Neogene planktonic foraminifera of the Caleta Herradura de Mejillones section in northern Chile: Biostratigraphy and paleoceanographic implications

A well-exposed sequence of the Caleta Herradura de Mejillones section on th e Pacific coast of northern Chile includes horizons of planktonic foraminif eral Zones N7 to N17 of Early to Late Miocene age. Successive appearances o f species of the Pracorbulina-Orbulina lineage occur in the rich planktonic foraminiferal assemblage. An abrupt assemblage change in the basal part of Middle Miocene Zone N10 is marked by abundant Globigerinita glutinata, whi ch continues through most of Zone N10, and suggests upwelling conditions in the surrounding seas during this time.