO of Catapsydrax dissimilis. The falconensis Blow, Globigerinella obesa (Bolli),
Globigerinatella species is not recorded in the (figs.2,3,4 and 5).
studied successions. In the present study, this Occurrence: This zone is represented by the
zone is defined as the biostratigraphic interval lower part of the Rudeis Formation in all the
of the nominate taxon (the HO of Catapsydrax studied wells (figs.2, 3, 4 and 5). It varies in
dissimilis). thickness from well to the other. It attains a
Author: Bolli, 1957; emended by Blow, 1969; thickness of about 1140 feet at Ras El Ush 7,
Berggren et al. (1995) and Wade et al. (2011). 700 feet at Ras El Ush 8, 290 feet at Ras El

Fig.2. Distribution chart of the planktic foraminiferal species recorded at Ras El Ush 7 section
 SUBSURFACE LOWER–MIDDLE MIOCENE BIOSTRATIGRAPHY … 5

Ush12, whereas at Ras El Ush 14 it is about El Ush 7 and Ras El Ush 14, whereas it is
1300 feet. The distribution of planktic represented by the top part of the Rudeis
foraminifera is plotted on Figs.2, 3, 4 and 5. Formation and the lower part of the Kareem
Remarks: This zone has been established Formation at Ras El Ush 8 and Ras El Ush 12.
initially by Blow (1969, 1979). However, The It attains a thickness of about 1090 feet at Ras
LAD of Catapsydrax sp. represents a distinct El Ush7, 800 feet at Ras El Ush 8,590 feet at
bioevent which have been occurred in Ras El Ush 12 and 690 feet at Ras El Ush 14. It
transitional and high-latitude areas as well and is distinguished by high diversity with
serves as a point of regional correlation in the moderately preserved planktic foraminiferal
late early Miocene (Berggren et al., 1995). It is assemblage (figs.2, 3, 4 and 5).
equivalent to the Globigerinoides altiaperturus Remarks: According to Iaccarino (1985), this
(M3) Zone of Bolli (1957). The most zone is defined as the interval from the FO of
characteristic feature of this zone is that the P. sicana De Stefani to the LO of P. glomerosa
genus Globigerinoides becomes more common (Blow). The evolutionary transition from
and represented by different species (Figs.2, 3, Praeorbulina to Orbulina took place during
4 and 5). The M4 Zone is not recorded in the this zone (Berggren et al. 1995). It is
present study due to the ‘‘mid-Clysmic’’ or approximately equivalent in stratigraphic level
‘‘mid-Rudeis’’ event during which basin to the Praeorbulina glomerosa Zone of Bolli
asymmetries in the rift basin were formed (1957, 1966), Bolli and Bermudez (1965),
(Patton et al. 1994). Stainforth et al. (1975), Postuma (1971),
4.1.2. Praeorbulina sicana Interval Zone (M5) Globorotalia peripheroronda Zone of Bolli and
Saunders (1985) and Praeorbulina glomerosa
Definition: Initially, this zone is defined as of Iaccarino (1985). In Egypt, this zone
the biostratigraphic interval between the LO of corresponds to the Praeorbulina glomerosa
Praeorbulina sicana and the LO of Orbulina Zone of Kerdany (1967) in the Gulf of Suez,
suturalis. and (Farouk et al., 2014) in the Nile Delta. This
Author: Blow, 1969, 1979. zone can be correlated with the lower part of
the Globigerinoides sicanus / Globigerinoides
Age: Early to middle Miocene (Burdigalian-
transitoria of Wasfi (1968), Globigerinoides
Langhian); 16.40–15.10 Ma.
sicanus of Beckmann et al., 1986 and
Assemblage:M5 Zone is characterized by the Praeorbulina sicanus /Orbulina suturalis Zone
co-occurrence of the planktic foraminiferal (M5) of (Hewaidy et al., 2013 and 2016).
species: Globigerina bulloides d'Orbigny, Berggren et al. (1995) classified the M5
Globigerina praebulloides Blow, Globigerinoides sicanus -Orbulina suturalis
Globigerinella obesa Bolli, Globigerina Zone into two subzones Praeorbulina sicana
concinna Reuss, Globigerinoides immaturus Le (M5a) and Praeorbulina glomerosa (M5b).
Roy, Globigerinoides quadrilobatus d'Orbigny,
4.1.2a: M5a Subzone (Praeorbulina sicana
Globigerinoides bisphericus Todd & Post,
Interval Subzone)
Globigerinoides sacculifer Brady,
Praeorbulina sicanus De Stefani, Praeorbulina Definition: Biostratigraphic interval between
glomerosa (Blow), Praeorbulina transtoria, the HO of Praeorbulina sicana and the LO of
Preaorbulina curva Blow and Globigerinoides Praeorbulina glomerosa.
trilobus Reuss. Age: early Miocene (Burdigalian); 16.38–16.27
Occurrence: This zone is recorded in the Ma.
uppermost part of the Rudeis Formation at Ras
6 ABDEL GALIL A. HEWAIDY, et al.

Plate1. 1. Fohsella peripheroacuta Blow and Banner, 2-3. Globorotalia scitula Brady, 4-5.
Neogloboquadrina continuosa Blow, 6-7. Catapsydrax dissimilis Cushman and Bermudez, 8-9. Globigerina
binaiensis Koch, 9-11. Globigerinoides bisphericus, Todd & Post, 12-14. Globigerinoides diminutus; Bolli,
15. Orbulina bilobata d'Orbigny, 16-17. Orbulina suturalis Brönnimann, 18-19. Preaorbulina glomerosa,
Blow, 20-21. Preaorbulina curva; Blow, 22. Preaorbulina circularis Blow, 23-24. Preaorbulina sicana, De
Stefani, 25. Preaorbulina transitoria, Blow.
 SUBSURFACE LOWER–MIDDLE MIOCENE BIOSTRATIGRAPHY … 7

Plate 2. 1-3. Discoaster deflandrei Bramlette and Riedel, 4. Discoaster exilis Martini and Bramlette, 5-6.
Helicosphaera ampliaperta Bramlette & Wilcoxon, 7-8. Helicosphaera carteri Wallich, 9-10. Helicosphaera
compacta Bramlette & Wilcoxon, 11-12 Helicosphaera euphratis Haq, 13. Helicosphaera gertae Bukry, 14-15.
Helicosphaera intermedia Martini, 16. Helicopontosphaera kamptneri Hay & Mohler, 17-18. Helicosphaera
mediterranea Müller, 19-20. Helicosphaera obliqua Bramlette & Wilcoxon, 21-22. Helicosphaera reticulata
Bramlette & Wilcoxon, 23-24. Helicopontosphaera rhomba Bukry, 25-26. Helicosphaera scissura Miller, 27-28.
Helicosphaera vedderi Bukry, 29. Pontosphaera multipora Kamptner, 31-32. Reticulofenestra haqii Backman,
33. Reticulofenestra perplexa Burns, 34-35. Reticulofenestra pseudoumbilica Gartner, 36-37. Sphenolithus
compactus Backman, 38-40. Sphenolithus belemnos Bramlette & Wilcoxon, 41-42-43. Sphenolithus
heteromorphus Deflandre
8 ABDEL GALIL A. HEWAIDY, et al.

Remarks: This subzone is strongly matched calcareous nannoplankton in all the studied
with the upper part of the Globigerinatella wells (figs.2, 3, 4 and 5).
insueta Zone of Cushman and Stainforth (1945;
4.1.4. Fohsella peripheroacuta Interval Zone
as emended in Bolli, 1957b) and to the lower
(M7).
part of Zone N8 of Blow (1969, 1979). It was
renamed according to the convention of Definition: Biostratigraphic interval between
Berggren and Pearson (2005). the LO of the nominate taxon Fohsella
4.1.2b: M5b Subzone (Praeorbulina peripheroacuta and the LO of Fohsella
glomerosa Interval Subzone) praefohsi.

Definition: Biostratigraphic interval between Authors: Berggren et al., (1995).

the LO of Praeorbulina glomerosa and the LO Age: middle Miocene; 14.24–13.77 Ma.
of Orbulina suturalis.
Assemblage: This zone is characterized by the
Age: early–middle Miocene (Langhian);16.27– common presence of Globoquadrina dehiscens
15.10 Ma. Chapman, Globigerinoides obliquus Bolli,
Remarks: This subzone coincides tightly, but Globigerinoides subquadratus Brönnimann,
not accurately, with the Praeorbulina Globorotalia mayeri (Cushman & Ellisor),
glomerosa Zone of Jenkins (1967) and Kennett Orbulina bilobata (d'Orbigny), Orbulina
and Srinivasan (1981, 1983) in which the FAD suturalis (Brönnimann), Globigerinoides
of Pr. glomerosa curva was used to indicate the sacculifer (Brady), Praeorbulina sicana (Di
base of the zone. It also coincides with the Stefani) and Praeorbulina glomerosa (Blow).
upper part of Zone N8 of Blow (1969, 1979). Occurrence: It is recorded in the upper part of
The zone of M6 was not recorded in the present the Belayim Formation at Ras El Ush 8
study due to tectonic activity. borehole (Fig. 3). It attains a thickness of about
4.1.3. Barren interval 400 feet. While it is barren in both planktonic
foraminifera and calcareous nannoplankton in
The lower part of the Belayim Formation is
other boreholes
barren of the planktic foraminifera and

Fig.3. Distribution chart of the planktic foraminiferal species recorded at Ras El Ush 8
 SUBSURFACE LOWER–MIDDLE MIOCENE BIOSTRATIGRAPHY … 9

Fig.4. Distribution chart of the planktic foraminiferal species recorded at Ras El Ush 12 section

Fig.5. Distribution chart of the planktic foraminiferal species recorded at Ras El Ush 14 section
10 ABDEL GALIL A. HEWAIDY, et al.

Remarks: This zone corresponds to Orbulina Srinivasan (1983) recorded Globorotalia

suturalis / Globorotalia peripheroronda Zone siakensis Zone (N15) which coincides with this
of Iaccarino (1985) and Fohsella zone. Biostratigraphical correlation of the
peripheroacuta Zone of Berggren et al., (1995). Early- Middle Miocene foraminiferal biozones
In the Mediterranean Sea, Kennett and are summarized in (Fig.6).

Fig.6. Planktic foraminiferal biozones used by different authors for the Early Miocene (Aquitanian) – middle
Miocene (Serravallian).
 SUBSURFACE LOWER–MIDDLE MIOCENE BIOSTRATIGRAPHY … 11

4.2.

Fig.7. Distribution chart of the nannoplankton species recorded in Ras El Ush 7 section .

Fig.8. Distribution chart of the nannoplankton species recorded at Ras El Ush 8 section
12 ABDEL GALIL A. HEWAIDY, et al.

Fig.9. Distribution chart of the nannoplankton species recorded at Ras El Ush 8 section.

Calcareous nannofossil biozones common and continuous presence of

Sphenolithus belemnos.
The calcareous nannofossils are a primary
Authors: Bramlette & Wilcoxon, 1967,
fossil group used in the biostratigraphic
emended by Martini, 1971.
classification for their great abundance, rapid
Age: Early Miocene (Burdigalian); 18.28 to
rate of evolution and planktic nature that allows
17.95 Ma.
a full dispersal throughout the world oceans
Assemblage: the following well preserved and
(Mandur, 2015). 45 calcareous nannoplankton
dominant species are recorded in this zone:
species in the studied sections belonging to 13
genera are identified and shown in distribution Sphenolithus belemnos Bramlette and
charts (Fig.7, 8, 9 and 10). The most important Wilcoxon, S. moriformis Bronnimann and
calcareous nannoplankton species are shown on Stradner,
plate (2). In the present study, two calcareous Helicosphaera carteri Kamptner, H.
nannoplankton biozones recognized in the intermedia Martini, H. mediterranea Muller, H.
studied four boreholes and following the scissura Miller, Pontosphaera multipora
nannoplankton zonal scheme presented in
(Kamptner), Braarudosphaera beglowii (Gran
Martini, 1971and Perch- Nielsen, 1985. and Braarud), Ericsonia robusta (Bramlette and
These biozones are discussed here, from Sullivan), Ericsonia formosa Black, Discoaster
base to top as follows. deflandrei Bramlette and Riedel, and
Cyclicargolithus floridanus Bukry.
4.3.1. Sphenolithus belemnos Zone (NN3)
Stratigraphic position: It is recorded in the
Definition: It is defined from LO of
Rudeis Formation at the four studied wells. It
Triquetrorhabdulus carinatus to the LO of
attains a thickness of about 900 feet at Ras El
Sphenolithus belemnos (Bramlette and
Ush7, 700 feet at Ras El Ush 8,80 feet at Ras El
Wilcoxon1967) and (Martini, 1971). In the
Ush 12 and 1000 feet at Ras El Ush 14 (figs.7,
present study, it is distinguished by the
8,9 and 10).
 SUBSURFACE LOWER–MIDDLE MIOCENE BIOSTRATIGRAPHY … 13

Fig.10. Distribution chart of the nannoplankton species recorded at Ras El Ush 8 section
14 ABDEL GALIL A. HEWAIDY, et al.

Remarks: This zone is equivalent to study, the H. ampliaperta Bramlette and

Sphenolithus belemnos NN3 Zone of Bramlette Wilcoxon is abundant in the four studied
& Wilcoxon, (1967), Bukry (1973), Backman boreholes when Sphenolithus belemnos is
et al., 2012 and Holcovkà, (2013). It disappearing. So, it is considered that the LO of
corresponds to Discoaster deflandrei Zone of H. ampliaperta is a more likely marker event
Kerdany, (1967) and Sphenolithus belemnos for H. ampliaperta Zone in the investigated
Zone of El-Heiny and Martini (1981), Marzouk subsurface sections. Previously, the LO of H.
(1998, 2009), Mandur (2004 and 2009 and ampliaperta is likely marker event for H.
Faris et al., (2007 and 2009). ampliaperta Zone in this study. In Egypt, this
zone is approximately corresponding to the
4.3.2. Helicosphaera ampliaperta Zone (NN4)
Helicosphaera ampliaperta Zone of El-Heiny
Definition: It is represented by the interval and Martini (1981), Marzouk (1998, 2009),
from the HO of Sphenolithus belemnos to HO Sadek (2001), Mandur (2009), Faris et al.,
of Helicosphaera ampliaperta Martini, 1971. In (2007, 2009), Soliman et al., (2012) and
the present study it is characterized by a Hewaidy et al., (2013, 2016).
biostratigraphic interval of LO of Sphenolithus
5. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
heteromorphus with presence of Helicosphaera
1. Detailed biostratigraphic studies of the
ampliaperta above the HO of Sphenolithus
planktic foraminifera and calcareous
belemnos.
nannofossils led to identification of three
Authors: Bramlette & Wilcoxon, 1967; foraminiferal biozones (M3, M5a, M5b and
emended by Martini, 1971. M7) and two calcareous nannoplankton
Age: Early Miocene (Burdigalian) to Middle biozones (NN3, NN4). They are discussed in
Miocene (Langhian); 17.95–14.91 Ma. ascending stratigraphic order as follows
Catpsydrax dissimilis Zone (M3) of early
Assemblage: the following well preserved and Miocene (Burdigalian) age, Praeorbulina
dominant species are recorded in this zone: sicana Zone (M5) of early-middle Miocene
Sphenolithus belemnos Bramlette and (Burdigalian-Langhian) age and Fohsella
Wilcoxon, S. moriformis Bronnimann and peripheroacuta Zone (M7) of middle Miocene
Stradner, Helicosphaera carteri Kamptner, H. (Serravallian) age, in addition to Sphenolithus
intermedia Martini, H. mediterranea Muller, H. belemnos Zone (NN3) of early Miocene
scissura Miller, Pontosphaera multipora (Burdigalian) age and Helicosphaera
(Kamptner),Braarudosphaera beglowii (Gran ampliaperta Zone (NN4) of early Miocene
and Braarud ), Ericsonia robusta (Bramlette (Burdigalian) to middle Miocene (Serravallian)
and Sullivan), Ericsonia formosa Black, age.
Discoaster deflandrei Bramlette and Riedel, 2. The ranges of both planktic
and Cyclicargolithus floridanus Bukry. (Figs.7, foraminifera and calcareous nannofossil zones
8, 9 and 10). proved to match reasonably with each other.
Stratigraphic position: This zone has been These biozones were correlated with those
recorded in the upper part of the Rudeis recorded in Egypt and in other parts of the
Formation and Kareem Formation in all wells. world.
It attains a thickness of about 1330 feet at Ras 3. The Burdigalian Stage is represented
El Ush7, 1200 feet at Ras El Ush 8,750 feet at by one planktic foraminiferal zone M3. M4
Ras El Ush 12 and 1400 feet at Ras El Ush 14. Zone is not recorded in the present study due to
Mid-Rudeis Event. M3 of planktonic
Remarks: This zone is equivalent to H.
foraminifera coincides with the calcareous
ampliaperta NN4 Zone of Bramlette &
nannofossil zones NN3 and the lower part of
Wilcoxon (1967), Martini (1971), Backman et
NN4.
al., 2012 and Holcovkà (2013). In the present
 SUBSURFACE LOWER–MIDDLE MIOCENE BIOSTRATIGRAPHY … 15

4. The base of the Langhian Stage is cited Beckmann, J.P., El Heiny, I., Kerdany, M.T.,
based on the FO of Orbulina suturalis near the Said, R., and Viotti, C., (1986): Standard planktic
zones in Egypt. First International Planktic
top of Helicosphaera ampliaperta Zone.
Conference, Geneva, 92 -103.
5. The Langhian / Serravallian boundary
Berggren, W.A., Kent, D.V., Swisher, C.C.,
is recognized by the FO of the planktic
and Aubry, M-P. (1995): A revised Cenozoic
foraminiferal Globorotalia peripheroacuta geochronology and chronostratigraphy. – SEPM.
(M7) Zone, at the Belayim Formation at Ras El Pub. 54. p. 203.
Ush 8. The Serravallian Stage includes the Berggren, W.A, and Pearson, P. N., (2005): A
planktic foraminiferal Fohsella peripheroacuta revised tropical and subtropical Paleogene planktic
Zone. foraminiferal zonation. Journal of Foraminiferal
6. Variable patterns in the timing of Research. 35, 279-298.
regional deposition and erosion indicate Bolli, H.M. (1957): Planktic foraminifera from
different tectonic and regime, which encompass the Oligocene – Miocene Cipero and Lengua
progressively greater periods of time. There are formations of Trinidad. - Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus. 215,
83-96.
two observable hiatuses; the first separates
Zones M3and M5 and is evidenced by the Bolli, H.M., (1966): Zonation of Cretaceous to
Pliocene marine sediments based on planktonic
absence of Zone M4. The boundary between
foraminifera. Boletin Informativo Asociacio`n
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or ‘‘mid-Clysmic’’ event as unconformity Vol.9 ,3 - 32.
surface. On the other hand, the jump from a Bolli, H.M. 1970: The foraminifera of sites 23–
position within Zone M5b of the Burdigalian to 31, Leg 4. Initial Reports of the DSDP 4:577–643.
a position within the lower part of Zone M7 Bolli, H.M., and Bermudez, P.J., (1965):
based on the absence Zone M6 indicates a Consideraciones sobre los sedimentos del Mioceno
second hiatus, which resulted from the effect of medio al Reciente de las costas central y oriental de
the post-Kareem tectonic event. Venezuela. Bol. Geol., Dir. Geol., Minister. Minas
Hidrocarb. 10, 137-223.
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‫‪18‬‬ ‫‪ABDEL GALIL A. HEWAIDY, et al.‬‬

‫الملخص العربي‬

‫‪ .1‬ادت الدراسة التفصيلية لمنطقة راس العش الي تعريف ثالثة نطاقات من الفورامنيفرا ونطاقان من‬
‫)‪ Catpsydrax dissimilis Zone (M3‬وعمره الميوسين‬ ‫النانوبالنكتون وهي من االقدم للحدث‬
‫االسفل)‪ (Burdigalian‬و)‪ Praeorbulina sicana Zone (M5‬وعمره من الميوسين االسفل‬
‫لالوسط )‪ (Burdigalian-Langhian‬و)‪ Fohsella peripheroacuta Zone (M7‬وعمره الميوسين‬
‫االوسط )‪ (Serravallian‬باالضافة الي )‪ Sphenolithus belemnos Zone (NN3‬وعمره الميوسين‬
‫االسفل)‪ (Burdigalian‬و)‪ Helicosphaera ampliaperta Zone (NN4‬وعمره من الميوسين االسفل‬
‫لالوسط )‪(Burdigalian- Serravallian‬‬
‫‪ .2‬نطاقات الفورامنيفرا والنانوبالنكتون متوافقة مع بعضها وتم مقارنتها مع تلك التي سجلت في مصر وخارجها‬
‫‪ .3‬ال ‪ Burdigalian Stage‬تمثل بنطاق واحد من الفورامنيفرا وهو نطاق ‪ M3‬بينما نطاق‪ M4‬لم يتم تسحيله‬
‫بسبب ‪ Mid-Rudeis Event‬وهذا النطاق يتوافق تماما مع نطاق من النانوبالنكتون ‪ NN3‬والجزء االسفل‬
‫من نطاق ‪NN4‬‬
‫‪ .4‬تم تمييز بداية ال ‪ Langhian Stage‬اعتمادا علي بداية ظهور ‪ Orbulina suturalis‬بالقرب من نهاية‬
‫ظهور ‪Helicosphaera ampliaperta Zone‬‬
‫‪ .5‬الحد الفاصل بين ‪ Langhian / Serravallian‬تميز ببداية ظهور ‪foraminiferal Globorotalia‬‬
‫‪ peripheroacuta (M7) Zone‬في متكون البالعيم في راس العش ‪8‬‬
‫‪ .6‬االختالف الكبير في زمن الترسيب والتعرية يدل علي حركات تكتونية مختلفة والتي استغرقت فترة كبيرة من‬
‫الزمن‬
‫‪ .7‬هناك فجوتان يمكن مالحظتهما االولي التي تفصل بين نطاق ‪ M3‬و نطاق‪ M5‬وغياب نطاق‪ M4‬و الحد بين‬
‫هاتين الوحدتين من الصخور تميزت ب ‪ ‘‘mid-Rudeis’’ or ‘‘mid-Clysmic’’ event‬كدليل علي عدم‬
‫التوافق ومن ناحية اخري االنتقال من نطاق ‪M5b‬الي الجزء السفلي من نطاق‪ M7‬بسبب غياب نطاق ‪ M6‬يدل‬
‫علي الفجوة الزمنية الثانية والتي نتجت من تاثير‪post-Kareem tectonic event‬‬