Upper Eocene sequence stratigraphy and the Absecon Inlet Formation, New Jersey Coastal Plain

Proceedings of the Ocean Drilling Program: Scientific Results
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Abstract

We evaluate the age, benthic biofacies, and sequence stratigraphy of thick and well-recovered upper Eocene sediments from the New Jersey Coastal Plain. These strata are herein defined as a lithostratigraphic unit and named the Absecon Inlet Formation. The formation is divided into upper and lower portions. At its type locality in the Atlantic City borehole, the lower portion of the Absecon Inlet Formation consists of 171 ft (52 m) of glauconitic silts and silty clays and is assigned to calcareous nannoplankton Zone NP 19/20 (late Eocene). At the ACGS#4 borehole, the type locality for its upper portion, the formation consists of slightly sandy clays and is assigned to Zone NP 21 (late Eocene to earliest Oligocene). The continuous stratigraphic occurrence of Hantkenina spp. in these sediments is evidence of an Eocene age for the upper portion of the Absecon Inlet Formation. Benthic foraminiferal analysis reveals five biofacies in the Absecon Inlet Formation, three of which can be related to paleowater depth: a Siphonina biofacies inhabited water depths of 75 ± 25 m; a Cibicidoides biofacies inhabited water depths of 100 ± 30 m; and a Globobulimina biofacies inhabited water depths of 125 ± 30 m. In addition, a Gyroidinoides biofacies occurs only within transgressive systems tracts. A Bulimina jacksonensis biofacies is believed to be related to a circum-Atlantic paleoceanographic event unrelated to depth changes on the shelf. Gamma-log, lithologic, and faunal/floral data are used to interpret the sequence stratigraphic architecture of the Absecon Inlet Formation. We conclude that the timing of unconformities (sequence boundaries) and maximum flooding surfaces within the Absecon Inlet Formation is consistent with the eustatic record of Exxon and the global δ18O record.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Upper Eocene sequence stratigraphy and the Absecon Inlet Formation, New Jersey Coastal Plain
Series title Proceedings of the Ocean Drilling Program: Scientific Results
DOI 10.2973/odp.proc.sr.150X.331.1997
Volume 150X
Year Published 1997
Language English
Publisher Ocean Drilling Program
Contributing office(s) Eastern Geology and Paleoclimate Science Center
Description 23 p.
First page 243
Last page 266
Country United States
State New Jersey
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