Stratigraphical studies on the Matulla/Sudr formational boundary, western Sinai, Egypt

Abstract

Detailed field, litho-, and bio-stratigraphical analyses are carried out on the Matulla-Sudr formational boundary interval in five sedimentary stratigraphic sections along north-south profile (Sadr Al-Hitan, Wadi Sudr, Abu Qada, Ain-Markha and Wadi Feiran) at southwestern Sinai, Egypt. Vertical lithologic variation from the Matulla Formation (siliciclastic facies) to Sudr Formation (carbonate facies) refers to a sedimentary tectonic event within the advent of the carbonate sediments of Sudr formational basin especially toward the south at Abu Qada, Ain-Markha and Wadi Feiran sections. This event has led to form a hiatus at Matulla/Sudr formational boundary. It is documented by the occurrence of an erosional surface with pebbles and phosphatic materials at the base of Sudr Formation. The missing of the Early Campanian planktonic foraminiferal Globotruncanita elevata/Dicarinella asymetrica Subzone and Globotruncanita elevata Zone documented this event. The Syrian Arc tectonic event which took place at the Late Cretaceous may be the main reason for this event.