Foraminifera as environmental proxies of the Middle Miocene (Early Badenian) sediments of the Central Depression (Central Paratethys, Moravian part of the Carpathian Foredeep)

Abstract

Middle Miocene sediments of the Central Depression have been studied based on foraminifera with a view to characterize palaeoenvironmental conditions. Rock material from HV-5 Rybníček core were used. Foraminiferal evidence indicates biostratigraphic range of the lower part of the Upper Lagenid Zone (Early Badenian-Langhian, Middle Miocene). The sediments originate from a deeper marine basin at the level of outer shelf with potential extension deeper into the bathyal realm. Bottom waters were well-oxygenated with a redox boundary a few centimeters from the sea floor which was colonized by sub- and dysoxic foraminifers. Palaeotemperature of marine water corresponds to the Miocene climatic optimum with short-time climatic oscillations of cooler climate.