Calcareous nannoplankton response model of the global warming at the Paleocene-Eocene boundary in Riben section, Northern Bulgaria

Abstract

We present a model of calcareous nannoplankton response of the global warming at the PETM, based on studies of Bulgarian sections. New data acquired from forams’carbon and oxygen isotopes, as well as high-resolution quantitative study of calcareous nannofossils suggest 3 phases of the event: pre-PETM, core of PETM and recovery phase. During the core phase, a significant increase in warm-water nannofossil species was registered, as well as signs of acidification and higher salinity of the surface waters (dissolution of carbonate skeletons of nannofossils). In the recovery phase, the cold-water species from pre-event conditions gradually return, however g. Fasciculithus completely disappears.