Micropaleontological Stratigraphy

The aim of the module is to provide students with the techniques for using the main calcareous microfossils (foraminifera) for stratigraphic purposes. In particular, and with reference to the so-called Dublin Descriptors, the course aims to provide the following knowledge and skills.

Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the course, students will have mastered:

1) methods for analyzing and identifying significant taxa belonging to the main microfossil groups commonly used in stratigraphy (foraminifera);

Ability to Apply Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

2) conduct micropaleontological analyses aimed at dating sedimentary successions, with particular reference to the Neogene.

Making Judgments

Through the analysis of numerous examples, practical and field lessons, and exercises, students will be able to use appropriate laboratory and field investigation techniques.

Communication Skills

Students will acquire the necessary communication skills and technical and scientific language.

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. 

Mandatory. At least 70% of each type of CFU (frontal lecture  and laboratory) has to be fulfilled. 

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.