Micropaleontological (Planktonic foraminifers and ostracodes) investigation and environmental interpretation of paleogene sequence in Elaziğ basin

The aim of this study is to determine the planktonic foraminiferal content of Kırkgeçit Formation from the Tertiary units, to indicate the its age in the area and to interpret paleoenvironment. This unit crops out in the southwest, northwest and northeast of Elazığ province and is mainly characterized by conglomerate, sandstone, siltstone and marl alternations. 3 stratigraphic sections are measured and 197 samples collected from these measured sections which is representing Kırkgeçit Formation. 10 genera and 34 species of planktonic foraminifers with their systematic properties are described. The investigation result of these species are determined the following biostratigraphic zones; these are respectively Turborotalia frontosa, Turborotalia possagnoensis, Turborotalia pomeroli/Turborotalia cerroazulensis and Turborotalia cerroazulenis/Turborotalia cocoaensis. In addition, 9 genera 10 species of ostracoda are described from the samples. According to these planktonic foraminifer assemblages, the age of the unit is Ypresian to Priabonian.The lithological properties, planktonic/benthic foraminifer ratio content and the environmental properties of ostracodes all indicate that this formation was deposited under deep marine conditions in the study area.