Palynostratigraphy and paleoenvironmental reconstitution of the Paleocene-Eocene N'kapa Formation: Ngata and Moulongo series (Douala sub-basin, Cameroon)
Mbesse, Cécile Olive; Bessong, Moise; Takem, John Eyonget al.
Douala sub-basin; N'kapa formation; Palaeoenvironments; Paleocene-Eocene; Palynostratigraphy; Stratigraphy; Space and Planetary Science; Paleontology
Abstract :
[en] A total of 72 samples from two wells (Ngata and Moulong) intersecting the N'kapa Formation of the Douala sub-basin were subjected to palynological analysis and yielded a rich assemblage of mainly terrestrial palynomorphs including Palmae pollens and dinocysts. Statistical analyses of the fossil counts led to the correlation of the two wells, outlining two informal palynozones: NpI inferred to be upper Paleocene in age with the first appearance datum of several late Paleocene pollen species such as Crototricolpites protoannemariae, Clavatricolporites leticiae, Clavatricolpites densiclavatus, Racemonocolpites racematus, Retitricolpites cf. simplex, Spathiphyllum vanegensis, and Ulmoideipites krempii. The early Eocene is inferred by the first occurrence of Retibrevitricolpites triangulates, characterizing NpII palynozone. Based on the presence and dominance of Palmae (Psilamonocolpites, Mauritiidites and Spinizonocolpites), Pteridophytes (Laevigatosporites) and Proteaceae (Echitriporites trianguliformis), a coastal swamp environment associated with a warm and humid climate is suggested.
Disciplines :
Earth sciences & physical geography
Author, co-author :
Mbesse, Cécile Olive; University of Yaounde I, Department of Earth Sciences, Yaounde, Cameroon
Bessong, Moise; Institute of Geological and Mining Research, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Takem, John Eyong; University of Yaounde I, Department of Earth Sciences, Yaounde, Cameroon
Taku, Junior Agbor; Institute of Geological and Mining Research, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Ngos, Simon; University of Yaounde I, Department of Earth Sciences, Yaounde, Cameroon
Gerrienne, Philippe ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences de la vie
Abolo, Alexis Nyangono; University of Yaounde I, Department of Earth Sciences, Yaounde, Cameroon
Digbehi, Zéli Bruno; University of Cocody, UFR-STRM, Cote d'Ivoire
Ntamak-Nida, Marie Joseph; University of Douala, Department of Earth Sciences, Douala, Cameroon
Roche, Emile ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de géologie > Evolution and diversity dynamics lab
Language :
English
Title :
Palynostratigraphy and paleoenvironmental reconstitution of the Paleocene-Eocene N'kapa Formation: Ngata and Moulongo series (Douala sub-basin, Cameroon)
SNH - Scottish Natural Heritage ULiège - Université de Liège
Funding text :
We acknowledge the PPP unit of the University of Liège for their material and scientific assistance. This study could not have been carried out without the support of SNH which provided the cutting samples. The authors are grateful to the anonymous reviewers and also to Pr. Jaramillo for the helpful comments which substantially improved this work.
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