Radiolarian Paleogene biostratigraphy in the southern Indian Ocean, Leg 120

Abstract

During ODP Leg 120, an almost complete Paleogene sediment section on the Kerguelen Plateau was recovered. A radiolarian biostratigraphic framework established in low and middle latitudes is not applicable because of the absence of most zonal marker species. Biogenic opal is present only in middle Eocene to Oligocene sediments, and three new zones - Lychnocanoma conica, Axoprunum(?) irregularis, and Eucyrtidium spinosum zones - are proposed. The Paleogene antarctic radiolarian fauna is different from that in low and middle latitudes. Three new species Axoprunum(?) irregularis, Eucyrtidium cheni and Eucyrtidium spinosum, are described. -from Author