Integrated analysis of the main environmental perturbations of the Paleogene pelagic succession in the Umbria-Marche Basin

Abstract

The principal aim of this PhD project was to investigate some main environmental perturbations in the Paleogene pelagic succession of the Umbria–Marche basin from the Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary to the early Eocene. To reach this objective, several integrated analyses were performed on some critical intervals to constrain where these environmental perturbations are expected to occur. Each integrated analysis was based on abiotic (carbonate content, d13C and d18O stable isotopes, magnetic susceptibility, environmental magnetism) and biotic (quantitative analysis on calcareous nannofossils, planktonic and benthic foraminifera) parameters, in order to have a real deep insight into the whole paleoceanographic and paleoecological conditions. Integrated analyses results are utilized not only to identify possible environmental perturbations, but also to reveal and estimate potential environmental effects along the water column and on biotic communities (calcareous nannofossil and foraminifera) and finally, to discuss global implications. More details about materials and methods utilized for this Phd project are given in each following chapters.