Stratigraphic control of the Aptian–Early Turonian sequences of the Levant Platform, Coastal Range, northwest Syria

Abstract

The predominantly carbonate Aptian–Lower Turonian succession of the Coastal Range in northwest Syria represents the northern edge of the Levant Platform. It was divided into 28 lithostratigraphic units, mainly reflecting shallowing-up and deepening-up intervals. We combined lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy and carbon-isotope measurements, with facies interpretations, to establish a sequence-stratigraphic framework, adapted from outcrop data along two transects. The sequence-stratigraphic evolution records major transgressions-regressions and hiatuses that are compared with regional sequences of the Arabian and Levant platforms and the Tethyan realm. Age control, based on planktonic and benthonic foraminifera and ammonite biostratigraphies, is relatively good, despite changing diversities and occurrences. The chronostratigraphic framework is based on seven benthonic foraminiferal biozones (Aptian to Early Turonian) and six planktonic foraminiferal biozones (with two subzones) (latest Albian to Cenomanian). The studied carbon-isotope fluctuations record significant perturbations that are comparable with several global changes of the carbon cycle: OAE1d, LCE I-III, MCE and OAE2. The combined chemostratigraphic and biostratigraphic approach permits correlating the carbon-isotope curve of the Coastal Range with those from the Tethyan realm, England and South Palmyrides.