Systematic paleontology and biostratigraphy of upper Eocene larger benthic foraminifera from Fanari (Thrace Basin, Greece)

Paleogene sedimentary deposits are exposed in several localities along the extended Thrace Basin in the Greek territory. One of the best sites in terms of preservation, richness and type of sediment occurs along the coastline of Fanari village (SW of Komotini city). Two outcrops, which consist of upper Eocene shallow marine clastic sediments, were sampled to analyze the full spectrum of larger benthic foraminifera (LBF) that comprises a rich and diverse assemblage of orthophragmines (Discocyclina, Orbitoclypeus and Asterocyclina), nummulitids (Nummulites, Assilina, Operculina, Heterostegina and Spiroclypeus), and other benthic taxa (e.g., Silvestriella, Pellatispira, Fabiania, Sphaerogypsina, etc.). A detailed systematic description of LBF from Fanari is presented, which re-fines the biostratigraphic age of SBZ (Shallow Benthic Zone) 20 corresponding to the late Priabonian for the whole sequence. Twenty-four taxa among which six at (chrono)subspecies level belonging to twelve genera were identified and morphometrically ana-lyzed for the first time from Greece. The LBF assemblage is characterized by the constant presence of Nummulites fabianii almost throughout the whole sequence. The most abundant species are Pellatispira madaraszi and Spiroclypeus carpaticus, though they occur in the upper part of the sequence along with orthophragmines. The foraminiferal distribution in the sequence enables paleoenvironmental observations and the reconstruction of the evolution of the Fanari area. Three main depositional marine shelf facies are distinguished at the shallow upper foreslope of the carbonate platform, making the Fanari section a key area not only of latest Priabonian but also of outer shelf biofacies.