Foraminiferal assemblage-based biostratigraphy and correlation of the Triassic of northern Israel

Foraminiferans from the Triassic section (Anisian-Norian) are described from four boreholes in northern Israel (Ramallah, Devora, Gaash, and Asher-Atlit 1 boreholes). 53 species and 34 genera of foraminiferans were identified, and subdivided into 12 assemblage zones using key species and species assemblages. These were compared with ten Late Anisian-Late Carnian assemblage zones found in the Negev. Extended ranges for some of these species were recorded. Two eastern boreholes (Devora and Ramallah) demonstrate continuity of lithological and thickness changes from the Negev northward, from the upper part of the Anisian (An1), through the Ladinian (La1-3), until the end of the Carnian (Cal-3), suggesting deposition on a continuous inclined shelf. In contrast, the Gaash borehole had a different geological history at that time, with a stratigraphic hiatus from the upper Anisian to the lower Carnian. In the upper Carnian and Norian the common depositional pattern resumes. The Norian interval of Asher-Atlit 1, extremely thick when compared with the Gaash, Devora, and Ramallah sections, indicates a strongly subsiding basin at that time.