Micropalaeontological analysis and palaeoenvironmental interpretation of the upper sedimentary sequence of Corinth Marl (Corinth Isthmus, Greece)

The current study performs a detailed micropalaeontological analysis, in terms of ostracods, benthic foraminifera and calcareous nannoplankton, in order to reconstruct the palaeoenvironmental history of the sedimentary sequence exposed in the central part of Corinth Isthmus. Twenty one samples from two lateral sections were studied, on both sides of a westwards dipping normal fault at the west end of the central horst, which are part of the same stratigraphical sequence. The calcareous nannofossil analysis provided for the first time dating evidence for the upper Corinth Marl sequence, revealing that Section A (at the footwall block of the fault/the upper part of the Corinth Marl) is attributed to the Early Pleistocene /Calabrian (nannofossil biozone MNN19f) and that Section B (at the hanging wall of the fault) is assigned to the Middle Pleistocene /Chibanian (MNN20). Both parts of the studied sequence not only differentiate in age but bear notably separated species composition of the main ostracod assemblages as well. The combined study of ostracod and benthic foraminiferal microfaunas indicated that at least since Early Pleistocene the Corinth Marl deposits at the central part of Corinth Isthmus corresponded to a shallow, restricted, oligohaline lagoon with salinity alternations expressed as layers enriched in nannofossil content. Towards Middle Pleistocene the lagoon presented increased salinity and signs of shoaling. The studied sequence closes upwards with a bed of Middle Pleistocene age, rich in marine molluscs and corals indicating a radical environmental change: the opening of the lagoon and the establishment of a shallow marine coastal environment.