International Journal Geology and Mining IJGM

Vol. 4(2), pp. 179-189, June, 2018. © www.premierpublishers.org. ISSN: 3019-8261

Research Article

Biostratigraphic implications of Hedbergella sigali Moullade (foraminifera)

and Ephedripites multicostatus Brenner (pollen): Evidence for Berriasian –
Turonian age for the Mfamosing Limestone and Ekenkpon Shale in the
Calabar Flank, South Eastern Nigeria
1Ukpong, Aniediobong Jonah, 2Ekhalialu, Ogie Macaulay*
1,2
Department of Geology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.

Integrated biostratigraphic analysis was carried out on three shallow wells (A, B & C) drilled in
the Calabar Flank, southeastern Nigeria, in order to determine the age of the study wells.
Standard biostratigraphic sample preparation / separation and analytical approaches were
applied on seventeen (17) core samples obtained from the study wells. Berriasian - Turonian age
was assigned to the recovered sediments based on the co-occurrences of Ephedripites
multicostatus, Ephedripites jansonii, Classopollis spp, Classopollis classoides, Classopollis
jardinel, Triorites africaensis, Cretaceiporites mulleri, Cretaceiporites polygonalis,
Triffosapollenites rugosa, Triorites africaensis and Steevesipollenites binodosus (palynoflora) as
well as the co-occurrences of Hedbergella sigali, Hedbergella delrioensis, Hedbergella crassa,
Hedbergella planispira, Hedbergella sp., Hedbergella simplicissima, Heterohelix moremani,
Heterohelix reussi, Heterohelix sp., Haplophragmoides sp., Ammotium cf nkalagum, Ammotium
cf nwalium and Globigerinelloides caseyi (microfauna). The occurrence of Hedbergella sigali
points to an age of Barremian – Aptian and the foraminifera zone indicating this age is named
after this foraminifera (Hedbergella sigali zone). Ephedripites multicostatus points to an age of
Berriasian – Velanginian (Neocomian), the pollen zone indicating this age is named after this
palynomorph (Ephedripites multicostatus zone). The co-occurrence of some age diagnostic
palynomorphs (Classopollis spp, Classopollis classoides, Classopollis jardinel, Triorites
africaensis, Cretaceiporites mulleri, Triffosapollenites rugosa and Steevesipollenites binodosus)
as well as some age diagnostic microfauna (Hedbergella crassa, Hedbergella planispira,
Heterohelix moremani, Heterohelix reussi and Globigerinelloides caseyi) point to the Aptian –
Turonian age bracket. It was on this basis that the Hauterivian - Turonian age was assigned to
the Ekenkpon Shale and Berriasian – Albian for the Mfamosing Limestone.

Keywords: foraminifera, palynomorphs, Albian, Berriasian, Hauterivian, Turonian, Mfamosing Limestone, Ekenkpon
Shale, Calabar Flank

INTRODUCTION
The stratigraphic positions of the Ekenkpon Shale and (1982), Zaborski (1982), Petters (1980, 1982, 1983),
Mfamosing Limestone on the global chronostratigraphic Petters & Ekweozor (1982), Nyong and Ramanthan
chart have been a topical issue for quite some time. (1985), Akpan (1985, 1992,1996) Petters et al.(1995),
Ramanathan and Nair (1984), Adegbie and Bassey
Several researches have been conducted on outcrop and (2007), Ukpong et al. (2008), Ukpong and Ekhalialu (2015,
core samples obtained from the Ekpenkon Shale and 2018) and Ukpong et al. (2018).
Mfamosing Limestone, Calabar Flank to determine their
ages. Several authors have given attention to the ages of
these formations (Ekpenkon Shale and Mfamosing
Limestone) in the Calabar Flank in the course of their *Corresponding Author: Ekhalialu Ogie Macaulay,
research. Some of the authors include: Reyment (1955; University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
1965), Dessauvagie (1968), Fayose (1979), Nair et al. E-mail: [email protected]

Biostratigraphic implications of Hedbergella sigali Moullade (foraminifera) and Ephedripites multicostatus Brenner (pollen): Evidence for Berriasian
– Turonian age for the Mfamosing Limestone and Ekenkpon Shale in the Calabar Flank, South Eastern Nigeria
Ukpong and Ekhalialu 180

The earliest biostratigraphic study conducted on the immediately overlying the Mfamosing Limestone based on
Calabar Flank was done by Reyment (1955, 1965) using ammonites (Mariella m. ochleti, Puzosia cf
ammonite to study the Odukpani Formation, north of
Calabar. Reyment (1955, 1965) assigned a Cenomanian antanimangaensis, Pachydesmoceras cf., radaodyi,
age to the rocks which constitute the Odukpani Formation Desmocers d., latidorsatum and Flickia quadrata). Based
in which the Mfamosing Limestone and the Ekenkpon on these ammonites, he assigned an Albian age for the
Formation form the middle units with the Awi Formation underlying Mfamosing Limestone. The occurrence of some
making up the basal unit. Adeleye and Fayose (1978) known Albian ammonite from the hard ground which forms
subdivided the Odukpani Formation into two distinct the top of the Mfamosing Limestone gave evidence for an
formations based on their tectonism and lithologic identity.
Adeleye and Fayose (1978) went on and proposed the Albian age for the limestone unit (Zaborski, 1982).
name “Awi Formation” for the basal arkosic sandstones
and conglomerates of the Odukpani Formation (Reyment, Ukpong et al. (2008) discussed the age of the Ekenkpon
1965) and delineated the type section but retained the Shale from landslide section along Calabar- Itu road and
Odukpani Formation for the rest of the succession. Petters
(1983) erected the Mfamosing Limestone as a new assigned a Late Cenomanian- Late Turonian age to this
lithostratigraphic unit from the remaining Odukpani section based on the co-occurrences of Heterohelix
Formation and retained same for the rest of the pulchra, Heterohelix moremani, Heterohelix globulosa,
succession. Petters et al. (1995) and Nyong (1995) further Hedbergella delrioensis, ammobaculites spp and
subdivided the rest of the Odukpani Formation into New Praebulimina spp. Ukpong and Ekhalialu (2015, 2018)
Netim Marl, Nkporo Shale and the Benin Formation based
on their lithologic identity, delineated the type sections and using core samples assigned a Cenomanian – Turonian
abandoned the name Odukpani Formation. Petters et al. age based on the recovered foraminifera (Heterohelix
(2010) elevated the Odukpani Formation of Reyment moremani, Heterohelix reussi, Heterohelix planata,
(1965) to Odukpani Group with the exception of the Awi Heterohelix reussi, Hedbergella delrioensis, Hedbergella
Formation. crassa, Hedbergella planispira, Globigerinelloides caseyi)
and palynomorphs (Steevesipollenites binodosus,
Dessauvagie (1968) reported the occurrence of a Ephedripites sp, Leiotriletes sp, Classopollis sp,
foraminiferal species Trocholina odukpaniensis from this Classopollis classoides, Classopollis annulatus
limestone and proposed a Late Albian age based on this. Ephedripites jansonii, Cretacaeiporites mulleri,
Forster and Schulz (1979) dated the Mfamosing Cretacaeiporites polygonalis, Galeacornea clavis and
Limestone Albian using ammonite. Forster (1978) and Triorites africaensis). Ukpong et al. (2018) assigned
Forster and Scholtz (1979) presented ammonite Cenomanian - Early Turonian to core sample from the
biostratigraphic evidence for a Late Albian age for the base Ekenkpon Shale based on Guembelitria harrisi,
of the Ekenkpon Shale and the top of the Mfamosing Hedbergella crassa, Hedbergella delrioensis, Hedbergella
Limestone. The study of Fayose (1979) on the simplicissima, Hedbergellid spp., Heterohelix globulosa,
carbonate/shale sequence of the Eze-Aku Shales, Heterohelix planata, Heterohelix reussi, Hedbergella
exposed at the Nkalagu Limestone quarry in the Lower planispira and Hedbergella sigali.
Benue Trough, found abundant species of Heterohelix and
Hedbergella suborder and some ostracodes such as The investigated wells (A, B, & C) were drilled in the
Brachycythere, Ovocytheridea and Paracypris which gave Calabar Flank and core samples were obtained to
a Lower Turonian age. determine the age of the formations (Ekenkpon Formation
and Mfamosing Limestone) under study (fig 1) based on
The Mfamosing Limestone was described by Nair et al. their foraminifera and palynomorphs assemblages. Well A
(1982) to be barren of age diagnostic foraminifera but was drilled at Etankpini while Wells B and C were drilled at
assigned a Late Albian – Early Cenomanian age based on Mbarakpa, Calabar Flank.
ammonite biostratigraphic analyses. Petters (1982) used
the co-occurrence of Globigerinelloides caseyi, Geologic setting and stratigraphy
Hedbergella planispira and Hedbergella sigali, in the
Nkalagu Formation exposed near Calabar to assign The Calabar Flank (Murat, 1972) is an epeirogenic basin
Cenomanain age. Ramanathan and Nair (1984) recorded situated in the easternmost part of the sedimentary basins
the occurrence of forms such as Anomalina plummerae, in Southern Nigeria (Nyong and Ramanathan, 1985). It is
Gavelinella intermedia, Patellina subcretacea, bounded by the Cameroon volcanic trend to the east, the
Ammobaculites coprolithiformis, Ammobaculites fisheri Ikpe platform to the west, the Oban Massif and the Calabar
and Ammobaculites irregulariformis. Based on these hinge line to the north and south respectively (fig 2). It was
species, they suggested an age ranging from Late Aptian thought to be the south – eastern extension of the Benue
to Albian for the Gboko Limestone and correlated it to the Trough trending in a Northwest – Southeast (NW-SE) and
Mfamosing Limestone in the Calabar Flank. The study of lying between latitudes 40 50’ - 50 50’N and longitudes 70 50’
Akpan (1992) recorded the Itierid gastropod, Peruviella
- 80 50’E (Petters, 1982). The origin of the Calabar Flank is
dolium in the Mfamosing Limestone for the first time and
closely associated with the Rift System that formed the Benue
assigned a Mid – Albian age to this limestone unit.
Trough during the final opening of the South Atlantic from
Zaborski (1982) assigned Upper Albian - Lower
Africa (Petters, 1982, Petters et al., 1995). Sedimentation in
Cenomanian to be base of the shale (Ekenkpon Shale)

Biostratigraphic implications of Hedbergella sigali Moullade (foraminifera) and Ephedripites multicostatus Brenner (pollen): Evidence for Berriasian
– Turonian age for the Mfamosing Limestone and Ekenkpon Shale in the Calabar Flank, South Eastern Nigeria
 Int. J. Geol. Min. 181

Figure 1: Geologic map of the Calabar Flank showing the locations of the three (3) wells

the Calabar Flank started with the deposition of Fluvio- a pebbly sandstone unit of the Tertiary Benin Formation
deltaic shale, mudstone and arkosic sandstone of the Awi (Petters et al., 1995). Table 1 shows correlation of Calabar
Formation dated to be of the Aptian age (Adeleye and Flank with adjacent basins.
Fayose, 1978). Ekhalialu et al. (2016) carried out detailed
description of the Awi Formation. The Awi Formation
unconformably overlies the Precambrian Oban Massif (it
consists of weathered granite, schists, migmatite and
gniesses). Carbonate platform of the Mfamosing
Limestone directly overlies the Awi Formation (Petters,
1982) believed to be deposited during the marine
transgression in the gulf of Guinea in the Mid-Albian times
(Akpan, 1992). The Mfamosing Limestone is overlain by
thick sequence of black to grey shale unit, the Ekenkpon
Formation (Petters and Reijers, 1987). The formation is
characterized by minor intercalation of marls; calcereous
mudstone and oysters beds (Akpan, 1996). This shale unit
was deposited during the Late Cenomanian-Turonian
times. The Ekenkpon Shale is overlain by a thick marl unit;
the New Netim Marl (Petters et al., 1995). This unit is
nodular and shaly at the base and is interbedded with thin
layer of shales in the upper section. Foraminefera age
suggest Early Coniacian age for this marl unit (Nyong and
Ramanathan, 1985). The New Netim Marl is
unconformably overlain by carbonaceous dark grey shale,
the Nkporo Formation which was deposited during the late Figure 2: The map of Niger Delta showing structural
Campanian - Maastrictian times (Petters et al., 1995). The elements of the Calabar Flank in relation to other
Nkporo Shale caps the Cretaceous sequence in the sedimentary basins in Nigeria (Nyong and Ramanathan,
Calabar Flank. The Nkporo Shale sequence is overlain by 1985).

Biostratigraphic implications of Hedbergella sigali Moullade (foraminifera) and Ephedripites multicostatus Brenner (pollen): Evidence for Berriasian
– Turonian age for the Mfamosing Limestone and Ekenkpon Shale in the Calabar Flank, South Eastern Nigeria
Ukpong and Ekhalialu 182

Table 1: Stratigraphic correlation between Calabar Flank and other Nigerian Sedimentary basins (Nyong, 1995)

METHODOLOGY and Brasier (2005). The identification of the foraminifera

was done using a binocular microscope and comparing
Sample collection picked forms with previously published forms. Quantitative
Seventeen (17) core samples were employed for this analysis was done using the number of species count per
study, obtained from three wells (A, B, C). Nine samples sample to establish abundance and diversity of
were obtained from well A at five (5) metres interval drilled foraminifera species.
to a depth of 42.12m. These samples were later
composited at ten (10) m interval to produce five (5) Palynology
samples. Twelve (12) core samples were obtained at five
metres interval from well B drilled to a depth of sixty-five The core samples recovered from the three (3) study wells
metres and eleven (11) core samples were collected from were also analyzed in order to determine their
well C at five (5) metres interval drilled to seventy (70) palynomorphs content. Samples preparation was done by
metres. Core samples from both wells were composited at acid maceration techniques discussed by Doher (1980)
10m interval to produce six (6) samples each for the two and Traverse (1988) for acid insoluble microfossils. The
wells (B and C). Well A was drilled at Etankpini while Wells acid maceration techniques include the following steps:
B and C were drilled at Mbarakpa, Calabar Flank. The dissolution of carbonates and silicate, acid neutralization
obtained samples were subjected to lithologic description and dissolution of humic matter. Concentration of
based on their physical characteristics (colour, texture, palynomorphs was achieved by sieving using 200 and 400
hardness, fissility and rock type) and 10% dilute mesh nylon screens and pipetting the organic residue from
Hydrochloric acid (HCl) were used to determine the a watch glass. Slides of temporary strew mounts using
presence of calcareous materials. glycerin jelly was made for each of the samples.
Transmitted light microscope was used for studying the
Biostratigraphic sample preparation palynomorphs. The palynomorphs were counted and
Foraminifera recorded. Analysis was done by comparison with
published works to identify the various forms of
Each core sample was subjected to foraminifera sample palynomorphs.
preparation discussed by Brasier (1980) and Armstrong

Biostratigraphic implications of Hedbergella sigali Moullade (foraminifera) and Ephedripites multicostatus Brenner (pollen): Evidence for Berriasian
– Turonian age for the Mfamosing Limestone and Ekenkpon Shale in the Calabar Flank, South Eastern Nigeria
 Int. J. Geol. Min. 183

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The core samples obtained from the three (3) wells yielded
Lithostratigraphy
some foraminifera and palynomorph that are
The lithologic units of the three (3) study wells (A, B, C) is paleontological useful for age determination. Figs 3, 4 and
summarized in Table 2,3 and 4. Three distinct lithologic 5 show biostratigraphic charts for well A, B and C
units were recognized in the study wells. They include the respectively.
New Netim Marl, the Ekenkpon Shale and the Mfamosing
Limestone outlined by Nyong (1995), Petters et al. (1996) Foraminifera biostratigraphic analysis
and Petters et al. (2010). New Netim Marl and The
Ekenkpon Shale occur in well A while Ekenkpon Shale and Foraminiferal analysis of the study wells (A, B and C) is
Mfamosing Limestone occur in wells B and C. characterized by diverse assemblages of planktonic and
agglutinated foraminifera with the planktonic exhibiting
Table 2: Lithology of well A higher diversity and abundance than the agglutinated
DEPTH LITHOLOGY LITHOLOGIC FORMATION forms. No calcereous benthic foraminifera (FOBC) was
(M) DESCRIPTION recovered from wells A and C while only one species of
0-5 Dark brownish calcereous benthic form with one (1) count was present in
well B. The upper section (0-20m) of well A was devoid of
clayey laterite
foraminifera while the middle – basal section (20-42.12m)
5-25 Greyish, fine New Netim contained abundant and diverse foraminiferal species. The
grain oolitic Marl upper section (0-20m) of well B was also devoid of
Marl foraminifera while the middle section (20-50m) yielded
Dark grey fissile Ekenkpon abundant and diverse foraminiferal species with the lower
25- Fosiliferous Shale section (55-65m) of the well been barren of foraminifera.
42.12 shale The upper section (0-20m) of well C is devoid of
foraminifera. The middle section (20-50m) contain
abundant and diverse foraminiferal species while the basal
Table 3: Lithology of well B section (50-70m) is devoid of foraminifera species.
DEPTH LITHOLOGY LITHOLOGIC FORMATION
(M) DESCRIPTION The age determination of the sediments penetrated by the
0–5 Brownish Overburden study wells (wells A, B and C) were based on age
lateritic diagnostic planktonic and arenaceous benthic
assemblages identified and recorded in the samples. The
materials planktonic foraminifera species include: Hedbergella
5 – 55 Dark grey, Ekenkpon sigali, Hedbergella delrioensis, Hedbergella crassa,
fissile, Shale Hedbergella planispira, Hedbergella sp., Hedbergella
fossiliferous simplicissima, Heterohelix moremani, Heterohelix reussi,
shales Heterohelix sp., Haplophragmoides sp.,Globigerinelloides
Light grey, fine- Mfamosing caseyi, while the arenaceous benthic foraminifera species
include: Ammotium cf nkalagum and Ammotium cf
55 – 65 grained, Limestone
nwalium which confirm the Barremian - Turonian boundary
bioclastic interval. The study of Petters (1983), Adegbie and Bassey
limestones (2007), Ukpong et al. (2008), Ukpong and Ekhalialu
(2015), Ukpong and Ekhalialu (2018) and Ukpong et al.
Table 4: Lithology of well C (2018) recovered a similar assemblage of Hedbergellids
and Heterohelicids from the Ekpenkpon Shale. These
DEPTH LITHOLOGY LITHOLOGIC FORMATION authors interpreted the sediment unit (Ekenkpon Shale) as
(M) DESCRIPTION Cenomanian – Turonian, probably in line with the
Dark brownish Overburden interpretation of the earliest author(s) that erected the
0-15 lateritic formation.
materials
The basis of using Hedbergella sigali as a Cenomanian –
Dark grey, Ekenkpon Turonian form is unclear, bearing in mind that the last
15-50 fissile Shale downhole occurrence (top) of Hedbergella sigali is within
fossiliferous Ticinella bejaouaensis zone (113.26-118.02Ma, top in
shale Aptian stage) (Chronos database). First downhole
occurrence (base) of Hedbergella sigali is at base of
Light grey, fine- Mfamosing
Hedbergella sigali zone (134.7Ma, in Valanginian stage).
50-70 medium grain, Limestone (Zonal marker from Timescale Creator). It is pertinent to
oolitic limestone

Biostratigraphic implications of Hedbergella sigali Moullade (foraminifera) and Ephedripites multicostatus Brenner (pollen): Evidence for Berriasian
– Turonian age for the Mfamosing Limestone and Ekenkpon Shale in the Calabar Flank, South Eastern Nigeria
Ukpong and Ekhalialu 184

Berriasian - Turonian

Figure 3: Biostratigraphic chart of Well A

Biostratigraphic implications of Hedbergella sigali Moullade (foraminifera) and Ephedripites multicostatus Brenner (pollen): Evidence for Berriasian – Turonian age for the Mfamosing Limestone and
Ekenkpon Shale in the Calabar Flank, South Eastern Nigeria
 Int. J. Geol. Min. 185

Berriasian – Turonian

Figure 4: Biostratigraphic chart of well B

Biostratigraphic implications of Hedbergella sigali Moullade (foraminifera) and Ephedripites multicostatus Brenner (pollen): Evidence for Berriasian – Turonian age for the Mfamosing Limestone and
Ekenkpon Shale in the Calabar Flank, South Eastern Nigeria
 Ukpong and Ekhalialu 186

Berriasian - Turonian

Fig 5. Biostratigraphic chart of well C

Biostratigraphic implications of Hedbergella sigali Moullade (foraminifera) and Ephedripites multicostatus Brenner (pollen): Evidence for Berriasian – Turonian age for the Mfamosing Limestone and
Ekenkpon Shale in the Calabar Flank, South Eastern Nigeria
 Int. J. Geol. Min. 187

state that Hedbergella sigali is unknown in Cenomanian Ukpong and Ekhalialu (2015), Ukpong and Ekhalialu
sediments except when they occur in association with (2018) used a similar assemblage to define the
other forms that range into younger sediments. Banner et Cenomanian – Turonian age for the Ekenkpon Shale in the
al. (1993) used Hedbergella sigali as a Barremian - Aptian Calabar Flank. Essien and Ufot (2007) also used
index form. Moullade (1966) used Hedbergella sigali as a Classopollis jardinel, Ephedripites procerus, Ephedripites
Barremian to Early Aptian index form. Caron (1985), Sigal striagatus, Elaterosporites protensus and Elaterosporites
(1977) and Van Hinte (1976) also used Hedbergella sigali sp to define the Albian – Turonian for the Mfamosing
as an index form for the Barremian – Aptain and named Limestone in the Calabar Flank. The basis for using this
palynomorphs assemblage for this age is unclear. It was
the zone after this form (Hedbergella sigali zone). The
probably based on earliest works on the Calabar Flank.
study of Bumba et al. (2017) further supports the
stratigraphic limitation of Hedbergella sigali to an age not
The presence of triporate pollen grains in the recovered
younger than the Aptain age. The co-occurrence of
sediment is generally accepted as being indicative of Late
Hedbergella crassa, Hedbergella planispira, Heterohelix Cenomanian – Turonian (Jardine and Magloire, 1965). The
moremani, Heterohelix reussi and Globigerinelloides occurrence of Ephedripites multicostatus in the sample
caseyi) point to the Aptain – Turonian age bracket. Based allows a correlation with the Ephedripites multicostatus
on these evidences, the lower boundary (limit) of the Zone (Berriasian - Hauterivian) (Scott and Robbin, 1977).
Ekenkpon Shale shall be extended from Cenomanian that Ephedripites multicostatus points to an age of Berriasian –
is currently in force to the Hauterivian. The small size of Velanginian (Neocomian), the pollen zone indicating this
planktonic foraminifera and the low – medium diversity of age is named after this palynomorph (Ephedripites
planktonic population dominated by Hedbergella in this multicostatus zone). Habib (1977) reported the pollen in
study, were also reported in works of similar ages the sporomorph genus Ephedripites as Early Neocomian
(Hauterivian – Albian) by Koutsoukos (1992) in Sergipe (Berriasian-Valanginian). Ephedripites multicostatus
basin of Brazil, Breheret (1995) in Vocontian basin of Brenner is stratigraphically persistent in the recovered
Paris, Caron (1978) and Kochhann et al. (2013) in the sample and is considered to be a valuable zonal species.
Angolan basin and Bumba et al. (2017) in Cote Divoire Ephedripites has long been considered a useful
sedimentary basin. stratigraphic indicator for dating sediments as Barremian -
Turonian (Habib, 1977). Couper (1964) indicated that
Palynologic biostratigraphic analysis "specimens of Ephedra-like pollen" enter the
chronostratigraphic column in the upper Hauterivian or
Palynological analysis of the three (3) study wells yielded
lower Barremian. Wolfe and Pakiser (1971) indicated
high abundance and diversity of palynomorphs. In well A,
a maximal age around the Hauterivian - Barremian
the upper section (0-10m) is devoid of palynomorphs. The
boundary for assemblages in the Atlantic Coastal Plain
middle section (10-30m) contain high abundance and high containing taxa such as Ephedripites. This study attempt
diversity of spores, palmae with fewer dinoflagallate cyst to extend the lower boundary (limit) of the Ekenkpon Shale
and foraminiferal test lining while the lower section ((30- from the Cenomanian that is currently in force to the
42.12m) contain high abundance and high diversity of Hauterivian based on the presented evidences while the
spores and palmae with an increase in dinoflagallate cyst lower and upper boundary of the Mfamosing Limestone is
and foraminiferal test lining. In well B, the upper section (0- placed at Berriasian and Albian respectively.
10m) is devoid of palynomorphs. The middle section (10-
40m) contain high abundance and high diversity of spores SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
and palmae with abundance dinoflagallate cyst while the
basal section (40-75m) contain high abundance and high An integrated biostratigraphic analysis was carried out on
diversity of spores and palmae with a decrease in three shallow wells (A, B and C) drilled in the Calabar
dinoflagallate cyst. In well C, the upper section (0-10m) is Flank, southeastern Nigeria, in order to determine the age
devoid of palynomorphs. The middle section (10-40m) of sediments penetrated by the study wells. Seventeen
contain high abundance and high diversity of spores, core samples obtained from the study wells were
palmae with fewer dinoflagallate cyst while the basal subjected to standard biostratigraphic sample preparation
section (40-75m) contain high abundance and high / separation and analytical approaches. Berriasian -
diversity of spores and palmae with an increase in Turonian age was assigned to the recovered sediments
dinoflagallate cyst. based on the co-occurrences of Ephedripites
The co-occurrences of age diagnostic palynomorphs such multicostatus, Classopollis spp, Classopollis classoides,
as: Ephedripites spp, Leiotriletes spp, Classopollis spp, Classopollis jardinei, Triorites africaensis, Cretaceiporites
Classopollis classoides, Classopollis annulatus, mulleri, Triffosapollenites rugosa and Steevesipollenites
Ephedripites jansonii, Cretacaeiporites mulleri, binodosus (palynoflora) as well as the co-occurrences of
Cretacaeiporites polygonalis, Galeacornea clavis, Hedbergella sigali, Hedbergella crassa, Hedbergella
Classopollis jardinel, Triorites africaensis, Cretaceiporites planispira, Heterohelix moremani, Heterohelix reussi and
mulleri, Triffosapollenites rugosa and Steevesipollenites Globigerinelloides caseyi (microfauna). This study
binodosus point to an age of Berriasian – Turonian. assigned Hauterivian - Turonian age to the Ekenkpon

Biostratigraphic implications of Hedbergella sigali Moullade (foraminifera) and Ephedripites multicostatus Brenner (pollen): Evidence for Berriasian
– Turonian age for the Mfamosing Limestone and Ekenkpon Shale in the Calabar Flank, South Eastern Nigeria
 Ukpong and Ekhalialu 188

Shale and Berrasian – Albian for the Mfamosing Brenner, G. J. (1963). The spores and pollen of the
Limestone. This implies that the lower boundary (limit) of Potomac Group of Maryland: Marylanl. Dept. Geol.,
the Ekenkpon Shale from the Cenomanian is adjusted to Mines, Water Res., Bull. 27, 1-215.
the Hauterivian while the lower and upper boundary of the Caron, M. (1978). Cretaceous planktonic foraminifers from
Mfamosing Limestone is placed at Berriasian and Albian DSDP Leg 40. Southeastern Atlantic Ocean. 40, 651-
respectively based on the recovered foraminifera and 678.
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