Middle Miocene Benthic Foraminifera from Wadi Kaam area, Northwestern Libya: Systematics and biostratigraphy

The Middle Miocene section exposed at Wadi Kaam area, northwestern Libya was carefully studied. Detailed investigation of the foraminiferal content led to the recognition of 27 benthic foraminiferal species belonging to 15 genera and 13 families. They are moderately preserved. The absence of the index planktonic foraminifera doesn’t enable the recognition of any planktonic biozone within Al Khums Formation. The studied Miocene succession includes one biostratigraphic zone based on the vertical distribution of the larger benthic foraminifera Borelis melo melo. The studied sequence was characterized by a fairly common occurrence of benthic foraminiferal species living in a shallow neritic environment.