EARLY MIOCENE BRYOZOA OF GEBEL GHARRA, NORTHWEST GULF OF SUEZ, EGYPT

Journal Article

• Magazine \ Newspaper: Egyptian Journal of Geology
• Issue Number: 2
• Volume Number: 43
• Pages: 353-375

Publication Abstract

Twenty-six bryozan species have been identified from the early Miocene sediments of Gebel Gharra (Gharra
Formation). Among them five species are cyclostomes and twenty-one species are cheilostomes. Three species
are believed to be new: Membranipora gharranensis, Ramphonotous crenulata; and Schizoretepora hamzai.
Nearly two thirds of the recorded species have the encrusting zoarial growth-form. The paleoecological
investigation of the studied bryozoans, and the accompanied microfacies has concluded reef to back-reef
depositional environment. Also, water depth is shallow, with an estimating depth range of20-40 m, moderate
turbulence, and low rate of sedimentation.