BMR Record 1970/12

c.4

•

•• •

Record No. 1970 I 12

O~4466

Foraminifera and Age of

outcrop samples collected during

the Kubor Range survey 1968,

Central Highlands, New Guinea

by

J.6. Binnekamp and D.J. Belford

•

•

FORAMINIFERA AND AGE OF OUTCROP SAMPLES COLLECTED DURING THE KUBOR RANGE SURVEY 1968, CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW GUINEA .

by

J.G. Binnekamp and D.J. Belford

RECORDS 1970/12

Contents

1

INTRODUG;}:,ION 1

DESCRIPTION OF FAUNAS . , I 3

CONCLUSI~S AND REMARKS 30

The" information contained in this report has been obta~ned by the Department of National Development as· part of the policy of the Commonwealth Government to assist in the exploration and development of mineral resourceso It may not be published in any form or used in a company prospectus or statement without the permission in writing of the Director, Bureau of Mineral Resources, Geology and Geophysics.

- 1 -

Sm1MARY

Outcrop samples collected during the Kubor Range Survey (Central Highlands., T.P. & N.q..). have been examined. Ages, based on smaller planktonic and larger benthonic Foraminifera range from Upper C"retaceous to middle lUocene.

INTRODUCTION

From June to August~ 1968, a field party of the Bureau of Mineral Resources mapped the~Kubor Range, Central Highlands, T. P.& N.G. 158 outcrop samples collected from an area covered by the 1 :250,000 sheets Ramu (Sb 55 - 5; SBlIlpl~ prefiX 20 NG),· Karimui (SB 55 - 9, sample prefix 21 NG) andJV1arltiiam (~ 55 - 10, sample prefix 28 NG) have been· examined for microfossils, and the ages determined, by means of both planktonic and larger Foraminifera.

Most of the samples ·consist of hard limestones and contain larger Foraminifera, which initially were studied only in random sections. In some cases oriented sections were made to study species in detail. Free specimens of smaller Foraminifera, including planktonic species, were obtained· from friable samples by washing. A number of samples,containing planktonic Foraminifera could not be disintegrated and no precise age determination could be made.

The ages of the samples are expressed in the East Indian. Iletter stages' 'a' to If' and their equivalents in standard ages (as generally accepted) in the case of larger Foraminifera and-in plank­tonic zones and their equivalents in the case of planktonic Foraminifera (see table 1). Derived faunas are common in the samples, and the possibility that the entire observed fauna is derived has had to be considered.

A description of the locality is given with . each sample; maps showing the localities are held in the micropalaeontological section of the B.M.R. .

A list of samples for which no age could be determined is given at the end of this record.

- 2-

-

tl 'M

S,tandard East Indian s.:: 0

'. +> . ' Ages letter stages ~. s D'.I

~, ~ Ql s.::

i ~:c8 0 ~ N

~- --- -m ts-

.. tupper' NT 14

(f3) i

13 Wi I I

middle 'f .. ----------------- ~~---"lower' NT 12

~;........-i ,

(f1-2) _!..!L_

Ni 10 ----' .

Miocene ---- -------------------- ~;..~--

lower 'upper" N' 8-

, (e5) N 7

NT 6

NT 5 NJ4

- ". --- e ----------- ~----N:3

'lower' NT 2 (e1-4) I

" ... N 1 -- -------------i ----I

Oligocene d' 0", •••• ,

I ~-----~-------• p' ~ .

c 1 -~----~-. -

upper h "

" , , , Eocene ----~~---~--------, ..

middle a

Table 1. Correlation of the 'East Indian, letter stages, planktonic foraminiferal zones and the standard ages as used in this reed.. ,

.- "'

.. ' _. ~' -,'--

,

..

- 3; -

Description of faunas~

Locality: Tributary Chimbu R~ver, Toro 1:50,000 sheeto

Fonnationg- Chimbu Limestone.

Algae, rare fragments of Forami.nifera "1

? Fasciolites ap. Heterosteg~ sp. Mili.olids anif. other indeterminable smaller Foraminfiera.

not known.

The, genus Fa.sciolites would indicate a lower to mid,dle Eocene age g however? because of poor preservation of , the speci.ri:teris no, definite ~.dentificationp and therefore no definite age detennin­ation can be made.

Localityg Chimbu River, Toro .1g50,OOO sheet. ,

For.me.tion: Chimbu Limestone.

Foraminifera

Lepidoc<ycl ;na (Eulel?id~J 8p. JIeter...Qst,~ sp ~ ~~sp. ~cloo1Y]eus sp.

Age,g Oligocene - loweIj Miocene, "e lli stage o

Localiiy~ Chimbu River, Toro 1:50,000 sheet~

FOl~tion~ Chimou Limestone.

FaUfl.a~

Age~

Forami..'>].:if era, Bryozoa.

-U~uli tea sp ~ Heteros~na sp. Cycloclvpe~ s:po . Probably Oligocene p lie" stage o

- 4-

Discussion: NUmmulites ranges from "a" to "d'" stage. The absence of genera characteristic for "a", "'b" or "d"r stage probably indicates"that the age of this sample is "c" stage. A definite determination of the age of this sample wquld require the identification of the species of Nummulites and Cycloclypeua present.

20 NG. 0569

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna:

Age:

20 NG' 1127 '

Locality: -1--

Formation:

Fauna.:

Age:

20 NG 2656

Locali ty:

Formation:

Fauna:

Age:

About 6 miles East of' Hingende, Kerowagi 1 :50,000 sheet.

Asaro Formation.

abundant la:r;ger Foraminifera as free specimens in washing.

Lepidocyclina (NephrolepidinP) japonica Yabe Lepidocyclina (Nephrolepidina) sp. Operculina sp.' Elphidium sp~

lvIiddle i1iiocene, lower "f" stage.

About 1t'miles northwest of lvIingende along Kerowagip Kerowagi 1:50,000 sheet.

Chimbu Limestone.

Algae, Fora~inifera, Bryozoa.

Nummulites sp. cfe N. intermedius-fichteli Heterostegina sp. Operculinella sp.

I

road Mingende -

Nummulites intermedius-fichteli is characteristic for the "'c,,· and "d" stages. The absence of Lepidocyciina (Eulepidina) is taken to indicate a "c'" stage, Oligocene age.

Along road from Kerowagi to Nogare', about 4 miles northeast from Mingende, Kerowagi 1: 50,000 sh'eet.

Chimbu Limestone.

Foraminifer~, Bryozoa. ~

Nummulites sp. cf. !. intermedius-fichteli Heterosteginasp.

Oligocen:e, "c" stage. (compare 20 NG' 1127).

- 5 -

20 NG: 2670 .:.. 2671

Locality: Geirinigl'Ri'fer~ true left tributary of, ,Chipl River, Toro 1:50,000 sheet.

For.mation: Chimbu Limestone.

Fauna:

Age:

,Foraminifera, Algae, Bryozoa.

Nummulites sp. Heterostegina ap.

Oligocene, "'eli! stage (compare 20 NG: 0567) 0

21 ~~. 0006 - 0021

Locai~ty: Along the ~aro River g Lufa 1~50,O?0 sheet.

Formatf:om AsaroF-ormation"

0006 Fa~: rare FOl.'amin.i:i~rli, poorly prese;rved.

Age~,

Orbulina universa d'Orbigny .An6mili;-ella . rostrata' (Brady) frag[nent- of '? Le-pidocyclina (8.1.) other indeteriftir..B:-oie -fragments

Mi~~n~ ? (precise zOrlation ~ot possible).

OOQ1.. Palma. ~ Foraminifera 9 _~lgae, echinoid spines.

1}J2J.docycli~, subgen. :Lnde't..J

.M}og.¥Psina 8p.

J ' '

Mioi@pSinoides §:eha.artii (vc?,-n del' Ylerk) Elphid'iUI!!. s1'. / '. . .2&rpenteria~po ~fragruents) Globigerinidae Amphis te gina, ap. Gxps:ina 9p. indet. smaller Foraminifera' NummJllitessp. ( I spec:imen~ reticulate).

Age~ 1m'ler Miocene, upper "et! stage with derived' "e" - "d".

~Fauna: Foraminifera,·Coral, Algae, Bryozoa.

Lepidocyclina, subgen. indeto !liiogypsina 9p. ·Tayamaia. marianensis (HanzavTa) Carpenteria 8p. (fragments) Heterostegina sp. Arnphistegina sp. Globigerinidae'

Age: LO''le!' IUocene, possibly upper I'e" - lower "f" stages.

0011 Fauna:

Age:

0013 Fauna:

Age:

0014 Fauna:

Age:

0015 Fauna:

Age:

- 6 -

Foraminifera, Algae, Bryozoa, echinoid spines.

Lepidocyclina, subgen. indet. Miogypsina sp. Niogypsinoides sp. (1 specimen) Flosculinella sp. (1. specimen) . Carpenteria sp. (fragments) . ? Planorbulinellasp. Globigerinidae indet. smaller Foraminifera Nummulites sp.

Lower Miocene, probably upper "e" with derived II C '" - "'d"' stage.

Foraminifera, Algae, molluscan fragments, echinoid spines.

Lepidocyclina spp. (probably incl. Nephrolepidina) Cycloclypeus sp. T·1iogypsina· sp. Carpenteria sp. Globigerinidae incl. Sphaeroidinellopsis. Miliolids '

Lower Miocene, possibly "f" stage.

Foraminifera, Algae, molluscan fragments.

Lepidocyclina spp. subgen. indet. Katacycloclypeus SPa

Amphistegina sp. Miogypsina SPa

Sorites SPa

Gypsina sp'. Carpenteria sp. (fragments) !l1iliolids Orbulina universa Elph-idiUIIi craticulatu.m (Fichtel & Noll) Elphidium advenum (Cushman) Elphidium sp. Anomalinella rostrata Pararotaliasp. Operculina sp. . ? Globoguadrina altispira (Cushman & Jarvis) indet. planktonic specimens.

Miocene; IO'l'Ter "f" stage ?

Foraminifera.

Operculina sp. planktonic specimens, incl. Orbulina and ? Glob~~rinbides, very poorlY preserved.

no precise determination possible; could be !l1iddle Niocene or younger.

0016 Fauna:

Age~

0011 Fa ur..a :'

Age~

q018 Fauna:

.QQ1.9. Fa una ~

Ageg

,9021 Fauna ~

Foraminifera.

Operculina sp. Amphistegina sp. Orbulina universa

- 7 -

Globigeri:m)ides ~ (d'Orbigny)

no precise determination possible, could be middle Miocene or younger.

Foraminifera •

.Qyclocl;vpeus (1 F.-a.tacyclgglypeus) SPa (fragments) ra~e plarJ(tonic Foraminifera (incl. Orb~lina and 1 Globogua~) ,

Probably top of lower IIfli stage, middle Iticcene.

Foraminifera p very poorly preseryed.

Operculina SPa Orbulina SPa

no precise determination possible; could be middle rUocene or younger •

F?raminifera, very poorly preserved.

Operculina sp. Elphidium SP5

? Globi~,rin0id~~ SPa

no precise determi~tion possibleG

For~inifera, very poorly preserved.

~(mlj.rJ.B. sp. planktonic Fox'aminifera, incl. Orbulina and Indet. globigerinids.

no precise determination possible, could be middle Hiocene or younger.

~ NC}, 002~ - 0031

Locality:- Southwest of Puroza, Tamiloa Range 1:50,000 sheet. I

Formation: Aure Group

Fauna: 'Abundant planktonic Foraminifera, some benthonics.

0029 Fauna:

Age:

0031 Eauna:

Age:

..QQ2.4. Fa una :

Age:

SJS121. Fauna:

Age:

21 NG' 0560

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna:

- 8 -

Orbulina universa Globigerinoides guadrilobatus guadrilobatus (d'Orbigny) Globoguadrina venezuelana (Hedberg) Q. altispira Globorotalia obeaa Bolli Sphaeroidinellopais seminulina (Schwoget) Gyroidina ap. ? Bfthysiphon sp.

middle Miocene, no precise zonation possible.

Orbulina universa Globigerinoides guadrilobatus, s.l. Sphaeroidinellopsis seminulina Globorotalia fohsi s.l. Gyroidina sp. Cyclammina sp. ? Bathysiphon sp. Protoglobobulimina sp.

middle Miocene, not older than the base of planktonic zone N. 12.

Orbulina universa (abundant) Globoguadrina altispira ? Globorotalia mayeri ?

middle l1iocene, no precise zonation possible.

Orbulina universa Globigerinoides guadrilobatus, s.l. Globoguaerina altispira Q. veneguelana Globorotalia (T.) peripheroronda Blow & Banner G. T.peripheroacuta. Blow & Banner Q. G.) fohsi, s.1-Sphaeoroidinellopsis seminulina Oridorsalis pauciapertura Belford Euuvigerina sp. Globocassidulina murrhyna (Schwoget)

middle IoTiocene, lower part of zone N. 1 2.

About 1f miles northwest of Chuave Patrol Post, Chuave 1 :50,000 sheet.

Cl:himbu Limestone (talus)

Foraminifera, Algae.

,.

-.

- 9

m£.tion a:' Fasciolites wichmanni (Rutten g 1914) Coskinolina SPa

Fabiania SPa

Age: lI'Tiddle Eocene, "a" stage.

Discussion: According to Adams (1965 9 p. 313h lI'i t is generally accepted that Alveolina s.str. (= Fasciolites) dies out :in the -

Fra£tion bg

Fauna:

Age~ .

gj NG: 0572

Locality~

li'ormation:

Fauna:

Age:

Biarri tizian (upper part of . Middl;E'ocene) • Alveolitl8. has never been described from be.ds of Tb (upper Eocene) age .... :'.' in Indonesia and the Pacific. Visser & Hermes (1 962) ~ ana. Eames et ale (1962) also give the range of Fasciolites restricted to the cia" stage'~ -The genus &bianil! is restricted to the Eocene ~ :·The· specime:n5 in this sample show' strong 'resemblance to .E. £.~~i.s· . (Cushman & Bermudez), a lower to middle Eooene sp~cies ~n the American region and to ,E. indica Nagappa 9 :cie~cr:lbeq. fr'om the Sylhet Limestone (r.'liddle Eocene), India. '. ' The genus £,oskinolina has· a· lmown -range from Cretaceo1,.lS to Eocene. The specimens in this sampJ.e cannot be identified as any described species .;The ma.rginal· zone is subdivj,deg;.o~~ into chamberlets by vertical~pa:rtitions forked:at their ends. Between these forked partitions two well deiTeJ.o-ped sets of unforked vertical partitions occur". (fig. n). Several species assigned to D:i..£.tyQ<;t0nus, e.g. J~. melina12ensj.s Adams, 1965, show this pattern of vertical partitions. However the Chimbu specimens are regarded as best placed i.n Coskinolina as they lack secondary horizontal partitions. The occurrence of Goskigplina in the Chimbu Limestone was recorded by Cresp:Ln9 1938~·p.7, pL 1, fig. 8.

Algae, rare Foraminifera.

Lacazi.nella wichrnanni (Schl1.mibergel') ---~ ,

Miliolids

Eocene g "a li - uab'" stage, . the range of L • .lT1.chma1'l£4.

(compare range charts by Visser & Hermes~ 1962 and van del' V1.erk, 1955). .

About 4 miles "Test of Nambaiyui'a I>1ission along road to Chuav,e Patrol Post, Chuave 1:50,000 sheet.

Chimbu Limestone (talus)o

Foraminifera, Algae.

Nummulites javanus Verbeek, 1896 Asterocyclina SPa cf. !. penuria Oole g 1957

Upper Eocene, "bit stage.

(iJ

\ I

Discussion:

21 NG 0574

Locali ty:·

Fonnation:

Fauna:

Age:

21 NG 0579

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna:

Age:

- 10 -

A. penuria has been recorded by Cole in upper Eocene beds from several localities in the eastern Pacific. The specimens of N. javanus in this sample measure up to 2.5 cm across. In Europe and India seyeral species of large Nummulites are known to occur in the middle :Eocene (Adams, 1965, pp. 309 - 311) 0 According to Adams (loc.cit. and 1967, p.201) N. javanusi~.the

. only representative of these large Nummul.i.t~ in soutlJ.-, east Asia and the Pacific, where locally it ranges up into the upper Eocene. According to van Andel (1948) li. javanus belongs to lie 'perforatus (de Montfort~ 1808). Schaub (1963) stated that this European species shows a typical three-fold division: inner part a regularly expanding spiral with isometric chambers; median part with a wide spiral thick and irregular marginal cord with irregular champers; and the outer part, about half of the spiral, with a very narrow spiral and regular low and relatively long chambers. The specimens in this sample, as well as the specimens figured by van Andel, do not show any diviSion; the spiral expands regularly and th( chambers are isometric. (see fig. 2).

Near Nambaiyufa Mission, Chuave 1 :50,000 sheet.

Chimbu Limestone.

Foraminifera, echinoid spines

l-iiogvpsina sp. Operculina sp. Elphidium sp.

Lower - middle Hiocene, upper "e" - "fll stages

Just nort1;l of Nambaiyufa ~iission along road to 110vi ~'Iission, . Chuave 1: 50, 000 sheet.

Chimbu Limestone.

Foraminifera, Algae.

l'1iogvpsina Spa

Carpenteria sp. (fragments) Elphidium sp.

Lower - middle l'1iocene, upper "e" - "f"; stages.

21 NG 0581 c.

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna:

Age:

21 NG 0586

Locali ty:

Formation:

Fauna:

Age:

21 NG 0.5,§9 a'.

Locality:

For.mation:

Fauna:

Age:'

- 11 -

Just north of Nambaiyufa Mission along road to Movi Mission, Chuave 1:50,000 sheet.

Chimbu Limestone.

Foraminifera, Algae.

Miogypsina sp. Elphidium sp. Opercu~ina sp. ? Austrotrillina sp. Planorbulinella sp. Alveolinid gen. indet. indet. smaller Foraminifera.

Lower - middle Miocene, upper i'e ll - ilf" stages o

~1t. Elim-oari, loose debris from base of limestone cliffs, Chuave 1:50,000 sheeto

Chimbu L:iJD.estone.

Foraminifera, Bryoz oa •

~ulites intermedi~ - fichteli Heteros teg; na. sp.

Oligocene, "C ll stage (compare 20 NG 1127).

Northwest of Lufa, Lufa 1:50,000 sheet.

Chimbu Limestone

Foraminifera, Bryozoa.

Asterocyclina sp. cf. !. penuria Cole Nuw~ulites sp. cf. !. jav~~us Verbeek (megalospheric specimens only)

Upper Eocene, lib" stage (compare 21 N"G 0572).

(1./

21 NG 0600

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna:

Age:

2.1 NG; 0601

Locality:

Formation:~

Fauna:

Age:

'21 NG 0602

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna:'

Age:

- 12 -

North of Lufa, Lufa 1:50,000 sheet.

Asaro Formation

Foraminifera, Algae, coral fragments.

Nummulites intermedius - fichteli Heterostegina.sp .• Amphisteginab~.

Oligocene, IIC" stage (compare sample 20 NG 1127).

Near Lufa, along road Lufa - Goroka, Lufa 1:50,000 sheet~

Asaro Formation

Planktonic Foraminifera common.

Orbulina universa Globorotalia mayeri Cushman & Ellisot S haeroidinello sis seminulina Globorotalia G. praefohsi Blow & Banner G. (G.) tohsi cf. lobata Bermudez. Globorotalia sp., Euuvigerina hispida (Schwoget)

, Middle Miocene, planktonic zone N. 11 or lower part of N. 12.

Near Lufa, along road Lufa - Goroka, Lufa 1:50,000 sheet.

Asaro Formation

Foraminifera 0

Orbulina. universa 'Sphaeroidinellopsis seminulina Globoguadrina venezuelana Globigerinoides guadrilobatus group ? .Globigerinoides sp. Globorotalia obesa Q •. fohsi group (some specimens cf. lobata)

. '. Middle Miocene, not older than planktonic zone N. 11,.

•

21 NG 0603

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna:

Age:

21 NG 0618

Locality:

'Formation:;

Fauna:

Age:

- 13 -

East of Lufa along road Lufa - Goro~, Gonomi 1;50,000 sheet.

Asaro Formation

Foraminifera.

Globigerina praebulloides occlusa Blow & Banner Globigerinoides guadrilobatus primordius Blow & Banner Q. ruber Q. sp. Globoguadrina venezuelana G. tripartita tripartita Koch ' Globigerina dissimilis (Curshman & Bermudez), s.l. Globorotalia mayeri &. sp. cf. Q. kugleri Bolli Euuvigerina sp. Globobulimina sp. Heterolep"a sp.

Lower Miocene, planktonic zone N. 4, base of upper "e" stage;

8 miles east southeast of Mount Talibu, Pangia 1:50,000 sheet.

Chim Formation

Abundant planktonic Foraminifera, benthonics common (not identified).

Subbotina triloculinoides (Plummer) Globorotalia pseudomenari Bolli Q. chapmani Parr Q. aegua aegua Cushman & Renz Q. velascoensis (Cushman) Globigerina mckannai White

Upper Paleocene, Globototalia pseudomenardii Zone.

21 NG 0646 a - e, and 21 NG 0647 a-c.

Locality:

Formation:

Boulders in Tua River, Oima River 1:50,000 sheet.

Probably derived from Darai Limestone.

't

0646 a Fauna:

Age:

0646 b Fauna:

Age:

0646 c Fauna:

Age:

0646 e Fauna:

Age:

0647 a Fauna:

Age:

- 14 -

Lepidocyclina Lepidocyclina .. '';;;;';=~==:'' ephippoides Spiroclypeus· sp.

I

sumatrensis cf. 1. (~.)

Oligocene - lower Miocene, .":~" stage.

Foraminifera, Algae.

Austrotrillina Lepidocyclina Lepidocyclina ~~iogypsioo sp. planktonic Foraminifera

Lower Ihocene, upper lie" stage.

Foraminifera, Algae.

sp.

Lepidocyclina (Eulepidina) sp. Lepidocyclina (Nephrolepidina) sumatrensis Spiroclypeus sp. Heterostegina sp. Carpenteria· spo

Oligocene ~ lower Miocene, "e" stage.

Foraminifera, Algae, Bryozoa

Sipiroclypeus spo Lepidocyclina spo subgen. indeto Miogypsinoides spo Amphistegina sp. Heterostegina sp. Planorbulinella spo Indet •. smaller Foraminifera

Oligocene - lower Miocene "e" stage.

Foraminifera, Algae, Bryozoa.

Lepidocyclina (Nephrolepidina) sp. cf. L. (N.) suma trensis Lepidocyclina (Eulepidina) ~p. Spiroclypeus sp. Heterostegina sp. Carpenteria spo Indet. smaller Foraminifera

Oligocene - lower Miocene,- "e" stage.

0647 b Fauna:

Age:

0647 c Fauna:

Age:

21 liJG 0648

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna:

Age:'

21 liJG 0651

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna:

'.

Age:

- 15 -

=;:;..::.:.:::...=.::=== S p. pla~~tonic Foraminifera Carpenteria sp.

Lower I'Tiocene, upper "e" stage.

Foraminifera, Algae.

Niogypsina sp.

sp.

Lepidocyclina sp. subgen. indet. Heterostegina sp. Cycloclypeus sp. pla~~tonic Foraminifera

Lower - middle I-Tiocene, upper "e" - "f" stages.

Tua River, Oima River 1:50,000 sheet.

Chim Formation

Abundant planktonic Foraminifera, poorly preserved.

Praeglobotruncana stephani (Gandolfi) (incl. turbinata forms) Hedbergella spp.

Upper Cretaceous (upper Cen9manian - lower Turonian).

Tua River, Tua 1:50,000 sheet.

Chim Formation

Poorly preserved planktonic and smaller benthonic Foraminifera.

Globotruncana spp. (including Q. lapparenti group) Praeglobotruncana sp. cf. P. stephani ? Hedbergella spo Heterohelix sp. Anomalinoides sp. cf 0 A. undulatus Belford Textularia sp. Hyperammina sp. (abundant)

Upper Cretaceous (probably lower Turonian).

lb

21 NrG 1073

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna'.:

Age:

- 16 -

About 3 miles W.N.W. of Chuave on the'road to Kundiawa, Chuave 1:50,000 sheet~

Chimbu Limestone

Foraminifera, Algae

Lacazinella wichmanni (Schlumberger). Fabiania sp. Coskinolina sp.

Eocene,; "a": - %b ltr stages (compare sample 21 NG0560).

21 NG' 1393 and 21 Ncr 1,397

Locality:

. Formation:

Fa una: 1393 :

Age:

Fauna 1397:

Age:

Kubor Range, 8 miles south of Ht r1ichael, Gonomi 1:50,000 sheet.

Asaro Formation, immediately underlying the Atayufa Limestone.

Foraminifera, Algae, Bryozoa

Lepidocyclina (~ulepidina) sp. (one fragment only) Discocyclina~p. (common) Nummulites sp. (common) ?Fascioliies sp. (one fragment only) Gypsina sp.

All the specimens in this sample are broken.

The most commonly occurring specimens in this assemblage are of the Eocene genus Discocyclina. The common Nummulites is probably also an Eocene species.

The presence of Lepidocycli~ (Eulepidina), characteristic of Oligocene and Lower r1iocene ("d" and "e" stages), indicates however that the Eocene speciments are derived. As no other characteristic ":e" stage genera .or subgenera are present, the age of.this sample is believed to be "d" stage, Oligocene.

Foraminifera, Algae, Bryozoa

Discocyclina sp. Nummulites sp. Gypsina sp. Fasciolites. sp. (1 specimen)

This sample was taken from a stratigraphically higher level than the previous one(21 NG' 1393). Therefore its Eocene fauna (probably "~"; stage, all specimens more or less broke,n and worn) is considered to be derived and the actual age . of these strata indeterminable.

'.

"

21 un 1418

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna:

Age:

21 NG 1422

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna:

Age:

Kubor Range, 6 miles south of JI~t Hichael, Tamiloa Range 1:50,000 sheet.

Atayufa Limestone

Foraminif era, ,h,lgae

Lepidocyclina spo subgen. indet. lYliogypsina sp. Planorbulinella ? sp. Heterostegina sp. Carpenteria spo

Lower - Middle Niocene, upper "e" - "f'" stages

Kubor Range, 6 miles southeast of Mt Micheal, Gonomi 1 :'50,000 sheet

Atayufa Limestone

Foraminifera, Algae

Lepidocycljna (Nephrolepidina) sp. FUogypsina sp. Carpenteria sp. Planktonic Foraminifera

Lower - Niddle Miocene, upper "e" - "f": stages

21 NG' 1426 and 21 NG 1428

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna:

Age:

Kubor Range, respectively 4 and 2 miles southeast of Nt 0 Ivlichael, Gonomi 1: 50,000 sheet

Asaro Formation

abundant planktoniC Foraminifera (free specimensl'}

Orbulina universa Globoguadrina altispira Globorotali~,dutertrei ,'(4' Orbigny) Globigerinoi~es guadrilobatus group Sphaeroidinella sp.

Middle Miocene

21 1m 1444

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna:

Fraction b

Age:

Fraction c

Age:

Fraction d

Age:

21 NG 1461b

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna:

- 18 -

Nami Gorge, west of Kar~mui, Aima River 1:50,000 sheet

Darai Limestone

Algae, Foraminifera

Lepidocyclina sp. subgen. indet. Miogypsina sp. Heterostegina sp. Carpenteria'sp. Cellanthus sp. Miliolids Planktonic Foraminifera-,

-'

Lower to Middle Miocene, upper "e'" - "f"' stages

Algae, Foraminifera

Lepidocyclina (Eulepidina) sp. I>1iogvpsina sp. Heterostegina sp. Carpenteria sp. Cellanthus s:p. Miliolids Planktonic Foraminifera

L01'ler to Friddle Miocene, upper "e" - stage

Algae, Foraminifera

Lepid ocyclina Eule id· .) sp. Lepidocyclina He hrole idina) sp. Miogypsina sp'. Hleterostegina sp. Tayamaia marianensis (Hanrawa), specimen. Planktonic Foraminifera

Lower Miocene; upper "e'" stage

About 6 miles NNE. of Gilabe, Soaru 1:50,000 sheet

Darai Limestone

Foraminifera, Algae, Bryozoa

Lepidocycliria (Eulepidina) s~. Lepidocyclina (Nephrolepinda) sp. Spiroclypeus sp. Heterostegina sp. Miogvpsinoides sp. (early, thin walled, type) Miogvpsina? sp. Planktonic Foraminifera

Age:

21 NG 2500

LOcality:

Formation:

Fauna:

Age:

21 NG 2517_

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna:

Age:

21 NG 2636

Loca+ity:

Formation:

Falma:-

Age:

- 19 -

Oligocene, lm'ler "e" stage.

North of r.1ovi Nission, Chuave 1 :50,000 sheet.

Asaro Formation. -

Foraminifera.

Austrotrillina sp. (simple type) Miogypsina sp. Smaller Foraminifera

Lower - middle It.liocene, upper "e" - lower "f" stages.

About 3 miles east of IvIovi Mission, Chuave 1 :50,000 ~heet

Chimbu Limestone

Foraminifera, Algae

Lacazinella wichmanni (Schlumberger) Coskinolina SPe

Halkyardia sp. Indet. smaller Foraminifera (incl. Miliolids)

Eocene, "a II - "b" stages. (compare sample 2'1 NG 0560)

Between Gono Mission and Lufa, Lufa 1:50,000 sheet.

Asaro Fonnation.

Algae, Foraminifera, Bryozoa.

Lep1docyclina Ne hrole idina) sp. Lepidocyclina Eulepidina sp. Spiroclypeus sp. Miogypsinoides sp. Miogypsina spp'. Heterostegina sp. Carpenteria sp. Cycloclypeus sp. Gypsina sp. Discocyclina sp. Lacazinella sp. (fragments)

Lower Niocene, upper "e" stage w-ith derived Eocene, "a" - "b" stage

•

21 NG,2649

Locality:

Forma ti.on:

Fauna:

21 NG 2678

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna:

Age:

21 NG 2813

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna:

Age:

- 20-

Road from qoroka to Lufa, 4 miles from Lufa, Gonomi 1: 50,000 sheet.

Asaro Formation

Foraminif~ra, Algae, Bryozoa

Lepidocyclina (Eulepidina) sp.

Oligocene to lower r·liocene, II"d"' - "'e" stages.

South of Goroka, on road LUfa - Okapa, Gonomi 1:50,000 sheet

Asaro Formation

Foraminifera, Algae

Lepidocyclina (Nephrolepidina) sp. cf. L. ~.)-sUmatrensis: . . (Brady)

Miogypsina sPP'o Heterostegina spo

• Gypsina spo . Carpenteria sp. Cycloclypeus? sp. (fragments) Planktonic Foraminifera

Lower - middle Miocene, upper "e" - lower "f" stages

Southeast of Agotu I\iission in stream flowing out towards Okapa, Tamiloa Range 1 :'50,000 sheet

probably Aure Group

abundant planktonic Foraminifera (free specimens)

Orbulina universa Globigerinoides guadrilobatus group Globorotalia sp.

Middle Hiocene (no precise zonation possible)

;,,; .

21 NG 2822

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna:

Age:

21 NG 2828

Locality:

Formation:

Ffluna:

•

Age:

21 NG 2830

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna :

Age:

- 21 -

East of Agotu Mission, Crater Mt 1:50,000 sheet

probably Aure Group

Algae, Foraminifera

Lepidocyclina (Eulepidina) SPa Lepidoclyclina (Nephrolepidina) SPa Miogypsina SPa

Lower Miocene, upper "'e" stage

Eastaf Agotu I·1ission, era ter Nt 1: 50,000 sheet

probably Aure Group

Foraminif era, Algae,

sPa Carpenteria SPa Cellanthus SPa Planktonic Foraminifera

spp-;. sp. (1 fragment only)

LovTer Niocene, upper "e'" stage

East of Agotu Mission, Crater Nt 1 :50,900 sheet

probably Aure Group

Foraminifera, Algae

Lepidocyclina (Nephrolepidina) SPa Miogypsina Spa

Lower - middle Niocene, upper "e" - "f" stages.

21 NG 2832

Locality:

Formation:­

Fauna:

Age:

21 "1m. 2836

Locality: ~: ....

Formation:

E~una:

Age:

21 NG' 2850

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna:

~ge:

- 22 -

East of Agotu Mission, south of Ht Michael, Lufa 1:50,000 sheet.

Aure Group. "-

Algae, Foraminifera, Bryozoa

Lepidocyclina (Nephrolepidina) spp. Miogypsina. spp. Heterostegina sp •.

Lower-middle Miocene, upper "e" - "f" stages

East of Agotu Illission, south of Nt Nichael, Lufa-1:50,000 sheet

probably Aure Group

Algae, Foramihifera

Discocyclina sp. NUmmulites sp.

Eocene, "a'" ~"bnstages

Northeast of Agotu MiSSion, SJuth of Ht llichael, Lufa:' 1:50,000 sheet

Atay~a Limestone

Algae, Foraminifera, Bryozoa

Lepidocyclina , Eule idina) sp. Lepidocyclina Nephrolepidina) sp. Miogypsina sp." , , Heterostegina sp. Gypsina spo Discocyclina spp. (incl. Asterocyclina)

-Nurnni.uli tes sp 0

Biplanispir~ sp. , . Coskinolina sp. (1 fragment of horizontal section)

Lower Mioce:q.e, upper "e" stage with a.derived upper Eocene fauna:.

21 NG 2860

Locality: "

Formation:

Fauna:

Age:

,,21 NG 2861

Locality,:

Formation:

Fauna:

Age:

21 NG 2865

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna:

Age:

- 23 -

Nami Gorge, west of Karimui, Oi~ River 1:50,000 sheet

Darai Limestone

Niogypsina sp. Amphistegina sp. Carpenteria SPe

Lower rJIiocene, upper "e" stage

spp. (fragments)

Nami Gorge, west of Karimui, Oima River 1:50,000 sheet

Darai Limestone

Algae, Foraminifera

Lepidocyclina Ne hrole idina) spp'. Lepidocyclina (Eulepidina sp. (fragments) Miogypsina sp. Amphistegina sp. Cycloclypeus sp. Planktonic Foraminifera

Lower I~iocene, upper "e" ,stage

. Near MaSi9 west of Karimui, Soaru 1 :50,000 sheet

Darai Limestone, upper of two limestone beds

Foraminifera

Lepidocyclina (Eulepidina) sp. Lepidocyclina (Nephrolepidina) sp. rifiogypsinoides sp. ?Niogypsina sp. Carpenteria sp.

I Probably lower MioJene, upper "e" stage

,/

\/'

21 NG 2861

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna:

Age:

21 NG 2868

Locality: : ~ ......

Formation:

Fauna:

Age:

21NG 2872

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna:

Age:

- 24 -

Between Noru and Gilabe, west of Karimui, Soaru 1:50,000

l?arai Limestone, top of' the lower .·of the two limestone. units· exposed in syncline.

Algae,iForaminifera . J.~ •

Lepidocyclina. sp. subgen. indet. Miogypsina sp. Miliolids Soritidae gen. indet.

Lower - middle Miocene, upper "e" - "f" stages

Between Noru and Gilabe, west of Karimui, Soaru 1:50,000 sheet 0 "-

Darai Limestone, near base of the lower of the two limestone units exposed in the syncline o

Algae, Foraminifera

Lepidocyclina (Nephrolepidina) SPa Lepidocyclina (Eulepid:i.rur.) sp. Miogypsina Spa Miliolids Carpenteria sp. Planktonic Foraminifera

Lower IvIiocene, upper "e" stage

Gilabe on Tua River, west of Karimni, S'oarn 1:50,000 sheet .

Darai Limestone, from base of 1,500 feet limestone cliff, forming Tua Gorge.

Rare Foraminifera in fine grained reef-debris

Lepidocyclina sp. subgen. indet. ?Spiroclypeus sp. ?Operculinoides SPa

possibly Oligocene - lower Miocene, Ite" stage, but a precise determination cannot be made.

28 NG 0025

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna:

Age:

28 NfG 0031

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna:

Age:

28 NG 0046

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna.:

Age:

- 25 -

Lamari River, float specimen, Lamari River 1:50,000 sheet

Aure Group, probably Omaura Greywacke.

Foraminif era, Bryozoa, Algae

Nummulites sp. cf. !. intermedius - fichteli Heterostegina SPe

Discocyclina sp. Carpenteria SPe

The age of this eamp:\.e is conside~ed Oligocene, "c" stage with derived Eocene ~Discocyclina)

Puburamba River, Lamari River 1 :50,000 sheet

Aure Grou!p, probably Omaura Greywacke

Algae p rare Foraminifera

Lepidocycl~ NephrQlepidina) sp. Lepidocyclina Eule idina) sp. Miogypsinoides sp. ~~roE.tegina sp. , Gyps ina sp. Planktonic' Foraminifera

Oligocene - lower Miocene, "'e" stage.

Southeast of Okapa along Puburamba River; Lamari River 1:50,000 sheet.

Aure Group, probably Omaura Greywacke

Foraminifera, Bryozoa

Nummulites sp. cf.-H. intermedius - fichteli Lepidocyclina Eulepidina sp. Heterostegina sp. Cycloclypeus sp. Gypsina sp. Discocyclina sp. (very rare).

Oligocene, "d" stage ,·lith derived Eocene (compCl-re also sample 20 NG 1127).

28 NG 0047

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna:

Age:

28 N.G 0052

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna:

Age:

28 N.G 0053

- 26 -

Southeast of Okapa along Puburamba River, Lamari River 1:50,000 sheet.

Aure Group, probably Omaura. Greywacke .

Rare fragments of ForamLDifera, ~robably belonging to the genera Lepidocyclina (Eulepidina), Heterostegina,Gypsina and Discocyclina.

Oligocene, "d" stage with derived Eocene.

Southeast of Okapa along Puburamba River, Lamari River 1 :'50,000 sheet~

Aure Group, probably Oma.ura Greywacke

Foraminifera, Algae, Bryozoa.

Lepidocyclina(Eulepidina) sp. Heterostegina sp. Asterocyclina sp. cf. 11:. penuria Cole Nummuli tes sp. cf • .li. ,javanus Verbeek ? Nummulites sp. Fabiania sp. Pellatispira sp. Gy-psinasp. Carpenteria sp.

The most commonly occurring specimens in this fauna are the (upper) Eocene forms Asterocyclina ]£nuria, Nummulites javanus, Pella tispira and Fa biania ( compare sample 21 N.G 0572).. There is however a younger element represented by Lepidocyclina (Eulepidina) sp. (Oligocene- 'ouer Miocene) and possibly also an OliPOcene representative of Nummulites. Therefore this sample is regarded as Oligocene, "d"- stage, with derived Eocene. Further examination, especially of Nummulites, could give a more definite age determination.

Locality: Southeast of Okapa along Puburamba River, Lamari River 1:50,000 sheet.

Formation: Aure Group, probably Omaura Greywacke

Fauna: Foraminifera, Bryozoa. Lepidocyclina (Eulepidina) sp. Nummuli tes spp. Heterostegina sp. Discocyclina (s.l.) sp. Biplanispira sp. Spiroclypeus sp.

".

Age:'

28 NG 0506

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna:

Age:

28 NG 0516

- 27(-

Oligocene lid II stage wi th derived Eocene. The comments on the previous sample also apply to this sample. Eocene representatives are w'ummulites, Discocyclina, Biplanispira and probably Spiroclypeus o Oligocene is indicated by the Eulepidina - Kummulites assemblage.

Lamari River, about 10 miles southeast of Mt. Tamilsa, Kuwarabi Range 1~50,000 sheet. (ust south of.Tamiloa Range s1?-ee't).

Aure Group.

Abundant planktonic Foraminifera.

Globorotalia fohsi group Orbulina universe Globoguadrina altispira Globorotalia obesa . Sphaeroidinellopsis spo ? Globigerina dissimilis

Middle Miocene, not older than planktonic zone N 12.

Locality: 5 miles southwest of Okapa, Tamiloa Range 1:50,000 sheet.

Formation:' Aure Group, probably Omaura Greywacke.

Fauna: Abundant planktonic and some smaller benthonic Foraminifera, a few worn Ostracods.

Age:-

28 NG 0520

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna:

Age:

Globigerinoides g.uadrilobatus group Globoguadrina venezuelana Q. altispira Globigerina sp. cf. Q. bradyi W'iesner Orbulim universa Globorotalia acostaensis Blow

Middle Miocene, precise zonation not possible.

About 4 miles southwest of Okapa, Tamiloa Range 1 :50,000 sheet.

Aure Group, probably Omaura Greywacke.

Abundant planktonic and some smaller benthonic Foraminifera.

Globigerinoides guadrilobatus group G. ruber Orbulina universe

Middle Niocene, precise zonation not possible.

28 NG' 0522

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna:

Age:

28 NG' 0528:

Locality:

Formation:

FaUll2l;:

Age:

28 rro 0534

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna:

-1 Age: I,

- 28 -

Puburamba River, Lamari River 1:50,000 sheet.

Aure Group, probably Omaura Greywacke.

Planktonic and smaller benthonic Foraminifera.

Globigerinoides guadrilobatus group (incl. possibly subspecies trilobus and immaturus)

Q. • . sp. cf. Q. "transi torius'" Oridorsalis umbonatus (Reuss) Gyroidina sp.

Miocene, ~robably lower Miocene, G. insueta zone, (zone N' 7 - N' 8).-; identifications tentative because of poor preservation.

probably along Tarabo - Gimi road, Tamiloa 1:50,000 sheet.

Aure Group.

Abundant planktonic, rare smaller benthonic Foraminifera.

Orbulina su turalis Bronnimann Globorotalia mayeri Q.. sp. cf. G. archeomenardii Bolli Q.. sp. Globoguardina altispira

Base of middle Miocene, zone N 9.

8 miles north of Tarabo, Gonomi 1:50,000 sheeto

Asaro 'Formation.

Algae, few fragments of Foraminifera.

Lepidocyclina sp., subgen. indet. Spiroclypeus sp. Carp ent erHi: sp.

Oligocene - lower Miocene, "e" stage.

.,.

28 NG' 1008

Locality:

Formation:

Fauna:

Age:

- 29 -

. ..

5 miles sout~west of Mt. Tamiloa, Tamiloa Range, 1:50,000 sheet.

Aure Group.

Planktonic Foraminifera common,smaller benthonics rare.

Orbulina suturalis Q. universa Globigerinoides guadrilobatus group Globorotalia sp •. Cyclam.mina sp • . ? Hyperammina sp.

Base of middle Miocene, zone N 9.

- 30 -

CONCLUSIONS AND REMARKS

Some formations as at presen~ mapped show a large time range. The Chimbu Limestone is re~resented by samples of lower to middle Eocene ('a l stage), upper Eocene t'b l stage), Oligocene and lower to middle Miocene ('c' to If I stages) .ages. It must be noted that no .samples of definite Id l stage, Oligocene age were found among those examined. The Asaro lirormation'is generally lower to middle Miocene with one sample of Oligocene- age and some Oligocene to lower lIiiocene. Samples referred to the Aure Group are of Eocene, Oligocene, Oligocene to lower rliocene, lower to middel Miocene and middle Miocene ages. The Darai Limestone, including samples only tentatively referred to this formation, is generally lower and 'lower to middle Miocene in age, with some samples Oligocene and Oligocene to lower Miocene. The Atayufa Limestone is possibly all lower to middle Miocene, with faunas inidcating an Oligocene and Eocene age for some samples being derived. Samples of the C,him Formation give ages ranging from Upper Cretaceous (upper Cenomanian to lower Turonian) to upper Paleocene.

For clarif~cation of stratigraphical and palaeontological problems and to serve as reference points for future work, it is necessary for samples to be collected over as many sections as. possible. The Asaro River section may repay' closer study. The limestones now referred to Chimbu Limestone need remapping and deta led sampling to determine whether any hiatuses OC c'Ur , whether or not different limestones are now referred to the Chimbu Limestone and their relationship to other limestone seque'nces' found in the'area (Darai and Atayufa Limestones) and the clastic sequences referred to the Asaro Formation. The relationships. of the different .faunas of Eocene age to each other also needs further attention.

Following the field work necessary to· .C8,rry out this mapping and collecting, a great deal of detailed labora"tori'study will be necessary to determine and illustrate the favnas and indicate their stratigraphic range and significance.

. '.

- 31 -

REFERENCES

ADM-iS, C .G., 1965 - The Foraminifera and stratigraphy of the Melinau

Limestone, Sarawak, and its importance in Tertiary correlation •

Quart. J. geol. Soc. Lond. 121, 283-338.

ADA15, C~G., 1967 - Tertiary Foraminifera in the Tethyan, American

and Indo-Pacific pro~nces. Syst. Assoc., Publ. no. 7, Aspects

of Tethyan Biogeography, 195-217.

ANDEL, T. VAN, 1948 - Some remarks on Nummulites javanus Verb. and.

Nummulitesperforatus de Nontf. Proc. Kon. Acad. \·Tetemsch. Amst.,

51, 1013-1023.

CRESPTIW, I., 1938 - The occurrence of Lacazina and Biplanispira in the

mandated territory of New Guinea. Comm. Aust. palaeoilt. :B,ull. 3, 3-8.

WlES, F.E., BANNER, F.T., BLm" W.H. & CLARKE; vl.J., 1962 - Fun~mentals

of mid-Tertiary stratigraphical correlation. London (Cambridge

University Press).

SCHAlm, H., 1963 - Ueber einige Entwicklungsreihen von Nummulites und

Assilina und ihre stratigraphische Bedeutung. in Evolutionary

tr~nds in Foraminifera, Amsterdam, Elsevier Publ. Cy.

VISSER' W.A. and HERJIIES, J oJ·., 1962 - Geological results of the exploration

.for oil in Netherlands New Guinea.. Verh. Kon. Ned. Geol. Ilfi,inb.

Gen.! Geel o Ser. 20, 1.-265.

~ERK, .I.M., VAN DER, 1,955 - Correlation of the Tert;iary of the Far

" East and Europe. Micropaleontology, 1, (1), 72-75.

- 32 -

Samples for wh~ch no age could be determined.

, 12 NrG 1005 20 NrG 0564'

0566 0570 0617 1150 2640 2688 2698

21 NTG. 0019 0524 0537 0551 0557.' 0573 0575 0576 BJ and b 0580 058'1 a and b 0582 a. and b 0587 0607 061'3 0621 0622' 0639 0646 d 0647 d 0653 1058

1058-1061 1145 11146 1'16} 1298 1368) 1;382' 13:95 1419 1434 1444 a. and b 1461 a, c, d, e and f 2545 2549 257'6 2692 2721 2801 2805 2816 2817

28 N.G 0024 0507 0512 0515 0519 0609 0610 1001

, .

, ,! ,

L..-________ ---'-__ ------ - --

Figg 19 Coskinolina SPg Ae Vertical section p sample 21 NG 0560A p slide

1':00 -20 0 x 750

Eo Part of horizontal section v sample 21 .G 2517~ slode noo 4v x 800

, "

\ , 1"

8

Figo 20

Ao -

Co

','

Comparison of equatorial sections of Nummulites perforatus (de Montfort) and Nummulites javanus Verbeek. All approxQ x6Q £!o "perforatus" after van Andel~ 1948 9 figs. If ar 2do £!Q javanus; Chimbu .Limestone v sample 21 NG 05721 slide 160 No perforatus, after Schaub~ 1963 9 plo 20

" ,-'a ~ .

','

"

.,

(l Q