Showing papers by "Malcolm B. Hart published in 2021"

The Coral-Rich Devonian Limestones of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark

Abstract: The coral-rich limestones of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark were an important component of the original definition of the Devonian System, introduced by Sedgwick and Murchison in 1840 They are, therefore, both a local highlight of the geological succession but have an important position within the history of geology Formed in the tropical seas of the Middle Devonian, 10°S of the Equator, they also demonstrate the history of Devon in terms of Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics Caves in these limestones provide an important record of both marine and terrestrial Pleistocene history, including some important hominin remains

Jurassic planktic foraminifera from the Polish Basin

Abstract: . Jurassic (Bathonian–Oxfordian) planktic foraminifera from the epicontinental strata of the Polish Basin have been investigated. The palaeoecology, palaeobiogeography, and biostratigraphical potential of the recorded taxa are discussed. Four species are recorded: Conoglobigerina helvetojurassica (Haeusler, 1881), Globuligerina balakhmatovae (Morozova, 1961), G. bathoniana (Pazdrowa, 1969), and G. oxfordiana (Grigelis, 1958). This assemblage is probably the most diverse of those described to date from the epicontinental areas of Europe. The recorded taxa are thought to represent three different ecological morphotypes. The clear relationship between transgressive–regressive facies and the palaeobiogeography of the recorded planktic foraminifera indicates a morphotype-related depth–distribution pattern in which small, simple, globular-chambered morphotypes occupied shallow waters whereas slightly larger, more complex forms, or those with hemispherical chambers, inhabited deeper and more open-water environments.

Microfossil evidence for the EECO and MECO events in the Eocene sediments of the Isle of Wight, UK.

Abstract: The Paleogene section of Whitecliff Bay (Isle of Wight) is one of the most complete onshore successions in North West Europe (see Curry, 1965, 1966). The microfossil assemblages have been investigated by many micropaleontologists and the succession of foraminifera, ostracods, calcareous nannofossils, pteropods, diatoms, charophytes and dinocysts have been described in varying levels of detail. The planktic foraminiferal datum (Wright, 1972; Murray et al., 1989) in the Lower Eocene and the occurrence of larger foraminifera in the mid-Eocene provide evidence of incursions of warm water taxa that may be recording the presence of the Early Eocene Climatic Optimum (EECO) and the Middle Eocene Climatic Optimum (MECO) although these occurrences could equally be caused by changes in palaeogeography, glacio-eustasy and the general depositional environment.

Trace Fossils in Permian Rocks of English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark

Abstract: The Permian breccias, conglomerates and sandstones of the English Riviera UNESCO Global geopark were deposited in quite harsh, desert environments just north of the Permian Equator. Body fossil evidence is completely lacking but rare trace fossils provide evidence of a land-based community. There is a variety of traces present, probably indicative of the presence of a range of unknown animals. Though these animals cannot be identified, their occurrence is important in the understanding of the biodiversity of these Permian environments.