The Campanian-Eocene succession in Gabal Oweina area, Upper Egypt, covering six
rock units (Quseir, Duwi, Dakhla, Tarawan, Esna and Thebes formations) was
revised. The sedimentological and biostratigraphical detailed studies of the succession
helped in reaching a high-resolution sequence stratigraphic classification that led to
the recognition of five third-order depositional sequences and their associated
surfaces and systems tracts. Also, the paleobathymetry deduced from the identified
benthonic faunal assemblages, helped in giving some details about the characteristics
and paleoenvironments of the identified sequences.
The Campanian depositional sequence Dw/DkSQ1, includes both the Duwi and the
lower part of the Dakhla formations, was laid down in a sea oscillating between inner
to middle neritic depths, on shallow subtidal shelf, followed by a shallow inner neritic
depths, on lagoonal environment.
The Maastrichtian depositional sequence DkSQ2 encompass the middle part of the
Dakhla Formation and was laid down in a relatively outer neritic to upper bathyal
depths, on deep subtidal shelf, followed by inner neritic depths, on a shallow subtidal
shelf at the end of the sequence marked by an intraformational conglomerate bed.
The Danian depositional sequence DkSQ3 covers the upper part of the Dakhla
Formation and started by a latest Maastrichtian- earliest Danian hiatus. It
accumulated in gradually deepening waters reaching upper bathyal depths, on deep
subtidal shelf, followed by middle neritic depths, on a shallow subtidal shelf.
The Selandian-Thanetian depositional sequence Dk/T/EsSQ4 comprises the
uppermost part of the Dakhla, Tarawan and the lower part of the Esna formations
and began by Danian-Selandian hiatus. It accumulated in oscillating conditions
between upper bathyal depths, on a deep subtidal shelf to middle neritic depths, on a
shallow subtidal shelf.
The Ypresian depositional sequence EsSQ5 consists of the main parts of the Esna
Formation and initiated by Paleocene/Eocene hiatus. It was laid down in a gradually
deepening sea reaching the deep upper bathyal depths on a deep subtidal shelf, before
reaching shallow middle neritic depths on a shallow subtidal shelf.
Four of the recognized five sequence boundaries (SB1, SB3, SB4 and SB5) coincide
with global sea-level falls, while the other one (SB2) is related to a local tectonic in the
studied area.

The Campanian-Eocene succession in Gabal Oweina area, Upper Egypt, covering six
rock units (Quseir, Duwi, Dakhla, Tarawan, Esna and Thebes formations) was
revised. The sedimentological and biostratigraphical detailed studies of the succession
helped in reaching a high-resolution sequence stratigraphic classification that led to
the recognition of five third-order depositional sequences and their associated
surfaces and systems tracts. Also, the paleobathymetry deduced from the identified
benthonic faunal assemblages, helped in giving some details about the characteristics
and paleoenvironments of the identified sequences.
The Campanian depositional sequence Dw/DkSQ1, includes both the Duwi and the
lower part of the Dakhla formations, was laid down in a sea oscillating between inner
to middle neritic depths, on shallow subtidal shelf, followed by a shallow inner neritic
depths, on lagoonal environment.
The Maastrichtian depositional sequence DkSQ2 encompass the middle part of the
Dakhla Formation and was laid down in a relatively outer neritic to upper bathyal
depths, on deep subtidal shelf, followed by inner neritic depths, on a shallow subtidal
shelf at the end of the sequence marked by an intraformational conglomerate bed.
The Danian depositional sequence DkSQ3 covers the upper part of the Dakhla
Formation and started by a latest Maastrichtian- earliest Danian hiatus. It
accumulated in gradually deepening waters reaching upper bathyal depths, on deep
subtidal shelf, followed by middle neritic depths, on a shallow subtidal shelf.
The Selandian-Thanetian depositional sequence Dk/T/EsSQ4 comprises the
uppermost part of the Dakhla, Tarawan and the lower part of the Esna formations
and began by Danian-Selandian hiatus. It accumulated in oscillating conditions
between upper bathyal depths, on a deep subtidal shelf to middle neritic depths, on a
shallow subtidal shelf.
The Ypresian depositional sequence EsSQ5 consists of the main parts of the Esna
Formation and initiated by Paleocene/Eocene hiatus. It was laid down in a gradually
deepening sea reaching the deep upper bathyal depths on a deep subtidal shelf, before
reaching shallow middle neritic depths on a shallow subtidal shelf.
Four of the recognized five sequence boundaries (SB1, SB3, SB4 and SB5) coincide
with global sea-level falls, while the other one (SB2) is related to a local tectonic in the
studied area.

The Campanian-Eocene succession in Gabal Oweina area, Upper Egypt, covering six
rock units (Quseir, Duwi, Dakhla, Tarawan, Esna and Thebes formations) was
revised. The sedimentological and biostratigraphical detailed studies of the succession
helped in reaching a high-resolution sequence stratigraphic classification that led to
the recognition of five third-order depositional sequences and their associated
surfaces and systems tracts. Also, the paleobathymetry deduced from the identified
benthonic faunal assemblages, helped in giving some details about the characteristics
and paleoenvironments of the identified sequences.
The Campanian depositional sequence Dw/DkSQ1, includes both the Duwi and the
lower part of the Dakhla formations, was laid down in a sea oscillating between inner
to middle neritic depths, on shallow subtidal shelf, followed by a shallow inner neritic
depths, on lagoonal environment.
The Maastrichtian depositional sequence DkSQ2 encompass the middle part of the
Dakhla Formation and was laid down in a relatively outer neritic to upper bathyal
depths, on deep subtidal shelf, followed by inner neritic depths, on a shallow subtidal
shelf at the end of the sequence marked by an intraformational conglomerate bed.
The Danian depositional sequence DkSQ3 covers the upper part of the Dakhla
Formation and started by a latest Maastrichtian- earliest Danian hiatus. It
accumulated in gradually deepening waters reaching upper bathyal depths, on deep
subtidal shelf, followed by middle neritic depths, on a shallow subtidal shelf.
The Selandian-Thanetian depositional sequence Dk/T/EsSQ4 comprises the
uppermost part of the Dakhla, Tarawan and the lower part of the Esna formations
and began by Danian-Selandian hiatus. It accumulated in oscillating conditions
between upper bathyal depths, on a deep subtidal shelf to middle neritic depths, on a
shallow subtidal shelf.
The Ypresian depositional sequence EsSQ5 consists of the main parts of the Esna
Formation and initiated by Paleocene/Eocene hiatus. It was laid down in a gradually
deepening sea reaching the deep upper bathyal depths on a deep subtidal shelf, before
reaching shallow middle neritic depths on a shallow subtidal shelf.
Four of the recognized five sequence boundaries (SB1, SB3, SB4 and SB5) coincide
with global sea-level falls, while the other one (SB2) is related to a local tectonic in the
studied area.

The Campanian-Eocene succession in Gabal Oweina area, Upper Egypt, covering six
rock units (Quseir, Duwi, Dakhla, Tarawan, Esna and Thebes formations) was
revised. The sedimentological and biostratigraphical detailed studies of the succession
helped in reaching a high-resolution sequence stratigraphic classification that led to
the recognition of five third-order depositional sequences and their associated
surfaces and systems tracts. Also, the paleobathymetry deduced from the identified
benthonic faunal assemblages, helped in giving some details about the characteristics
and paleoenvironments of the identified sequences.
The Campanian depositional sequence Dw/DkSQ1, includes both the Duwi and the
lower part of the Dakhla formations, was laid down in a sea oscillating between inner
to middle neritic depths, on shallow subtidal shelf, followed by a shallow inner neritic
depths, on lagoonal environment.
The Maastrichtian depositional sequence DkSQ2 encompass the middle part of the
Dakhla Formation and was laid down in a relatively outer neritic to upper bathyal
depths, on deep subtidal shelf, followed by inner neritic depths, on a shallow subtidal
shelf at the end of the sequence marked by an intraformational conglomerate bed.
The Danian depositional sequence DkSQ3 covers the upper part of the Dakhla
Formation and started by a latest Maastrichtian- earliest Danian hiatus. It
accumulated in gradually deepening waters reaching upper bathyal depths, on deep
subtidal shelf, followed by middle neritic depths, on a shallow subtidal shelf.
The Selandian-Thanetian depositional sequence Dk/T/EsSQ4 comprises the
uppermost part of the Dakhla, Tarawan and the lower part of the Esna formations
and began by Danian-Selandian hiatus. It accumulated in oscillating conditions
between upper bathyal depths, on a deep subtidal shelf to middle neritic depths, on a
shallow subtidal shelf.
The Ypresian depositional sequence EsSQ5 consists of the main parts of the Esna
Formation and initiated by Paleocene/Eocene hiatus. It was laid down in a gradually
deepening sea reaching the deep upper bathyal depths on a deep subtidal shelf, before
reaching shallow middle neritic depths on a shallow subtidal shelf.
Four of the recognized five sequence boundaries (SB1, SB3, SB4 and SB5) coincide
with global sea-level falls, while the other one (SB2) is related to a local tectonic in the
studied area.

Detail field, litho- and bio-stratigraphic studies on the Upper Cretaceous-Lower
Paleogene rocks exposed in the Eastern Desert of Egypt have provided an opportunity to
evaluate the stratigraphy and the geological evolution of the sedimentary basin.
Lithostratigraphically, seven rock units; Quseir, Duwi, Sudr, Dakhla, Tarawan, Esna and
Thebes formations, are considered after amending and dropping various used rock units
names. Rakhiyat Formation in the north is changed and amended into Quseir Formation
which has been used and consolidated in all sectors. Duwi Formation in the south is
time-equivalent to the lower part of Sudr Formation in the north. Sharawna Member at
Gabal Oweina and Hamama Member at Gabal Qreiya in the south (previously related to
Dakhla Formation) are changed and amended into Sudr Formation which extends
laterally as a tongue toward the south due to the marine transgression during the Late
Campanian-Early Maastrichtian age. Similarly, Owaina Member at Gabal Oweina and
Beida Member at Gabal Qreiya in the south are changed and amended into Dakhla
Formation. Upward Tarawan, Esna and Thebes formations are resting on the Dakhla
Formation all over the study area. Biostratigraphically, the studied successions are
subdivided into 23 planktonic foraminiferal zones covering the interval from Campanian
to Ypresian age. Sedimentation processes of the studied sections are interrupted by
several synsedimentary tectonic episodes related to the collision between
African/Arabian and Eurasia plates during the closure of Tethys Ocean. The relative sealevel
in the study area and global eustatic one together with the synsedimentary tectonic
episodes is associated together.

Detail field, litho- and bio-stratigraphic studies on the Upper Cretaceous-Lower
Paleogene rocks exposed in the Eastern Desert of Egypt have provided an opportunity to
evaluate the stratigraphy and the geological evolution of the sedimentary basin.
Lithostratigraphically, seven rock units; Quseir, Duwi, Sudr, Dakhla, Tarawan, Esna and
Thebes formations, are considered after amending and dropping various used rock units
names. Rakhiyat Formation in the north is changed and amended into Quseir Formation
which has been used and consolidated in all sectors. Duwi Formation in the south is
time-equivalent to the lower part of Sudr Formation in the north. Sharawna Member at
Gabal Oweina and Hamama Member at Gabal Qreiya in the south (previously related to
Dakhla Formation) are changed and amended into Sudr Formation which extends
laterally as a tongue toward the south due to the marine transgression during the Late
Campanian-Early Maastrichtian age. Similarly, Owaina Member at Gabal Oweina and
Beida Member at Gabal Qreiya in the south are changed and amended into Dakhla
Formation. Upward Tarawan, Esna and Thebes formations are resting on the Dakhla
Formation all over the study area. Biostratigraphically, the studied successions are
subdivided into 23 planktonic foraminiferal zones covering the interval from Campanian
to Ypresian age. Sedimentation processes of the studied sections are interrupted by
several synsedimentary tectonic episodes related to the collision between
African/Arabian and Eurasia plates during the closure of Tethys Ocean. The relative sealevel
in the study area and global eustatic one together with the synsedimentary tectonic
episodes is associated together.

Detail field, litho- and bio-stratigraphic studies on the Upper Cretaceous-Lower
Paleogene rocks exposed in the Eastern Desert of Egypt have provided an opportunity to
evaluate the stratigraphy and the geological evolution of the sedimentary basin.
Lithostratigraphically, seven rock units; Quseir, Duwi, Sudr, Dakhla, Tarawan, Esna and
Thebes formations, are considered after amending and dropping various used rock units
names. Rakhiyat Formation in the north is changed and amended into Quseir Formation
which has been used and consolidated in all sectors. Duwi Formation in the south is
time-equivalent to the lower part of Sudr Formation in the north. Sharawna Member at
Gabal Oweina and Hamama Member at Gabal Qreiya in the south (previously related to
Dakhla Formation) are changed and amended into Sudr Formation which extends
laterally as a tongue toward the south due to the marine transgression during the Late
Campanian-Early Maastrichtian age. Similarly, Owaina Member at Gabal Oweina and
Beida Member at Gabal Qreiya in the south are changed and amended into Dakhla
Formation. Upward Tarawan, Esna and Thebes formations are resting on the Dakhla
Formation all over the study area. Biostratigraphically, the studied successions are
subdivided into 23 planktonic foraminiferal zones covering the interval from Campanian
to Ypresian age. Sedimentation processes of the studied sections are interrupted by
several synsedimentary tectonic episodes related to the collision between
African/Arabian and Eurasia plates during the closure of Tethys Ocean. The relative sealevel
in the study area and global eustatic one together with the synsedimentary tectonic
episodes is associated together.

Detail field, litho- and bio-stratigraphic studies on the Upper Cretaceous-Lower
Paleogene rocks exposed in the Eastern Desert of Egypt have provided an opportunity to
evaluate the stratigraphy and the geological evolution of the sedimentary basin.
Lithostratigraphically, seven rock units; Quseir, Duwi, Sudr, Dakhla, Tarawan, Esna and
Thebes formations, are considered after amending and dropping various used rock units
names. Rakhiyat Formation in the north is changed and amended into Quseir Formation
which has been used and consolidated in all sectors. Duwi Formation in the south is
time-equivalent to the lower part of Sudr Formation in the north. Sharawna Member at
Gabal Oweina and Hamama Member at Gabal Qreiya in the south (previously related to
Dakhla Formation) are changed and amended into Sudr Formation which extends
laterally as a tongue toward the south due to the marine transgression during the Late
Campanian-Early Maastrichtian age. Similarly, Owaina Member at Gabal Oweina and
Beida Member at Gabal Qreiya in the south are changed and amended into Dakhla
Formation. Upward Tarawan, Esna and Thebes formations are resting on the Dakhla
Formation all over the study area. Biostratigraphically, the studied successions are
subdivided into 23 planktonic foraminiferal zones covering the interval from Campanian
to Ypresian age. Sedimentation processes of the studied sections are interrupted by
several synsedimentary tectonic episodes related to the collision between
African/Arabian and Eurasia plates during the closure of Tethys Ocean. The relative sealevel
in the study area and global eustatic one together with the synsedimentary tectonic
episodes is associated together.

The present study depends on qualitative and quantitative analyses for the Late Paleocene-Early Eocene benthonic
foraminifera at Darb Gaga area, Baris Oasis, Western Desert, Egypt. The study Late Paleocene-Early
Eocene succession consists of two rock units; Esna Formation at base and Thebes Formation (lowermost part) at
top. Esna Formation is subdivided into four members stratigraphically arranged as follow: El Hanadi, Dababiya
Quarry, Darb Gaga and Abu Had. Dababiya Quarry Member (marker of the P/E boundary) is characterized by
the occurrence of glauconitic grains at the base confirming a minor hiatus at the P/E boundary. This hiatus led to
the missing of the beds no. 1 & 2 of the five beds (lowermost part) of Dababiya Quarry Member. Four benthonic
foraminiferal events are defined during the Late Paleocene-Early Eocene interval. The first one is global event at
the Paleocene/Eocene (P/E) boundary, and the remainder events are local and define during the Ypresian (Early
Eocene). The first event is characterized by a rapid extinction and abrupt faunal changes for the benthonic
foraminiferal assemblages. This event led to the extinction of about 80% of the Paleocene foraminiferal taxa.
About 72% of these taxa are temporarily extinct and reappeared soon. This event is characterized by carbonate
dissolution which suggesting oxygen deficiency of oceanic bottom waters and food supply changes. Afterwards, a
recovery phase of the benthonic foraminifers is directly recorded above this event and probably due to improved
depositional environmental conditions. Quantitative analyses of benthonic foraminiferal assemblages at Darb
Gaga section, suggest an outer shelf paleoenvironmental setting during the deposition of El Hanadi, Dababiya
Quarry and Darb Gaga sediments that changes to inner-middle shelf during the deposition of Abu Had Member
and inner shelf of Thebes Formation. This succession is subdivided into four depositional sequences which are
bracketed by unconformities and their correlative conformities depending on integrated field investigations,
lithofacies and biofacies data. These sequences are controlled by sea-level changes and/or tectonic activities that
prevailed during the deposition.

The present study depends on qualitative and quantitative analyses for the Late Paleocene-Early Eocene benthonic
foraminifera at Darb Gaga area, Baris Oasis, Western Desert, Egypt. The study Late Paleocene-Early
Eocene succession consists of two rock units; Esna Formation at base and Thebes Formation (lowermost part) at
top. Esna Formation is subdivided into four members stratigraphically arranged as follow: El Hanadi, Dababiya
Quarry, Darb Gaga and Abu Had. Dababiya Quarry Member (marker of the P/E boundary) is characterized by
the occurrence of glauconitic grains at the base confirming a minor hiatus at the P/E boundary. This hiatus led to
the missing of the beds no. 1 & 2 of the five beds (lowermost part) of Dababiya Quarry Member. Four benthonic
foraminiferal events are defined during the Late Paleocene-Early Eocene interval. The first one is global event at
the Paleocene/Eocene (P/E) boundary, and the remainder events are local and define during the Ypresian (Early
Eocene). The first event is characterized by a rapid extinction and abrupt faunal changes for the benthonic
foraminiferal assemblages. This event led to the extinction of about 80% of the Paleocene foraminiferal taxa.
About 72% of these taxa are temporarily extinct and reappeared soon. This event is characterized by carbonate
dissolution which suggesting oxygen deficiency of oceanic bottom waters and food supply changes. Afterwards, a
recovery phase of the benthonic foraminifers is directly recorded above this event and probably due to improved
depositional environmental conditions. Quantitative analyses of benthonic foraminiferal assemblages at Darb
Gaga section, suggest an outer shelf paleoenvironmental setting during the deposition of El Hanadi, Dababiya
Quarry and Darb Gaga sediments that changes to inner-middle shelf during the deposition of Abu Had Member
and inner shelf of Thebes Formation. This succession is subdivided into four depositional sequences which are
bracketed by unconformities and their correlative conformities depending on integrated field investigations,
lithofacies and biofacies data. These sequences are controlled by sea-level changes and/or tectonic activities that
prevailed during the deposition.