The Foura Sandstone type section (Samaropollenites speciosus Zone, Carnian–early Norian; early Late Triassic), Timor-Leste: preliminary correlation between Timor and the Bonaparte Basin

Abstract

The logging and biostratigraphic characterization of the Foura Sandstone type section, Timor-Leste, show it is Carnian–early Norian (Samaropollenites speciosus Zone). Sedimentary structures indicate a turbidite origin and petrographic analysis reveals a high proportion of volcanic lithic grains. Palynological material presents a variable preservation suggesting a complex pre-burial history involving long-distance transport. The presence of prasinophytes suggests anoxic and euxinic depositional settings.