Slope sediments of a Paleocene ramp-to-basin transition in NE Egypt

Sedimentary structures, microfacies and stratigraphy of a late Paleocene ra mp-to-basin transition have been studied in the Galala Mountains in the nor thern part of the Eastern Desert of Egypt. Three phases of ramp progradatio n were observed. During non-progradation hemipelagic sediments were interca lated. These progradational phases are indicated by mass-transport deposits of glides slumps and debris flows which came from different directions exc ept from the south. At least two of these mass-transport deposits may refle ct deposition during sea-level low-stands, whereas the hemipelagic intercal ations indicate transgressive phases. Microfacies analysis provided evidenc e of a change in the origin of the debris flow deposits. They show a transi tion from a basinal-to-outer-ramp setting to a middle-to-inner-ramp setting and a change in organism distribution. While coralline red algae prevailed on the inner ramp in the Selandian to Thanetian, nummulitids dominated in the late Thanetian.