Paleoecological quantitative analysis based on benthic foraminifera of the Aalenian–Bajocian boundary, upper Bradfordensis–lower Discites, in the Barranco de Agua Larga section, Betic Cordillera, Southern Spain

Abstract

Purpose To report, for the first time, the benthic foraminiferal assemblages recorded across the upper Bradfordensis–lower Discites ammonite zones (Aalenian– Bajocian boundary, Middle Jurassic) in the Barranco de Agua Larga section (Betic Cordillera, Southern Spain),in order to infer the paleecological conditions that affected their development. Methods A total of 17 samples were collected in this reference section, and the composition of the foraminiferal assemblages recorded throughout the studied stratigraphical was analyzed using quantitative data obtained through the estimation of relative abundances and the calculation of several diversity indexes. Results The assemblages are abundant (a total of 3, 139 well-preserved specimens) and diverse(82 species). Their composition displays close similarities to those already described for the Jurassic carbonate platforms of the Boreal Realm (Type-A), Boreal Atlantic subdivision. Conclusions The studied assemblages were developed in distal marine environmental conditions, at a depth situated above the level of the calcite compensation, well oxygenated and with normal salinity, although for certain times (Aalenian–Bajocian boundary) unfavorable environmental conditions could have developed. The sharp decrease in the abundance and diversity that was recorded during the Aalenian–Bajocian transition has also been recognized in other coeval basins of the Iberian Plate paleomargin, thus representing a bioevent of regional rank.