PALEOCEANOGRAPHY OF THE GULF-OF-MEXICO (S ITE DSDP-94) DURING THE BASAL PALEOGENE - GEODYNAMIC IMPLICATIONS

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of early Palaeogene foraminifera l assemblages of the DSDP site 94 reveals the succession of three sedi mentary units, deposited in a lower bathyal environment. Separated by hiatuses, these units are distinguished by the microfaunal productivit y, the dissolution of foraminiferal tests and the CaCO3 content. Study of microfauna (assemblages, species percentages) defines the early Pa laeogene depositional environments (temperature, depth, oxygenation). Strong dissolution of the microfauna appears synchronous with orogenic movements which affected the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean region duri ng the latest Palaeocene and the late early Eocene.