UPPER CENOMANIAN LOWER TURONIAN AMMONITES OF THE GAFSA-CHOTTS AREA, SOUTHERN PART OF CENTRAL TUNISIA

The study of the ammonites from jebel Berda, jebel Bou Jarra and Kangu et Besbessa Sghira (Tunisia) revealed 6 ammonite assemblages of the La te Cenomanian to Early Turonian age. Tentative correlations are propos ed with the Iullemmeden Basin (Niger) and the Benoue Trough (Nigeria) in spite of differences in taxonomic conceptions between various autho rs, the scarcity of detailed outcrops studied and the faunal differenc es between Tunisia and Niger - Nigeria. Precise North - South correlat ions are possible at the Vibrayeanus and Flexuosum horizons, less so a t the Pseudonodosoides horizon. The correlation of the Vascoceras (Par avascoceras) ssp., Thomasites and Choffaticeras/ Hoplitoides levels re quires further clarification.