Micropalaeontology and geochemistry of outcropping Paleogene and Neogene marine sediments of southern Tanzania

Pearson, P.N., Agterhuis, T., Bown, P.R., Cotton, L.J., Gallagher, S.J., Inglis, G.N., Nicholas, C.J., Piga, E., Rutta, I., Sajilo, A. and Wade, B.S. 2027. Micropalaeontology and geochemistry of outcropping Paleogene and Neogene marine sediments of southern Tanzania. Journal of African Earth Sciences 245 , 106354. 10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2026.106354

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Abstract

The Paleogene and Neogene marine sediments of southern Tanzania are well known for their excellent fossil preservation and contain an unrivalled record of tropical palaeoclimate and biotic evolution. Previous research and scientific drilling have spanned much of the available record, from the Albian to lower Oligocene, but the upper Eocene to Miocene succession has not so far been recovered in its entirety and provides a promising target for future research. Here we report on a series of over fifty outcrop samples of these ages from a variety of areas in the Kilwa and Lindi districts that were collected by us over several field excursions from 1998 to 2018. We provide a variety of chronostratigraphic age constraints including from nannofossils, planktonic foraminifera, larger benthic foraminifera, and strontium isotopes. Organic geochemistry shows exceptional preservation of biomarkers. Microfossil preservation in the claystones is highly variable because of surface weathering and oxidation, often producing gypsum and siderite. Despite this, seven samples were found to have excellent preservation and were studied in greater detail. Collectively, the samples provide useful information for geological mapping and deciding future drilling targets.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Earth and Environmental Sciences Schools > Physical, Chemical & Environmental Sciences
ISSN:	0899-5362
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	15 September 2026
Date of Acceptance:	4 September 2026
Last Modified:	15 Sep 2026 10:30
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/189606

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