Micropaleontological Stratigraphy

The module aims at providing students with the techniques of calcareous microfossils biostratigraphy (based on foraminifers). Therefore, at the end of the course the student will:

a) acquire the basic principles of biostratigraphy, also in relation to chronostratigraphy and magnetostratigraphy,  know and identify the different types of biozones and bioevents;

b) know how to draw and measure a stratigraphic log (even on the field or from cores) and to carry out a biostratigraphic sampling;

c) be familiar with the main biostratigraphic schemes, based on nannofossils and foraminifers, applicable in both oceanic areas and Mediterranean, with particular reference to the Neogene-Quaternary time interval;

d) acquire methods of sample preparation for optical microscopic analysis for foraminifers;

The course is organized as follows:

- Traditional lectures, carried out using a participative approach in order to obtain the maximum involvement of the students;

- Laboratory activities: washing of samples for foraminifera analysis;

- Assisted and autonomous activity of optical microscopy, with analysis of washed samples;

- Periodic tests, aimed to verify the level of understanding of the topic of the course and the problem-solving capacity of the students;

- Excursions in the field with particular attention to the reconstruction of stratigraphic logs and sampling tecnique for biostratigraphic analysis.

If the teaching is given in mixed or remote modalities, the necessary changes may be introduced with respect to what previously stated, in order to respect the program envisaged and reported in the syllabus.

Exams can also be carried out in remote modality, should the conditions require it.

• Students should already know concepts of Stratigraphy (I year of CdL in Geological Sciences).

• Students should be able to use optical microscopes. 

OBLIGATORILY

Lectures: 2 CFU (14 hours)

Introduction

Definition and Purposes of Micropaleontological Stratigraphy. Principles of biostratigraphy; concept of “index fossil” and Homotaxy; stratigraphic correlation. Types of bio-horizon and their identification. Biostratigraphic schemes. Integrated biostratigraphy. Methods of qualitative and quantitative biostratigraphic analyses. Correlation between biostratigraphy, Geologic Time Scale (GTS) and Geo-Polarity Time Scale (GPTS).

Foraminifers 

General information on foraminifers. Use of foraminifers in stratigraphy. Use of foraminifera for paleoenvironmental and paleoecological reconstructions.

Laboratory: 1 CFU (12 hours)

• Stratigraphic reconstructions (logs) of successions in the outcrop, well and cores.
• Sampling techniques for biostratigraphic purposes.
• Preparation of residues for observation of foraminifers at optical microscope.
• Preparation of stubs for observation of foraminifers at SEM.
• Recognition of the main foraminifer taxa, useful for stratigraphic purposes, with particular reference to the Neogene-Quaternary time interval.
• SEM analyses.
• Writing of a bio-chronostratigraphic report.

1) BOLLI H.M. & SAUNDERS J.B. (1985) - Oligocene to Holocene low latitude planktic foraminifera. In: H.M. BOLLI, J.B. SAUNDERS, & K. PERCH-NIELSEN. (Eds.): “Plankton Stratigraphy”. Cambridge University Press, 155-262.

2) IACCARINO S. (1985) – Mediterranean Miocene and Pliocene planktic foraminifera. In: H.M. BOLLI, J.B. SAUNDERS, & K. PERCH-NIELSEN. (Eds.): “Plankton Stratigraphy”. Cambridge University Press, 283-314.

3) CITA M.B. Guida allo studio delle micropaleontologia. Milano, La Goliardica.

4) IACCARINO S. & PEMOLI SILVA I. Practical Manual of Oligocene to Middle Miocene Planktonic Foraminifera.

5) IACCARINO S. & PEMOLI SILVA I. Practical Manual of Neogene Planktonic Foraminifera.

6) MCGOWRAN B. Biostratigraphy. Microfossil and Geological Time. Cambridge University Press.

7) Notes and slides from teacher. Scientific papers.

The exam will consist in: practical activity (writing a bio-chronostratigraphic report, measuring and drawing a stratigraphic log, sampling) oral exam on all course content.