Bashkirian/Moscovian Boundary Based on Fusulinid Foraminifera in Hadim Nappe Sections from the Tauride Belt, Turkey: A Review of Biostratigraphic Data

Abstract

The Hadim Nappe which is one of the allochthonous unit in the Tauride Belt consists of carbonate dominated succession from the Middle(?)–Late Devonian to Late Cretaceous. The Paleozoic carbonate rocks of this Nappe are well-exposed and allow a detail biostratigraphic control for the boundary of the stage transitions. The description of the Bashkirian/Moscovian boundary which is one of the main topics of the Carboniferous stratigraphy is still controversial and has not a GSSP (Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point). The main studies for the description of Bashkirian/Moscovian boundary are focused on some conodont lineages but also fusulinid foraminifera are good tools for this boundary. Based on the classical approaches for the Bashkirian/Moscovian boundary, the upper Bashkirian is represented by Tikhonovichiella tikhonovichi and Verella spicata and the base of Moscovian is characterized by Aljutovella aljutovica fusulinids in the Tethyan Realm. The Bashkirian/Moscovian boundary in Hadim Nappe is characterized by a very shallow marine carbonates and this boundary is determined by fusulinid foraminifera due to the absence of conodonts. According to the previous studies except some superficial ones carried out in eastern and central Taurides, the upper Bashkirian and lower Moscovian strata include typical marker fusulinid assemblages for the description of this boundary.