Upper Cretaceous Benthic Foraminifera Thriving in Intertidal Areas of the Apennine Carbonate Platform

Authors: Consorti L*

Volume 3, Issue 1

Abstract

The intertidal area of carbonate platform hosts a complex array of ecological networks in which microbials, algae, cyanobacteria and benthic foraminifera coexist. Being influenced by the amplitude of tides, intertidal areas frequently experience episodes of extreme conditions, including hypersaline waters and elevate daily temperatures. An interesting record of Upper Cretaceous fossil benthic foraminifera found within the intertidal facies of Apennine Carbonate Platform is presented and discussed. Two local gatherings of juvenile Scandonea and adult Rotalispira maxima suggest that the intertidal area was frequently colonized by benthic foraminifera. The results show that these populations of foraminifera were able to tolerate periods of extreme salinity and temperature for reproduction or feeding purposes.

Keywords: Upper Cretaceous; Apennines; Foraminifera; Intertidal Area

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