Micropaleontologic examination of benthic foraminifera and environmetal interpretation of paleogene sequences around Develi (Akçadağ, west of Malatya)

Micropaleontologic Examination of Benthic Foraminifera and Environmetal Interpretation of Paleogene Sequences Around Develi (Akçadağ, West of Malatya) The Tertiary sequence outcropping along the Hasanağa creek around Develi (Akçadağ, West of Malatya) in East Anatolia region comprises the Eocene Darende Formation, the Oligocene Muratlı Formation and the Lower Miocene Alibonca Formation. The benthic foraminifera content of the Eocene and Paleocene aged formations were determined and the results were evaluated statistically by some computer programs and, were subjected to the paleobiodiversity analysis. For better understanding the basin evolution and environmental characteristics, the fossil content of Miocene aged unit was also studied. As a result of detailed paleontological examination of Korgantepe, Asartepe and Yenice members of The Eocene Darende Formation, biozones (SBZ 16, SBZ 17-18) representing the age range of Eocene (Late Lutetian-Bartonian) were defined. The fossil content of the Oligocene Muratlı Formation were examined by using the samples taken from one measured section, and the fossil content of early Miocene aged Alibonca formation by means of spot samples. The presence of lateral and vertical similarities and diversities in fossil content was determined by paleobiodiversity analysis based on the genus/species discrimination. Based on the obtained paleontological data, the presence of a highly fossiliferous Tertiary sequence representing a period from Lutetian to Miocene was exibited. The absence of fossils representing Priabonian between Eocene and Oligocene units is considered as an evidence of a paraconformity. Also the presence of Microcodium sp. determined in the level the unconformity is accepted as supporting data. The fossil content indicates that the studied squence was deposited in very shallow and shallow marine environments. Key words: Malatya Basin, Develi, Eocene, Benthic Foraminifera, Biodiversity Analysis.