Agglutinated foraminiferal assemblages of the Turonian–Coniacian from the
GSSP (Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point) of Salzgitter–Salder (Subhercynian Cretaceous Basin, Germany) and
other sections, including Bielefeld–Ostwestfalendamm (Münsterland Cretaceous
Basin, Germany) and the Dover–Langdon Stairs (Anglo-Paris Basin, England), from
the temperate European shelf realm were studied in order to collect
additional stratigraphic and paleoenvironmental information. Stable carbon
isotopes were measured for the Bielefeld–Ostwestfalendamm section to
establish a reliable stratigraphic correlation with other sections. Highly
diverse agglutinated foraminiferal assemblages were obtained from sections
in the German basins, whereas the fauna from Dover is less rich in taxa and
less abundant. In the German basinal sections, a morphogroup
analysis of agglutinated foraminifera and the calculated diversities imply
normal marine settings and oligotrophic to mesotrophic bottom-water
conditions. Furthermore, acmes of agglutinated foraminifera correlate
between different sections and can be used for paleoenvironmental analysis.
Three acmes of the species Ammolagena contorta are recorded for the Turonian–Coniacian
(perplexus to lower striatoconcentricus zones, lower scupini Zone, and hannovrensis Zone) and likely imply a shift to more
oligotrophic bottom-water conditions. In the upper scupini Zone below the
Turonian–Coniacian boundary, an acme of Bulbobaculites problematicus likely indicates enhanced nutrient
availability.
In general, agglutinated foraminiferal morphogroups display a gradual shift
from Turonian oligotrophic environments towards more mesotrophic conditions
in the latest Turonian and Coniacian