Studies in Late Eocene and Early Oligocene Foraminifera of New Zealand

Abstract

The distribution of 327 species of Foraminifera, assigned to 143 genera and 42 families, is recorded from Upper Eocene (Kaiatan and Runangan) and Lower Oligocene (Whaingaroan) strata of Westland and Nelson. A type section is nominated for the Kaiatan Stage (early Upper Eocene). All genera except Lagena, Colina, and Fissurina, are treated in the systematic section, and 277 species are illustrated. Two new sub-families, Uvigerininae and Trifarininae, are proposed for the family Uvigerinidae. Twenty-four new species and sub-species are described, and the following new genera are proposed: Latibolivina (family Bolivinitidae); Wadella (family Homotreamatidae); Virguloides (family Caucasinidae); and Vellaena (family Ceratobuliminidae). Notes on the distribution and stratigraphic ranges are given for all of the species treated. Based on the distribution, five planktonic and five benthonic foraminiferal zones are distinguished for use in inter-continental and local correlations respectively. The fauna at Port Elizabeth shows a gradual transition from an inner-shelf to an outer-shelf type, while at Cape Foulwind it ranges from an inner-shelf to an upper sublittoral type. The climate seems to have been mostly warm-temperate, except for a brief period when it was nearly sub-tropical.