Micropalaeontology, biostratigraphy, and depositional setting of the mid-Cretaceous Derdere Formation at Derik, Mardin, south-eastern Turkey

The micropalaeontology of the mid-Cretaceous Derdere Formation (Mardin Group) from outcrops close to the town of Derik in south-eastern Turkey is described here. In thin sections from the carbonates that form the majority of this formation, rich and diverse micropalaeontological assemblages are present. These include larger benthonic foraminifera, planktonic foraminifera, and other microfossils, including calcareous algae. Alveolinid foraminifera are particularly common and include a new species – Simplalveolina mardinensis. In contrast to some previous studies, the majority of the section can be demonstrated to be Cenomanian (notably middle Cenomanian) in age with no confirmation of extension into the Albian or Turonian. Deposition took place on a carbonate ramp within a range of discrete deposition settings ranging from peritidal to outer ramp. A notable feature is the small-scale (a few metres) shallowing-up cycles within the inner-ramp facies that may be allocyclic or autocyclic in origin. Three major deepening events are recognised within the succession, characterised by more open marine microfauna and microfacies. These occur at the base of the formation, within the mid-Cenomanian lower part, and towards the top of the formation. These may correlate with three Cenomanian deepening phases seen in other parts of the Arabian Plate.