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IPA, 2006 - 10th Annual Convention Proceedings, 1981

PROCEEDINGS INDONESIAN PETROLEUM ASSOCIATION

Tenth Annual Convention, May 1981

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CALCAREOUS NANNOPLANKTON BIOSTRATIGRAPHY AND STRATIGRAPHIC

CORRELATION OF THE MESOZOIC AND CENOZOIC SEQUENCES IN
CENTRAL, SOUTHERN, AND EASTERN TAIWAN
Wen-Rong Chi *)
ABSTRACT. During the past three decades, biostratigraphy and stratigraphic correlation were studied in
Taiwan with framework mainly based onForaminifera.
Recently, a new biostratigraphic tool, calcareous
nannofossil, has been introduced and successfully
applied to biostratigraphy, stratigraphy, and oil
exploration here.
The lithology in central and southern Taiwan i s
characterized by facies changes and the lack of distinctive marker horizons, especially in the Tainan and
Kaohsiung areas. It is very difficult t o subdivide these
sequences and make correlations based on the lithostratigraphic study alone. Fortunately, most of the
sediments are rich in nannofossils, and it is now
possible to solve the above problems.
In this paper some very encouraging results obtained
from the sediments of central and southern Taiwan are
Rucinolithus irregularis
Fasciculithus tympaniformis
Heliolithus kleinpelli
Discoaster mohleri
Heliolithus riedeli
Sphenolithus distensus
Sphenolithus ciperoensis
Triquetrorhabdulus carinatus
Helicosphaera kamptneri
Sphenolithus belimnos
Helicisphaera ampliaperta
Sphenolithus heteromorphus
Cyclicargolithus floridanus
Discoaster variabilis
Discoaster quinqueramus
Ceratolithus acutus
Re ticulogen estra pseu doumbilica
Cyclococcolithina macintyrei
Pseudoemiliania lacu nose
(a) Coccolithus doronicoides
(b) Small Gephyrocapsa
(c) Pseudoemiliania lacunosa
Gephyrocapsa oceanica
*) Chinese Petroleum Corp.

presented. A total of 24 calcareous nannoplankton

datums and 20 zonations have been recognized and
proposed from the sediments of the studied areas, the
zonations listed as follows in ascending order:
Based on these data, not only stratigraphic correlations can be made among the sections and areas, but
also can be understood their stratigraphic relations
with the rest of Taiwan. Furthermore, the Oligocene/
Miocene,
Miocene/Pliocene, Pliocene/Pleistocene
boundaries can be recognized as well.
There are three unconformities that have been
recognized in the Peikang area, and one ih the coastal
Range, eastern Taiwan. These data also provide basis
for the interpretations of the geohistory and the
tectonic movement of central, southern, and eastern
Taiwan.

-- - -

--Zone
Zone
7
Zone
Zone
Zone
Zone
Zone
Zone
Zone
Zone
Zone
Zone
Zone
Zone
Zone
7
Zone
Zone
Zone
-- -- - - - --Zone
Subzone
Subzone
Subzone
-- - - - - Zone

13

1
3

--

Early Cretaceous
Late Paleocene
Oligocene
Early Miocene

Middle Miocene
Late Miocene
Early Pliocene
Late Pliocene

- Early Pleistocene

--

Middle Pleistocene

346
INTRODUCTION
During the past three decades, biostratigraphy and stratigraphic correlation were
studied in Taiwan with framework mainly
based on benthonic and planktonic Foraminifera. Recently, a new biostratigraphic tool,
nannofossils has been introduced and successfully applied to biostratigraphy, stratigraphy,
and oil exploration in both the surface and
subsurface sections. The lithology in central
and southern Taiwan is characterized by facies
changes and lack of distinctive marker biohorizons, especially in the Tainan and Kaohsiung areas. It is not only very difficult to
subdivide these sequences and make the stratigraphic correlations among the sections and
basins, but also very difficult to understand
the relations between northern and southern
Taiwan based only on lithostratigraphic study.
Fortunately, most of the sediments are rich in
nannofossils, and it is now possible to solve
the above problems.
Tectonically, the more than 10,000 meters
thick sediments in Taiwan can be spearated
into three terrains: the backbone Central
Range, the Coastal Range in the east, and the
Coastal Plain and Foothills Region in the west.
Among them, the last one can be further subdivided into several units: from north to south,
the Kuanyin Shelf, the Hsinchu Basin, the
Miaoli Swell, the Taichung Basin, the Peikang
Shelf, the South Taiwan Basin including the
Tainan and Kaohsiung areas, and the Hengchun
Peninsular (Fig. 2). The total thickness of the
Tertiary and Quaternary in the Western Coastal
Plain has been measured and estimated by
Schreiber and others (Schreiber, 1965;Chang,
1968, Chou, 1965; Meng, et al., 1969). It is
approximately 4300 m below the Kuanyin
Shelf, 7000 - 9000 m in the Hsinchu Basin,
6500 - 8000 m below the Miaoli Swell, 7500 100,000 m in the Taichung Basin, 1500 - 2100
m below the Peikang Shelf (Bosum, et al.,
1970). In the South Taiwan Basin, the thickness of the Neogene sediments, becoming
thicker from north t o south are at least more
than 5500 m in the Tainan region (Bosum, et
al., 1970).
In this paper, the biostratigraphy ,zonations,
and stratigraphic correlation will be discussed

in detail based on calcareous nannoplankton

fossils from the sediments of the Taichung
Basin, the Peikang Shelf, the South Taiwan
Basin, the Hengchun Penisular , and the Eastern
Coastal Range. The geohistory, the paleoenvironment, and the tectonic significance are
also briefly summarized.
STRATIGRAPHIC RECORDS OF THE CALCAREOUS NANNOFOSSILS
A total of sixty-nine sections of central,
southern, and eastern Taiwan have been selected
for this study, Among them, five sections
belong to the Taichung Basin, twenty subsurface sections belong to the Peikang Shelf
twenty-five sections belong to the south Taiwan
Basin, three section belong to the Hengchun
Peninsula, and sixteen sections belong to the
Coastal Range.
Generally, the ages of the sediments from
the study areas range from Mesozoic Aptian
(about 100 M.Y.) to Cenozoic Pleistocene (0.5
M.Y.). The nannofossil records are summarized,
from north to south, as follows:
1. Taichung Basin

The Taichung Basin is located in the central

part of western Taiwan. A total of five sections
are studied, including the Shuiliutung, Peikangchi, Takeng, Tsukeng, and Hoshe sections. The
sedimentary sequence ranges from Oligocene to
Late Miocene.
Nannofossils are rare in the Oligocene sediments but are abundant in the Early and Middle
Miocene. Sphenolithus ciperoensis Bramlette
and Wilcoxon, Dictyococcites bisectus (Hay,
Mohler, and Wade), Zygrhablithus bijugatus
(Deflandre) are found from the Shuichangliu
Formation or the Tsukeng Formation and the
basal part of the Takeng Formation (Ho, et al.,
1956). Therefore, this interval can be assigned
to the Late Oligocene in age. However, nannofossils become rare to absent in the remaining
part of the Takeng Formation, which is
characterized by containing shallow or paralic
sediments, The lower part of the Shuilikeng
Formation contains well preserved nannofossils
of high diversity. Detailed zonation can be
proposed. The Early Miocene indicators Triquetrorhabdulus carinatus Martini, Discoaster

34 7
druggii Bramlette and Wilcoxon, Sphenolithus
beleinnos Bramlette and Wilcoxon, and Helicosphaera ampliaperta Bramlette and Wilcoxon
have been commonly found from the sequence
of the Early Miocene interval. The well
preserved, Middle Miocene associations of
high diversity have also been recovered from
the middle part of the Shuilikeng Formation,
representing the Middle Miocene Sphenolithus
heteromorphus Zone, Cyclicargolithus Jloridanus Zone, and Discoaster variabilis Zone.
The important species are Sphenolithus heteromorphus Deflandre, Cyclicargolithus floridanus
(Roth and Hay), and Discoaster bollii. However,
up to the upper part of the Shuilikeng Formation, the diversity becomes much less, and the
suggested ages are based on only several species.
At the top part of the Shuilikeng Formation,
nannofossils become abundant again, representing a Late Miocene Discoaster quinqueramus
Zone. The assemblages are composed of Discoaster quinqueramus Gartner Sphenolithus a
abies De flandre, and Reticulofenestra pseudoumbilica (Gartner).
The age of the so-called Tsukeng Formation, characterized by the occurrence of
Discocyclina and Nummulites, was regarded
as Miocene (Ho, 1961) or Eocene (Hashimoto
and Kurihara, 1974; Hashimoto 1979). However, because a few specimen of Sphenolithus
ciperoensis Bramlette and Wilcoxon have been
found, the age may be assigned to within the
Late Oligocene. Furthermore, quite frequently,
Crataceous, Paleocene, and Eocene secondary
fossils have also been found accompanying
the assemblage. Therefore, the Discocyclina
fossils are believed to be derived from the
Peikang Basement High, southwest of the
Taichung Basin.
2. Peikang Shelf (Massif)
The Peikang Shelf is located bwtween the
Choshuichi and Chiayi city on the Western
Coastal Plain of central Taiwan. Its existence
has been known from the reconnaissance
seismic, gravity, and aeromagnetic surveys
and it has been recognized and proved in the
drilling of many wildcat wells by the Chinese
Petroleum Corporation during the past decades.
There are a total of 20 subsurface borehole

sections that have been studied from the

Peikang Shelf. Among them, four reach the
so-called Mesozoic Basement, and contain
nannofossils indicating Early Cretaceous Aptian
(or the Chiastozygus litteraius Zone and Prohabdolithus abgustus Zone of Thiesteins 1973)
to Albian in age in the PK-2, PK-3, MLN-1, and
HP-1 Wells (Huang, 1978). The overlying
sediments are of the Paleocene Fasciculithus
tympanifonnis Zone (NP 5) through Discoaster
multiradiatus Zone (NP 9) that have been
recognized from the borehole cores of the
WG-1 and THS-1 Wells. The relationship
between the Cretaceous and Paleocene sediments could be an unconformity.
The overlying rocks are widely distributed
Neogene sediments which unconformity cover
the Cretaceous Basement High, or Paleocene
rocks, or some other PreMiocene nannoplankton zonation includes the Helicosphaera
kamptneri Zone (approximately equivalent
to NN 2), the Sphenolithus belemnos Zone
(NN 3 ) , the Helicosphaera ampliaperta Zone
(NN 4), the Middle Miocene Sphenolifhus
heteromolphus Zone (NN 5), and the Cyclicargolithus jloridanus Zone (approximately
equivalent t o NN 6). Although the rock interval
between the upper part of the Middle Miocene
and Late Miocene also more or less contain
nannoplankton in some depths, compared to
the abundance in the underlying Early Miocene
sediments, it is extremely rare, or even barren
in nannofossils. Therefore, the age of this
interval is only based on the cores at some
depths. Again, there is no deposition of this
interval in some wells. During the Early
Piiocene, the sea trangressed and covered
most of the Peikang Shelf area. Except for
the highest portion of the THS-1 Well where
the Pleistocene Pseudoemiliania lacunosa Zone
directly contacts with the Middle Miocene
Sphenolithus heterornolphus Zone, the rest
of the areas of the Peikang Shelf were widely
deposited with the Early Pliocene Reticulofenestra pseudoumbilica Zone, Late Pliocene
Cyclococcolithus macintyrei Zone, and Pleistocene Pseudoemiliania lacunosa Zone and
Gephyrocapsa oceanica Zone. After the deposition of the Gephyrocapsa oceanica Zone, the
sea quickly regressed from the shelf area and

348
deposited the alluvial or terrestrial facies
sediments, where no nannofossils have been
recovered.
3. South Taiwan Basin
This basin is situated between the Chiayi
and Pingtung cities. Compared t o northern
Taiwan, the lithology in this basin is characterized by facies change with much more marine
sediments. This coincides well with the results
from various lines of studies that the Peikapng
Shelf has a general tendancy of sloping southward down into the South Taiwan Basin with
the overlying Neogene sediments becoming
relatively thicker and deeper from the north
t o the south (Meng et al., 1960; Bosum et al.,
1970).
Based on both the geographical and geological view, the South Taiwan Basin can be
subdivided into three units: the Chiayi area,
the Tainan area, and the Kaohsiung area. A
total of 21 sections have been studied, six
sections in the Chiayi area, seven in the Tainan
area, and eight in the Kaohsiung area. The ages
of sediments in this basin varies from Late
Miocene to Middle Pleistocene.
The Late Miocene sediments which are
moderately common of sandstone, are represented by the socalled Tangenshan Sandstone,
Mucha Formation, or Chunglun Formation,
exposed in the eastern part of the basin. The
moderately well preserved nannofossil assemblages are diversified in this interval, composed
of Discoaster quinqueramus Gartner, Sphenolithus abies Deflandre, Reticulogenestra pseudoumbilica (Gartner), and Triquetrorhabdulus
rugosus Bramlette and Wilcoxon, which can
be assigned to the Discoaster quinqueramus
Zone. The continuous sediments above the
Discoaster quinqueramus Zone are mainly
composed of shale or mudstone, representing
the Early Pliocene Ceratolithus acutus Zone
and Reticulogenestra pseudoumbilica Zone.
The high diversity and good preservation of
the nannoflora in this interval, specially in the
Tainan and Kaohsiung mudstone areas, indicate
open sea and marine conditions during deposition. The assemblages are composed of Ceratolithus acutus Gartner and Bukry, C. rugosus
Bukry and Bramlette, Reticulogenestra pseudo-

umbilica (Gartner), and Sphenolithus abies

Deflandre. The Miocene and Pliocene boundary
is placed on the top of the first appearance
datum of the Ceratolithus acutus Gartner and
Bukry . The overlying rocks are mainly composed
of sandstone and shale in alteration, but poorly
preserved with a lower diversity nannoflora,
including Sphenolithus sp., Discoaster brouweri
Tan Sin Hok, D. penteradiatus Tan Sin Hock,
and Pseudoemiliania lacunosa (Kamptner).
They can be assigned to the Late Pliocene but
d o not allow for more detailed stratigraphic
subdivisions.
The nannoflora flourished again during the
beginhing of the Early Pleistocene. Therefore,
well preserved nannoplankton with high diversity have been recovered from the sediments.
The important species are Gehyrocapsaoceanica
Kamptner, Gephyrocapsa sp ., and Pseudoemiliana lacunosa (Kamptner). The first appearance datum of Gephyrocapsa Oceania Kamptner
is also used for determining the Pliocene and
Pleistocene boundary. The small Gephyrocapsa
Zone was first introduced by S. Gartner (1977)
as just below the Jaramilo Event (1.22 M.Y. 0.92 M.Y.). It has also been recognized from
the sediments in the South Taiwan Basin, but
the horizon is within the lower part of the
Brunes Epoch. The datum here is a little
younger than that of Gartners suggestion.
This difference probably implies that the small
Gephyrocapsa Zone in Southern Taiwan
is diachronous with the Zone of deep-sea
sediments of Gartners suggestion (Chen, et
al., 1977) or that there were different depositional environments (Chi, 1978).

4. Henchun Peninsula:
The Hengchun Peninsula is located on the
southern tip of the island of Taiwan. Only
three sections have been selected for this study:
the Maanshan section, the Toukou section, and
the Kengting section. The sediments of the first
two sections produce well preserved nannoplankton of high diversity, such as Pseudoemiliania Zacunosa (Kamptner), Gephyrocapsa
Oceania Kamptner, and Discoaster pentaradiatus Tan Sin Hok, indicating Pliocene to
Pleistocene in age. The sediments of the Kengting section contain fair and moderate diversity

349
of nannofossils. Not only the ages of the
sediments can be determined, but also the age
differences between the matrix and exotic
blocks can be recognized. Matrix of the Kengting Formation yield associations of the Late
Miocene Discoaster quinqueramus Zone (equivalent to NN 11 of Martins zonation), such as
Discoaster quinqueramus Gartner, Reticulofenestra pseudoumbilica (Gartner), and Sphenolithus abies Deflandre. The exotic blocks of the
Kengting Formation also produce nannoflora
indicating many different ages. The ages of the
exotic blocks range from the Cretaceous to
the Miocene. The secondarily derived nannofossils include Sphenolithus heteromorphus
(Deflandre) (NN 3 - NN 9,S. belemnos Bramlette and Wilcoxon (Late Eocene-Oligocene),
S. distensus (Martini) (23 - N p 24), Dictyococcites bisectus (Hay, Mohler, and Wade)
(Eocene-Oligocene), Zygrahablithus bijugatus
(Deflandre) (Oligocene-Eocene), Reticulofenestra umbilica (Levin) (Late Eocene-Early Oligocene), Chiamolithus grandis (Bramlette and
Riedel) (Eocene), Cyclococcolithus fomosus
Kamptner) (Eocene to Early Oligocene), and
watznaueria barnesae (Black) (mesozoic). The
above data indicate that the Kengting Formation
is a melange or olistostrome deposited in a
basin near a fault-scarp or near the source area.

5. The Coastal Range

The Coastal Range is located on the eastern
side of the island of Taiwan. It is characterized
by a number of pyroclastic or tuffaceous agglomerates or conglomerates within sediments.
A total of 16 sections have been studied, the
ages ranging from Late Miocene (NN 9) to
Early Pleistocene (NN 19).
Although the sediments of the Tuluanshan
Formation are mainly composed of pyroclastic
agglomerates, tuffaceous conglomerates, and
sandstone, the ages can also be determined
from the tuffaceous sandstone in several
sections. The nannofossils include Discoaster
quinqueramus Gartner, D. neohamatus Bukry
and Bramlette, and some other Late Miocene
associations. The nannoplankton becomes
common to abundant in the Pliocene sediments.
The nannofossil assemblage is mainly composed
of Reticulofenestra pseudoumbilica (Gartner),

Sphenolithus abies Deflandre, Ceratolithus

rugosus Bukry and Bramlette, Pseudoemilianic
lacunosa (Kamptner), Gephyrocapsa sp., Disciaster sulculus Martini and Bramlette, and D.
pentaradiatus Tan Sin Hok. Besides, the Late
Miocene association is also found from the
olistostrome of the Takangkou Formation.
The Pleistocene sediments are composed of
shale and conglomerates and also contain
moderately preserved nannofossils of high
diversity. The assemblage includes Geohyrocapsa oceanica Kamptner and Pseudoemiliania
lacunosa (Kamptner). The Lichi fFormation,
exposed in the southern and southwestern
parts of the Coastal Range is proved to be a
melange containing nannofossils of different
ages in matrix and exotic blocks.

CALCAREOUS NANNOPLANKTON DATUMS

AND ZONATIONS
In general, the extremely thick Cenozoic and
some Mesozoic marine sediments exposed on
the southwestern Coastal Plain and eastern
Coastal Range provide rather abundant calcareous nannofossils. Based on the first appearance datum (FAD) and the last appearance
datum (LAD), of socalled Biostratigraphic
events, a total of 24 datums and 20 biostratigraphic zonations have been recognized from
the studied area and proposed. However, in
some sections, marker species occur only
sporadically or are even absent. Therefore,
the zonations are defined relying upon some
other diagnostic species.
The calcareous nannoplankton datums are
listed in ascending order as follows:
(1) The FAD of Rucinoluthus irregularis
Thiestein,
Chiastozygus
litteranus
(Gorka),
Braaiudosphaera aficana
Stradner,
Parhabdolithus
angustus
(Stradner).
(2) The FAD of Lithastrinus floralis Stradner
and the LAD of Micrantholithus obtusus
Stradner.
(3) The FAD of Fasciculithus tympanifomis
Hay and Mohler .
(4) The FAD of Heliolithus kleinpelli Sullivan
( 5 ) The FAD of Discoaster gemmeus Stradner
(6) The FAD of Heliolithus riedeli Bramlette

3.50
and Sullivan
follows:
(7) The FAD of Discoaster multiradiatus Lower Greraceous (Aptian):
Bramlette and Riedel
(8) The LAD of Sphenolithus ciperoensis (1 1 Rucinolithus irregularis Zone
Bramlette and Wilcoxon, Zygrhablithus
bijugatus (Deflandre), or Dictyococcites Definition:
Interval from the FAD of Rucinolithus
bisectus (Hay, Mohler, and Wade).
irregularis
Thierstein t o the LAD of Predisco(9) The LAD of Sphenolithus distensus
sphaera cretacea (Arkhangelsky).
Martini
(10) The FAD of Helicosphaera kamptneri Occurrence:
Hay and Mohler and Discoaster druggii
This zone is only found from the bore-hole
Bramlette
cores and cuttings of PK-2 (1600-1700m),
(1 1) The LAD of Triguetrorhabduluscarinatus PK-3 (2040-2080m), MLN-1 (3870-4070m),
HP-1 (4000-4050m) by the Chinese Petroleum
Martini
Corporation
from the Peikang Shelf.
(12) The LAD ofsphenolithus belemnos Bramlette and Wilcoxon
Common species:
(1 3) The LAD of Helicosphaera ampliaperta
R. irregularis Thierstein, Watzanueria barBramlette and Wilcoxon
nasae (Black), W. britannica (Stradner), Cru(14) The LAD of Sphenolithus heteromorphus ciellipsis chiastia (Worsley), Braarudosphaera
afncana Stradner, Nannoconus minutus BronniDeflandre
(1 5) The LAD of Cyclicargolithus floridanus mann, N. truittii Bronnimann, Micrantholithus
obtusus Stradner, and Cyclagelosphaera marge(Roth and Hay)
rali Noel.
(16) The appearance of Catinaster coalitus
Martini and Bramlette or Discoaster Remarks:
bollii Martini and Bramlette
This zone is equivalent t o the Chiastozygus
(17) The FAD of Discoaster quinqueramus litterarius Zone and the part of the Porhabdolithus angustus Zone of Thiersteins (1973)
Gartner
zonation,
or to most part of the Chiastozygus
(18) The FAD of Ceratolithus acutus Gartner
litterarius Zone of Sissinghs zonation (1977).
and Bukry
A detailed study of this interval has been made
(19) The FAD of Ceratolithus rugosus Bukry
by
Huang (1978). The base of this zone is
and Bramlette
concealed.
(20) The LAD of Reticulogenestra pseudoumbilica (Gartner)
Upper Paleocene :
(21) The FAD of Gephyrocapsa oceanica
(2) Faciculithus tympaniformis Zone
Kamptner
(22) The first LAD of Gephyricapsa oceanica Definition:
Kamptner
Interbal from the FAD of F. tympanifomis
(23) The reappearance datum of Gephyrocapsa Hay and Mohler to the FAD of Heliolithus
kleinpelli Sullivan.
oceanica Kamptner
(24) The LAD of Pseudoemiliania lacunosa Occurrence :
(Kamptner)
The drilling cuttings of 19 10 m in the THS-1.

Calcareous Nannoplankton Zonations:

Based on the above datums, together with
detailed insight into the associations, 22 biostratigraphic zones from the sediments of the
studied area are defined in ascending order as

Common species:
Fasciculuthus tympani formis Hay and
Mohler Fasciculithus ulii Perch-Nielsen, Fasciculuthus sp. Prinsius bisulcus (Stradner), Coccolithus pelagicus (Wallich), Toweius craticulus

351
Hay and Mohler T. eminens (Brandette and
Suilivan), Zygodiscus signoides Bramlette and
Sullivan, Sphenolithus morifomis Bronnimann.

Remarks:
This zone is equivalent to the Fa,sciculithus
tympanifomis Zone (NP 5) of Martinis zonation (1971). A detailed study of this interval
has been made by T.C. Huang and Chi (1979).
(3) Heliolithus kleinpellii Zone

Definition :
Interval from the FAD of Heliolilhus kleinpellii Sullivan to the FAD Discoaster mohleri
Budry and Percival.
Occurrence:
The bore-hole cores of WG-1, from 3850m
to 4200m in depths.

(5) Heliolithus riedeli Zone

Definition :
Interval from the FAD of Heliolithus riedeli
Bramlette and Sullivan to the FAD of Discoaster
multiradiatus Brandette and Riedel.
Occurrence:
The borehole cores of C.P.C. WG-1 Well
from 3500m to 3300m in depths.
Common species:
Those of the Discoaster mohleri Zone,
plus Heliolithus nedeli Bramlette and Sullivan,
Chiasmolithws grandis Bramlette and Riedel,
Fasciculitlzus involutus Bramlette and Sullivan,
F. schaubi Hay and Mohler in the upper part of
this zone,

Remarks:
This zone is equivalent to a part of the
Common species:
Heliothus riedeli Zone, and might go into the
Those of the Fasciculithus tympanifomis lower part of the Discoaster multiradiatus
Zone, plus Heliolithus kleinpellii Sullivan.
zonation (1971). A detailed study of this
interval
has been made by T.C. Huang and
Remarks :
W.R.
Chi
(1979).
This zone is equivalent to the part of the
Heliolithus kleinpellii Aone (NP-6) of the
Martinis zonation (1971). A detaded study (6) Sphenolithus distensus Zone
of this interval has been made by T.C. Huang
Definition:
and W.R.Chi (1979).
Interval from the FAD to the LAD of
Spenolithus distensus (Martini).
(4) Discoaster mohleri Zone
Definition:
Interval from the FAD of Discoaster mohleri
Bukry and Percival to the FAD of Heliolithus
riedeli Bramlette and Sullivan.

Occurrence:
The lower part ofthe Shuichangliu Formation
in the Nantou area.

Common species:
Sphenolithus predistentus Bramlette and
Occurrence:
Borehole cores of C.P.C. WG-1 Well, from Wilcoxon, S. distentus Bramlette and Wilcoxon,
Dicfyococcites bisectus (Hay, Mohler, and
3600m-3850m in depth.
Wade), Cyclicargolithus floridanus (Roth and
Common species:
Hay), Sphenolithus morifomis (Bronnimann
Those of the Heliolithus kleinpellii Zone, and Stradner).
plus Discoaster mohleri Bukry and Percival.
Remarks:
Remarks:
This interval is equivalent to the SphenoThis zone is equivalent to a part of the lithus distentus zone (NP 24) of Martini zonaDiscoaster gemmeus Zone (NP 7) of Martinis tion (1971), the basal part may down to the
zonation (1971). A detailed study this interval Sphenolithus predistentus zone. A detailed
has been made by T.C. Huang and W.R. Chi study of this interval has been made by T.C.
(1979).
Huang and J.A. Ting (1979).

352
(7) Sphenolithus ciperoensis Zone
Definition:
The LAD of Sphenolithus distentus Bramlette and Wilcoxon to the LAD of S. ciperoensis
Bramlette and Wilcoxon, or Dictyococcites
bisectus (Hay, Mohler, and Wade), or Zygrhablithus bijugatus Deflandre).
Occurrence :
Interval from the upper part of the Shuichangliu Formation to the basal part of the
Takeng Formation in the Nantou area.

Remarks:
This zone is roughly equivalent to the
Triquetrorhabdulus carinatus Zone (NN 1) of
Martinis zonation (1971). This interval is
equivalent to the upper part of the Tatungshan
Formation in north Taiwan. The most part of
this zone is rare in nannofossils (Chi, 1979).
(9) Helicosphaera hmptneri Zone

Definition:
Interval from the FAD of Helicosphaera
kamptneri (Hay and Mohler), or Discoaster
druggii Bramlette and Wilcoxon to the LAD of
Triquetrorhabduluscarinatus Martini.

Common species:
Those of the Sphnolithus distentus Zone,
except for S. distentus Bramlette and Wilcoxon, Occurrence :
the assemblage is the same as plus S. ciperoensis
From the upper part of the Takeng FormaBramlette and Wilcoxon and Triquetrorhabdulus
tion to the basal part of the Shuilikeng Formacarinatus Martini.
tion in the Nantou area (Chi, 1979); the subRemarks:
surface sediments overlying the so-called baseThis zone is approximately equivalent to ment from the Peikang Shelf (Chi, 1980, in
the Sphenolithus ciperoensis Zone of Martinis Chang et al., 1980); the Piling Shale of the
zonation (1971). The Tsukeng Formation is Miaoli area (Chi and Mei, 1981). (see fig. 3).
characterized by the occurrence of Discocyclina Common species:
and tuffaceous sediments, was assigned to this
Triquetrorhabdulus carinatus Martini, Cyclizone, and the blocks containing the Eocene
cargolithus
floridanus (Roth and Hay), CoccoDiscyclina is also believed to be derived from
lithus pelagicus (Wallich), C. miopelagicus
the Peikang Shelf (Chi, 1979).
Bukry , Distyococcites abisectus (Muller), Reticulofenestra
sp., Sphenolithus dissimilis Bukry
(8) Triquetrorhabduluscarinatus Zone
and Percival, S. conicus Bukry, S. moriformis
Definition:
(Bronminann and Stradner), S. pacificus
Interval from the LAD of Sphenolithus Martini, S. belemnos Bramlette and Wilcoxon,
ciperoensis Bramlette and Wilcoxon to the Sphenolithus sp., Discoaster druggii Bramlette
FAD of Helicosphaera kamptneri (Hay and and Wilcoxon, Helicosphaera kamptneri (Hay
Mohler), or Discoaster druggii Bramlette and and Mohler) or H. carteri (Wallich) H. ampliaperta Bramlette and Wilcoxon, H. intermedia
Wilcoxon.
(Martini), Discolithina sp., Braarudosphaera
Occurrence:
bigelowi (Gran and Braarud).
Within the Lower part of the Takeng Formation in the Nantou area. May be observed from Remarks:
the subsurface wells of the Peikang basement
This zone is equivalent to the Discoaster
High (Chi, 1980, in Chang et al., 1980).
druggii Zone of Bramlette and Wilcoxons
Common species:
zonation (1967), or the Discoaster druggii
The lower diversity of Cyclicargolithus Zone (NN 2 ) of Martinis zonation (1971),
floridanus (Roth and Hay). Coccolithus or the D. druggii Subzone of the Triquetrorpelagicus (Wallich), Sphenolithus moriformis habdulus cartinatus Zone of Bukrys zonation
(Bronnimann and Stradner), Sphenolithus sp., (1971, 1978). Helicosphaera kamptneri or
Dictyococcites abisectus (Muller), Reticulo- H. carteri and D. drug@i have their first appearance at the base of this zone. This interval
fenestra sp., and Discoaster sp.

353
is equivalent to the Tailiao Fo~mation in
northern Taiwan: The upper part of the socalled Pachangchi Sandstone, and the Molluscan
Limestone in the Peikang Shelf is within this
zone.
(10) Sphenolithus belemnos Zone
Definition:
Interval from the LAD of Triquetrorhabdulus carinatus Martini to the LAD of Sphenolithus belemnos Bramlette and Wilcoxon.
Occurrence :
The lower part of the Shuilikeng Formation
of the Nantou area; the subsurface section of
the C.P.C. drilling wells in the Peikang Shelf
(see fig. 3). And also found from the Lushan
Formation near the Liukuei, Kaohsiung area.
Common species:
Sphenolithus heteromophus Deflandre, S.
moriformis (Bronnimann and Stradner), S.
pacificus Martini, Sphenolithus sp ., Helicosphaera kamptneri (Hay and Mohler), H. carteri
(Wallich), H, intermedia Martini, CyclicargoZithus floridanus (Roth and Hay), C)cZococcolithina macintyrei (Bukry and Bramlette),
Coccolithus pelagicus (Wallich), C. miopelagicus Bukry, Reticulofenestra sp ., Discoaster
dejlandrei Bramlette and Wilcoxon, D. variabilis Martini and Bramlette, D. formosus
Martini and Worsley, and Discoaster sp.

occurrence:
Within the middle part of the Shuilikeng
Formation of the Nantou area; the subsurface
sediments of the C.P.C. drilling wells (see figure
3)
Common species:
Helicosphaera ampliaperta Bramlette and
Wilcoxon, H. kamptneri (Hay and Mohler).
H. carteri (Wallich), H euphratis Haq, H.
obliqua Bramlette and Wilcoxon, Coccolithus
pelagicus (Wallich), C. miopelagicus Bukry,
Cyclicargolithus floridanus (Roth and Hay),
Sphnolithus heteromophus Deflandre, S.
conicus Bukry, S. pacificus Martini, S. moriforms (Bronnimann and stradner), Discoaster
deflandrei Bramlette and Wilcoxon, D. adamanteus Bramlette and Wilcoxon and Discoaster sp.

Remarks:
This zone is equivalent to the interval from
the upper part of the Peiliao Sandstone to
the lower part of the Talu Shale in Northern
Taiwan. The socalled Orbitoid Limestone is
within the upper part of this zone.

(12) Sphenolithus heteromorphus Zone

Definition:
Interval from the LAD of Helicosphaera
ampliaperta Bramlettea and Wilcoxon to the
LAD of Sphenolithus heteromolphus Deflandre.
Occurrence :
Remarks:
The middle part of the Shuilikeng FormaThis zone is equivalent to the Sphenolithus tion of the Nantou area; the subsurface sediheteromolphus Zone of Bramlette and Wil- ments of the C.P.C. drilling wells of the Peikang
coxons zonation (1967) or to the Sphenolithus Shelf (see fig. 3).
heteromolphus Zone (NN 5 ) of Martinis zona- Common species:
tion (1971), or to the S. heteromoiphus Zone
Sphenolithus heteromophus Deflandre, S.
of Bukrys zonation (1973, 1978). This zone
morifomis
(Bronnimann and Stradner), S. paciis equivalent to the lower part of the Peiliao
ficus
Martini,
Sphenolithus sp., Helicosphaera
Sandstone in the Miaoli area.
kamptneri (Hay and Mohler), Cyclococcolithina macintyrei (Bukry and Bramlette), Cocco(1 1) Helicosphaera ampliaperta Zone:
lithus pelagicus (Wallich), C miopelagicus
Definition:
Bukry, Reticulo fenestra sv., Discoaster deflanInterval from the LAD of Sphenolithus drei -Bramlette and Wilcoxon, D. variabilis
belemnos Bramlette and Wilcoxon to the LAD Martini and Bramlette, D. exilis Martini and
of Helicosphaera ampliaperta Bramlette and Bramlette, D. formosus Martini and Worsley,
Wilcoxon.
and Discoaster sp.

Remarks:
This zone is equivalent to the interval from
the upper part of the Talu Shale to the basal
part of the Kuanyinshan Sandstone in Northern
Taiwan.

Formation of the Nantou area; within the

lower part of the Nanchuang Formation,
eastern flank of the Chunglun anticline, 1650m
depth pf CL-1 Well in the Chiayi area, and the
Shanmin Shale of the Hunghuatzu section,
Kaohsiung area.

(13) Cyclicargolithusfloridanus Zone

Common species:
Reticulofenestra pseudoumbilica (Gartner),
Reticulofenestra sp ., Dictyococcites hesslandii
(Haq), D. minutus (Haq), Coccolithus pelagicus
(Wallich), C. miopelagicus Bukry ,Helicosphaera
kamptneri Sphenolithus morifomis (Bronnimann and Stradner), S. abies DeflandreJphenolithus sp., Helicosphaera kamptneri (Hay
and Mohler), Cyclococcolithina macintyrei
(Bukry and Bramlette), Coronocyclus nitescens
(Kamptner), Discoaster of D. kuglen Martini
and Bramlette, D. bollii Martini and Bramlette,
D. varialilis Martini and Bramlette, D. varialilis
Martini and Bramlette, D. exilis Martini and
Bramlette, Discoaster sp., and Catinaster sp.

Definition:
Interval from the LAD of Sphenolithus
heteromophus Deflandre to the LAD of
Qclicargolithus floridanus (Roth and Hay).
Occurrence:
Within the lower upper part of the Shuichangliu Formation of the Nantou area; the
subsurface borehole sediment of the Peikang
Shelf.
Common species:
Cyclicargolithus floridanus (Roth and Hay),
Sphenolithus pacijicus Martini, S. rnorifonnis
fonnis (Bronnimann and Stradner), Helicosphaera kamptneri (Hay and Mohler), Qclococcolithina macintyrei (Bukry and Bramlette),
Cy. leptopora (Murray and Blackman), Reticulofenestra sp., Reticulofenestra of R. pseudoumbilica (Gartner), Coccolifhus pelagicus
(Wallich), Discoaster exilis Martini and Bramlette, D. variabilis Martini and Bramlette,
Discoaster sp. and Triquetrorhabdulus rugosus
Bramlette and Wilcoxon.
Remarks:
This zone is equivalent to the part of the
Discoaster exilis Zone of Martinis zonation
(1971), or to the Coccolithus miopelagicus
Subzone of the Discoaster exilis Zone of the
Bukrys zonation (1978). The top of this zone
is within the middle part of the Kuanyinshan
Sandstone Member of the Nankang Formation
in northern Taiwan.

Remarks:
Owing to the lower diversity, or lack of key
markers such as Discoaster kugleri, D. hamatus,
and Catinaster coalitus in this area, only the
LAD of Cyclicargolithus floridanus can be used
for the base, and only the FAD of Discoaster
quinqueramus, or Ceratolithus sp. can be used
for the top to define this zone.
This zone is equivalent t o the interval from
the base of Zone NN 7 to the top of zone NN
10 of Martinis zonation (1971). This zone is
also equivalent to the interval from the upper
part of the Discoaster exilis Zone to the top of
the D. neohamatus Zone of Bukrys zonation
(1978). D. bollii, D. kulgeri and Catinaster
coalithus have their first appearance (in lower
diversity), near the base of this zone.
(15) Discoaster quinqueramus Zone

(14) Discoaster variabilis Zone

Definition:
Definition:
Interval from the FAD of Discoaster quinInterval from the LAD of Cyclicargolithus queramus Gartner to the FAD of Ceratolithus
floridanus (Roth and Hay) to the FAD of acuius Gartner and Bukry.
Discoaster quinqueramus Gartner.
Occurrence :
Occurrence :
The lower part of the Mucha Formation or
Within the upper part of the Shuilikeng the Tangenshan Sandstone in the Tainan area;

355
the lower part of the Wushan Formation in
the Kaohsiung area; within the middle part of
the Chunglun Formation in the C'hiayi area;
the lower part of the Tangenshan Sandstone
of the Hunghuatzu section; the upper most
part of the Shuilikeng Formation in the Nantou
area; the Kengting Formation in the Hengchung
area; the upper part of the Tuluanslian Formation of the Coastal Range, eastern Taiwan; and
some subsurface sections in the Peikang Shelf.

that this interval is equivalent the upper part of

the D. quinqueramus Zone and lower part of
the C tricorniculatus Zone of Gartner's (1 969)
or Martini's (1970), or Bukry's (1971), or the
upper part of the D. quinqueramus zone and
C. acutus zone of Haq's (1978). This zone can
also be correlated with the lower part of the
Kuantaoshan Sandstone of the Chuhuangkeng
section.

(16) Ceratolithus acutus Zone

Common species:
Large form of Reticulofenestra pseudoum- Definition:
Interval from the FAD of Ceratolithus
bilica (Gartner), Sphenolithus abies Deflandre,
Sphenolithus sp., Cyclococcolithina macintyrei acutus Gartner and BiJkry to the FAD of
(Bukry and Bramlette), Cy. leptopora (Murray Ceratolithus rugosus Bukry and Bramlette.
and Blackman), Helicosphaera kamptnen (Hay Occurrence :
and Mohler), Coccolithus pelagicus (Wallich),
Within the middle part of the Mucha FormaDiscoaster brouweri Tan Sin Hok, Discolithina
tion,
or spands the interval from the upper part
multipora, Discoaster quinqueramus Gartner,
of
the
Tangenshan Sandstone to the lower part
D. variabilis Martini and Bramlette, Discoaster
sulculus Martini and Bramlette, D. chanllengeri of the Yunshuikeng Shale in the Tainan area;
Bramlette and Riedel, Dictyococcites mininus the interval from the upper part of the Wushan
Formation to the midde part of the Kaitzuliao
(Haq), Amaurolithus tricorniculatus (Gartner).
Shale in the Kaohsiung area; the interval from
Remarks:
the upper part Kaohsiung area; the interval
According to Gartner (1969) and Martini from the upper part of the Chunglun Forma(1970), the definition of the D. quinqueramus tion t o the basal part of the Niaotsui Formation
zone was based on the FAD and last appearance in the Chiayi area; and the lower part of the
(LAD) of the D. quinqueramus. The upper Takangkou Formation in the Coastal Range
limit of the marker species of this zone is eastern Taiwan.
only incompletely known, but it seems to be Common species:
restricted to Upper Miocene arid possible
Sphenolithus abies Deflandre, Sphenolithus
Lowermost Pliocene sediments (GaItner, 1969,
sp.,
Cyclococcolithina macintyrei Bukry and
p. 598). Haq and Berggren (1 978) also reported
Bramlet t e , Helicosphaera kamp tneri (Hay
that the species occurs in the EaIly Pliocene and Mohler), Reticulofenestra pseudoumbilica
and does not disappear until the end of the (Gartner), Coccolithus pelagicus (Wallich),
Early Pliocene (NN 15) in core 67 of the Rio Discolithina sp., Discoaster brouwen Tan Sin
Grande Rise in the Atlantic Ocean. They also Hok, D. variabilis Martini and Bramlette, D.
maintained that the anolamous LAD of D. suducalus Martini and Bramlette, Discoaster
quinqueramus cannot be explained by rework- of D. pentaradiatus Tan Sin Hok, Dictyoing alone, and must sought in either the time coccites mininus (Haq), Dictyococcites heesitransgressive nature of this event, or in differing landii (Haq), Amatolithus amplificus (Bukry
taxonomic concepts (Haq and FAD of D. and Percival), A . primus (Bukry and Percival),
quinqueramus for the base of this zone is A. delicatus Gartner and Bukry, A. tricornicureliable, the LAD of this species IS uncertain
Eatus (Gartner), Ceratolithus acutus Gartner and
so far.
Bukry.
Although the distribution of D. quinquerarnus is dispersed in the above sections, because
it persists in this interval and no A . amplificus Remarks:
or C. acurus has been found, the writer proposed
According to Bukry (1971), his C. tricorni-

356

culus Zone can be subdivided into the Triquetrorhabdulus rugosus subzone, A. amplificus
subzone, and C. rugosus subzone, the late
(1973), he took the Ceratolithus acutus Subzone is based on the interval between the
FAD of C. acutus and the FAD of C. rugosus.
(Bukry, 1973). This subzone is equivalent to
the interval between the basal part of NN 12
and the top of NN 13 of Martinis.
Due to the sparse distribution of the C
acutus in some the base of this zone is difficult
to distinguish from the D. quinqueramus
Zone. The writer would rather distinguish
them based on the different assemblages. In
experience, the C. acutus Zone contains a
higher frequency of the Amaurolithus or
Ceratolithus species than the D. quinqueramus
Zone. In other words, it is easier to find the
species of A. delicatus, A. primus, A. tricomicus, A. amplificus, C. acutus and other Ceratolithus species in this zone than in the D.
quinqueramus Zone. Furthermore, D. quinqueramus seems distinct within this zone in the
studied area.
This zone can be correlated with the upper
part of Zone NN 12 of Martinis, and the C.
acutus subzone of the C tricorniculatus Zone
of Bukrys and can also be correlated to the
upper part of the Kuantaoshan Sandstone and
the lowermost part of the Shihliufen Shale of
the Chuhuangkeng section, Northern Taiwan.

of the Takangkou Formation in the Coastal

Range, eastern Taiwan.

Common species:
Sphenolithus abies Deflandre, Sphenolithus
sp., S. moriforms, (Bronnimann and Stradner),
Ceratolithus rugosus Bukry and Bramlette,
Amaurolithus tricomiculatus (Gartner), Ceratolithus sp., Discoaster surculus Martini and
Bramlette, D. pentaradiatus Tan Sin Hok, D.
variabilis Martini and Bramlette, D. challengeri
Bramlette and Tiedel, D. brouweri Tan Sin Hok,
Reticulofenestra pseudoumbilica (Gartner),
Re ticulofen es tra sp ., Dic ty ococcites hessilandii
(Haq), D. mininus (Haq), Cyclococcolithina
leptopora (Murray and Blackman), 0.
macintyrei (Bukry and Mohler), H. selli Bukry and
Bramlette, Discolithina japonica (Takayama),
Discolithina sp ., Braarudosphaera begilowi
(Gran and Braarud) and derived fossils: Cyclicargolithus floridanus (Roth and Hay), Sphenolithus hetermorphus (Deflandre).
Remarks:
According to Gartner (1969) and Martini
(1970) the lower limit of C. rugosus Zone (NN
13) is based on the FAD of C. rugosus. Althougg
its distribution is sporadic, this event is reliable
in Southern Taiwan. The upper limit of NN 13
is based on the FAD of D. asymmetricus, but
it seems unreliable in this area, because the
FAD of the species seems to appear earlier than
NN 14 of Martinis. The same phenomenon
(1 7) Reticulofenestra pseudoumbilica Zone
has been reported from the Chuhuangkeng
section (T.C. Huang, 1976; Chi, 1978, unDefinition:
Interval from the FAD of Certolithus published data).
The upper limit of NN 14 of Martinis is
rugosus Bukry and Bramlette to the LAD of
based
on the LAD of A. tricomiculatus. This
Reticulofenestra pseudoumbilica (Gartner).
event seems unreliable in Taiwan too. It is
Occurrence :
because this species is too rare in distribution
The interval from the upper part of the to be taken as a reliable indicator. The only
Yenshuikeng Shale to the basal part of the event that can be used is the LAD of R. pseudoYunshuichi Formation, or the Chutouchi umbilica.
Formation, or within the lower part of the
This zone is equivalent to NN 13 -NN 15
Lower Gutingkeng Formation in the Tainan (Early Pliocene) of Martinis standard zonation.
area; the interval from the upper part of the
Kaitzuliao Shale to the top of the Nanshihlun (18) Cyclococcolithina rnacintyrei Zone
Sandstone in the Kaohsiung area; the interval
from the lower part of the Niaotsui Formation Definition:
to the upper part of the Yunshuichi Formation
Interval from the LAD of Reticulofenestra
in the Chiayi area; and within the middle part pseudoumbilica (Gartner) to the FAD of

357

Gephyrocapsa oceanica Kamptner.

divided into three subzones as follows:

Occurrence :
The interval from the upper part of the
Yunshuichi Formation to the lower part of
the Liuchungchi Formation in the Chiayi area
and Tainan area; Interval from the upper part
of the Chutouchi Formation to the lower part
of the Peiliao Shale, within the middle part
of the Lower Gutingkeng Formation in the
Tainan area; the lower part of the Maanshan
Formation in the Hengchun Peninsula; the
upper part of the Takangkou Formation of
Eastern Hsiukuluanchi section in the Coastal
Range, Eastern Taiwan; and thie subsurface
section of the Peikang Shelf.

A. Coccolithus doronicoides Subzone

Definition:
Interval from the FAD of Gephyrocapsa
oceanica Kamptner to the first rapid decrease
or absence of Gephyrocapsa oceanica Kamptner.

Occurrence :
The upper part of the Liuchungchi Formation in the Chiayi area and Tainan area; the
upper part of the Peiliao Shale or within the
upper middle part of the Gutingkeng Formation in the Tainan area; the Lingkou Formation
in the Kaohsiung area; the upper part of the
Maanshan Marl in the Hengchun Peninsula;
the lower part of the Takangkou Formation
Common species:
in the Western Hsiukuluanchi section in the
Pseudoemiliania lacunosa (Kamptner). Coastal Range, Eastern Taiwan, and the subGephyrocapsa sp. (Small type), Cyclococcoli- surface of the Peikang Shelf.
thina leptopora (Murray and Blackman), Cy.
macintyrei (Bukry and Bramleile), Helico- Common species:
Gephyrocapsa oceanica Kamptner, Gephyrosphaera kamptneri (Hay and Mohiler), H. selli
capsa sp., (Small type), Pseudoemiliania lacuBukry , Coccolithus pelagicus (Wellich), Eminosa (Kamptner), Cyclococcolithina leptopora
liania ovata Bukry, Discolithina sp., and derived
(Murray and Blackman), Cy. macintyrei (Bukry
fossils: Cyclicargolithus floridanus (Roth and
and Bramlette), Cy. macintyrei (Bukry and
Hay), Sphenolithus hetermorphus Deflandre.
Bramlette), Helicosphaera selli (Bukry), H.
Remarks:
kamptneri (Hay and Mohler), Emiliania ovata
This zone is tentatively correlated with Bukry ,Coccolithus pelagicus (Wallich), SphenoZones NN 16 to NN 18 (Late Pliocene) of lithus sp., and derived fossils: Cyclicargolithus
Martini's zonation. According to Gartner floridanus (Roth and Hay), Sphenolithus
(1969) and Martini, the base of D. surculus hetermorphus Deflandre, Reticulofenestra
Zone (NN 16) is based on LAD of R. pseudo- pseudoumbilica (Gartner).
umbilica. The top boundaries of NN 16 and
NN 17 are based on the LAD of D. sulculus
and D. pentaradiatus respectively. Because Remarks :
both of the above markers are sporadic in
According to Gartner (1977), the Pseudodistribution in this area, the boundaries of the emiliania lacunosa Zone (NN 19 of Martini's)
three zones are ambiguous. Therefore, the can be subdivided into four zones, of which
writer combined the three zones into the the lowermost one is the Cy. macintyrei Zone
Cyclococcolithina macintyrei Zone. This zone which was defined as the interval between
can also be correlated with the lower part the LAD of D. brouweri and the LAD of Cy.
of the Cholan Formation of the Chuhuangkeng macintyrei and the LAD of H. sellii (Gartner,
section.
1977). However, because both Cy. macintyrei
and H. sellii are sporadic in occurrence, both
(1 9) Pseudoemiliania lacunosa Zone
these biostratigraphic events are unreliable as
The definition of this zone is between the markers in study area. Therefore, the only
FAD of Gephyrocapsa oceanica Kamptner and feasible way is to use the LAD of F. oceanica
LAD of Pseudoemiliania lacunosa [(Kamptner). as the lower limit marker of this subzone, and
This zone spans a long interval, it can be sub- the LAD of H. sellii and the great decrease in

358
abundance of G. oceanica for the upper limit
marker.

B. Small Gephyrocapsa Subzone

Definition:
The interval from the first rapid decrease or
absence of Gephyrocapsa oceanica Kamptner
to its abundant reappearance. Another characteristic is that the small Gephyrocapsa spp.,
dominates in this zone.
Occurrence:
Within the lower part of the Kanhsialiao
Formation in the Chiayi and Tainan area; the
lower upper part of the Lower Gutingkeng
Formation in the Tainan area; the interval
from the top part of the Takangkou Formation
to the basal part of the Chimei Formation in
the Coastal Range, EAstern Taiwan.
Common species:
Gephyrocapsa spp. (Small type), Pseudoemiliania lacunosa (Kamptner), Coccolithus
doronicoides Black and Barnes, C. pelagicus
(Wallich), Helicosphaera kamptneri (Hay and
Mohler), Cyclococcolithina leptopore (Murray
and Blackman), and derived fossil: Cyclicargolithus floridanus (Roth and Mohler).

of Pseudoemiliania lacunosa (Kamptner).

Occurrence:
The interval from the upper part of the
Kanhsialiao Formation t o the basal part of the
Liushuang Formation in the Chayi and Tainan
area; the interval from the upper part of the
Lower Gutingkeng Formation to the basal part
of the Liushuang Formation; within the Chimei
Formation in the Coastal Range, Eastern
Taiwan.
Common species:
Gephyrocapsa oceanica Kamptner, Gephyrocapsa spp. (Small type), Pseudoemiliania
lacunosa (Kamptner), Coccolithus productus
(Kamptner), C. pelagikus (Wallich), Helicosphaera kamptneri (Hay and Mohler), Emiliania
ovata Bukry, Thoracosphaera saxia Stradner,
Cycloccolithina leptopora Deflandre, Cyclicargolithus floridanus (Roth and Hay), Reticulofenestra pseudoumbilica (Gartner).
Remarks:
The interval of this subzone is much longer
than of the other zones of the Pleistocene. It
can be correlated with the P. lacunosa zone of
Gartner's (1977), which is equivalent to the
interval from the highest level of dominantly
small Gephyrocapsa to the highest occurrence
of P. lacunosa.

Remarks:
According to Gartner, the small Gephyrocapsa Zone is defined as the interval from the (20) Gephyrocapsa oceanica Zone
highest occurrence of H. sellii to the highest
level of dominantly small Gephyrocapsa Definition:
Above the interval of the LAD of Pseudo(Gartner, 1977). On account of the reworking
problem, both the Cy. macintyrei datum and emiliania lacunosa (Kamptner). The top of this
the H. sellii datum are unreliable in this area. zone is unknown.
Therefore, using the LAD of the G. oceanica Occurrence:
instead of the H. sellii datum for the lower
Within the Liushuang Formation in the
limit of the Small Gephyrocapsa subzone is Chiayi and Tainan area and the subsurface
more useful in this area. This subzone can also sections of the Peikang Shelf.
be recognized in the upper part of the Lower
Gutingkeng Formation of the Chishan section Common species:
which is located south of the Kuanmiao section
Gephyrocapsa oceanica Kamptner, Gephyro(Chen et al., 1977).
capsa spp. (Small type), Coccolithus productus
Helicophaera kamptneri (Hay and Mohler),
C. Pseudoemiliania lacunosa subzone
CoccoZithus pelagicus (Wallich), and derived
Definition :
fossils: Sphenolithus abies Deflandre, ReticuloThe interval from the reappearance of fenestra pseudoumbilica (Gartner), CyclicargoGephyrocapsa oceanica Kamptner t o the LAD lithus gloridanus (Roth and Mohler).

359
Remarks:
The zone is equivalent t o the IGephyrocapsa
oceanica (NN 20) Zone of Martini's (1970) and
the G. oceanica Gartner's (11969, 1977).
According to them, this zone is defined as
between the LAD of P. lacunosa and the FAD
of Emiliania huxleyi, unfortunately, the upper
part of this zone is concealed in Taiwan.
STRATIGRAPHIC CORRELATIONS
Biostratigraphic correlation in central and
southwestern Taiwan has been established
based on Foraminifera study by L.S. Chang
(1967, 1975), T. Oinomikado and T.Y. Huang
(1957), Huang (1963,1967,1971,1975,1977,
1978); and based on nannofossils by T.C.
Huang (1978, 1980,1979), Chen et al., (1977),
and Chi, (l978,1979,1980,1981a, 1981b).
Based on biostratigraphic events not only
the detailed stratigraphic zones can be correlated
with one another among the sections in the
basins, but also stratigraphic correlations can
be made from the central part to southern part
of western Taiwan. Furthermore. the relations
of the sediments of the Coastal Range, ofeastern
Taiwan, and of southwestern Taiwan can also
be understood.
As presented in Figure 3 , the writer selected
one or two type sections from each basin to
show the lithology, and the stratigraphic
correlations among the basins and areas. For
further details of the nannobiostratigraphic
work, refer t o other writer's papers (1978,
l979,1980,1981a, 1981b).

Triquetrorhabdulus carinatus Zone (Zone NN

1) by Martini (1971), which is a little above the
LAD of S. ciperoensis Bramlette and Wilcoxon;
or on the top of the Cyclicargolithus abisectus
Subzone (CN la) of the T. curinatus Zone (CN
1) based on the end of acme of C. abisectus
(Muller) by Bukry (1978), and a Okada and
Bukry (1980). The boundary is approximately
coeval with the NP 25/NN 1 boundary of
Martini's zonations as discussed by Couvering
(1977). However, the last appearances of
Sphenolithus ciperoensis Bramlette and
Wilcoxon, Dictycoccites bisectus (Roth and
Mohler), and Zygrhablithus bijiagatus (Deflandre) are approximately at the same level within
the basal part of the Takeng Formation in the
Nantou area. Therefore the datum is used for
determining the Oligocene/Miocene boundary.
(2) Miocene/Pliocene Boundary
The problems associated with the determination of the position of the Miocene and
Pliocene boundary based on planktonic microfossils have had a long and complex history
spanning more than the last decade (Beggren
and Van Couvering, 1974). Based on calcareous
nannoplanktons, various boundaries have been
proposed by different authors. Some authors
placed the boundary within the Certolithus
rugosus Zone (Bukry, 1971, 1972; Martini and
Worsley, 1970, Martini, 1971); some placed
it on the top of the C. rugosus Zone (Bukry,
1972; Gartner, 1973); and some placed it on
the top of the Ceratolithus acutus Subzone of
the Ceratolithus tricomiculus Zone based on

, I

BOUNDARIES
(1) Oligocene/Miocene Boundary

The Oligocene/Miocene boundary is only

recovered from the basal part of the Takeng
Formation of the Takeng, Tsukeng, and Peikangchi sections in the Nantou area, central
Wesyern Taiwan. The boundary is based on the
last appearance of Spheizolithus cipertoensis
Bramlette and Wilcoxon, Zygrhablithus bijugatus (Deflandred), and Dictyococcites bisectus
(Hay, Mohler, and Wade). The Oligocene/
Miocene boundary was definedl within the

(Martini, 1971). For uractical uuruoses, the

Miocene/Pliocene bounhary was placed on the
Ceratolithus acutus Subzone of Ceratolithus
triconiculatus Zone of Bukry's (1973, 1978)
based on the FAD of Ceratolithus acutus
Gartner and Bukry.
In southern Taiwan, the Miocene/Pliocene
boundary can be determined based on the FAD
of Ceratolithus acutus Gartner and Bukry . The
boundary is suggested within the middle part of
the Tangenshan Sandstone or within the middle
part of the Mucha Formation in the Tainan

360
area; within the upper part of the Wushan
Formation in the Kaohsiung area; in the basal
part of the Takangkou Formation in the Coast
Range, eastern Taiwan. The Miocene/Pliocene
boundary defined in southwestern based
on calcareous nannoplankton approximately
coincides with the boundary based on planktonic Foraminifera study by T.Y. Huang
(1977). The M/P boundary is placed on the
base of the Shihliufen Shale of the Kuechulin
Formation in northern Taiwan.

REMARKS ON GEOHISTORY, PALEOENVIRONMENT, AND TECTONIC SIGNIFICANCE

Although detailed work on the geohistory,
paleoecology and tectonic movement of the
study area, has not been systematically carried
out, a little can be learned from the studies on
biostratigraphy, lithology paleoenvironment,
sedimentation rate, fossil preservation, fossil
diversity, and secondary fossils of the sediments.
Based on the biostratigraphic study, at least
three stratigraphic gaps can be recognized from
the sediments of the Early Cretaceous or Late
Paleocene and Early Miocene, of the Miocene
and Late Miocene, and of the end of Early
Pleistocene. The oldest gap is between the Early
(3) Pliocene/Pleistocene Boundary
Cretaceous and the Early Miocene sediments.
The Pliocene/Pleistocene boundary, as the This gap can only be recognized in the Peikang
Miocene/Pliocene boundary, has had a long and Shelf area, where the Early Cretaceous Aptian
complex history during more than the last sediments are overlain by the Early Miocene
decade. In planktonic microfossil study, some ( 1 - NN 2) Pachanchi sandstone in the
of the authors suggested the P/P boundary PK-2, PK-3, MLN-1 and HP-1 Wells. Neverbased on the extinction of the Genus Dis- theless in the Taishi and Wangkung areas
coaster and Globigeriodes quadrilobatus fistu- the underlying sediments of the Miocene
losus, and the first abundant occurrence of Pachangchi Sandstone are the Late Paleocene
Globorotalia truncatulinoides (Ericson et al., (NN 5 - NP 10) rocks. The sediments between
1963); some of the authors suggested its the Pachangch Sandstone and the Cretaceous
boundary based on the LAD of Discoaster or Paleocene sediments are tuffaceous material.
brouweri Tan Sin Hok (Aker, 1965; Wray The biostratigraphic data indicate that the
and Ellis, 1965; Berggren et al., 1967; Hay Early Cretaceous Sea came from the south to
et al., 1969; Takayama, 1969); some of the cover the Peikang area up to the north or
authors suggested the FAD of Gephyrocapsa northeast, and deposited the Cretaceous and
oceanica Kamptner for the P/P boundary Paleocene sediments, and a little of Eocene
(Martini, 1971; Bukry, 1971; Haq, et al., sediments. Until the Early to Late Oligocene,
1977; Gartner , 1977;) .
the sea extended t o the Nantou area and
The boundary can also be proposed based on deposited the Paileng sandstone and the Shuithe FAD of Gephyrocapsa oceanica Kamptner changliu Formation. In the meantime, the
in central and southwestern Taiwan. In other Peikang area was lifted and associated with
words, the Pliocene and Pleistocene boundary the intense volcanic activity to provide material
can be suggested within the middle part of the to the Nantou area. The intense volcanic activity
Liuchungchi Formation in the Chiayi area and on the Peikang Shelf, and in the Nantou area
several sections of the Tainan area; within the as well, can be proved by the sediments rich in
lower part of the Lower Gutingkeng Formation tuffaceous material in the Tsukeng Formation
or within the middle part of the Peiliao Shale of the Nantou area and in the subsurface
in the Tainan area; within the lower part of section of the Peikang area. The Oligocene
Takangkou Formation of the Chengkung reddish tuffaceous shale of the Tuskeng Formasection in the Coastal Range, eastern Taiwan. tion contains Late Cretaceous, Paleocene,
The Plio-Pleistocene boundary is placed and quite common Eocene secondary nannowithin the middle part of the Cholan Forma- plankton fossils. In contrast, Late Cretaceous
and Eocene sediments are lacking in most
tion in northern Taiwan.

36 1

from the Late Miocene to the Pliocene. Until

the Early Pleistocene, the large in scale Pleistocene Sea not only covered the Nantou and
Peikang areas, but also the southern part
including the Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung,
and Hengchuan areas.
Comparing the paleoenvironment of the
central part and the southern part of western
Taiwan, it seems to show that the paleodepth
was getting rather deeper from north to south
based on the higher diversity of planktonic
microfossils. Such data also agree well with the
geophysical data, which show that the sea over
the
continental shelf was shallow to the north
During the beginning of the Miocene, the
while
water deepened to the south into the
transgressive sea great in scale covered the
south China Sea. The magnetic contours also
whole of the Peikang and Nantou areas and
show the gentle gradients and general smoothdeposited the transgressive basal sand, the
ness indicative of a deep magnetic basement
Pachangchi Sandstone, in most pairts of the
(see W. Bosum, et al., 1970).
two areas. The environment of the Pachangchi
At the end of the Early Pleistocene, tectonic
Sandstone can also be proved by its (containing
quite a few of shallow water and nearshore movement large in scale occurred in most parts
species, such as Discolithina and Bruudos- of the island of Taiwan and deposited the
phaera bigelowi, which agrees well with the youngest sediments, such as gravel, conglolithology of the sandstone. The Miocene sea merates, and non-marine loose sand, in the
covered the area until the Late Middle Miocene central and southern part of western Taiwan.
and deposited the continuous sequence of This movement is called the Penglai Island
sediments from the Early Miocene to the Orogeny by Chang (1955).
Middle Miocene (NN 1 - NN 8). During the
The geology of the Coastal Range is quite
end of the Middle Miocene, the sea regressed different from that of western Taiwan. It is
and deposited the NN 8/9 marine sediments
characterized by containing island arc material,
in the Nantou area and the outer parts of
conglomerates, marine sediments, and many
the Peikang Shelf. Therefore no NN 8/NN 9
different ages of the sedimentary and mafic
sediment has been found from the center part
exotic blocks. These materials provide the
of the Peikang area. Until the Late Miocene,
data for study on the stratigraphic record of
transgressive sea small in scale covered parts
interactions between the Philippine Sea and
of the Peikang Shelf and the Nantou areas
Asia Plates.
again, the covered area increasing to younger
The end of abundant island arc volcanism
age, and deposited rather shallow and Warner
Late Miocene and Pliocene sediments in most in the Coastal Range is recorded by the Late
parts of the Nantou area and the Peikang Shelf, Miocene (NN 11) Tuluanshan Formation, but
except for the Taihsi area where deposition local island arc volcanism continued up into
did not occur until the Early Pleistocene. This the Pliocene and Early Pleistocene (NN 13 is the second unconfirmity in the Peikang Shelf, NN 19) as evidenced by tuffs and tuffaceous
but its extent depended on the areas. In other sandstones interbedded with mudstones of
words, the stratigraphic gap becomes greater the Takangkou Formation in the Coast Range,
towards the center part of the basement high, eastern Taiwan.
The Neogene paleoenvironment of the
or Taihsi, Peikang and Wangkung areas. The
Late Miocene Sea also covered the whole of eastern Coastal Range is quite different from
the southwestern Taiwan area and (deposited that of western Taiwan based on Foraminifera
the succession of sediments of the interval (see J.C. Ingle, 1975). The result shows that

parts of the Peikang Shelf. This contrast might

indicate that the Late Cretaceous, Paleocene
(Except for the Taihsi and Wangkung areas),
and Eocene sediments in the Peikang area were
eroded away during the Late Oligocene, or that
during the Late Oligocene, the Peikang area or
the adjacent areas are regarded as a part of the
source of sediments of the lower part of the
Tsukeng Formation during its deposition in the
Nantou area (Chi, 1979). The unconformity
below the Miocene sediments might be correlated with the Puli Orogeny of Changs
(Chang, 1955).

362
the paleodepth of the sediments in the Coastal
Range is about 2000 meters, much deeper than
that in western Taiwan about 500 - 600 meters.
With the Middle Pliocene (NN 15), there is a
marked increase in the rate of clastic deposition
increasing from less than 500 m/M.Y. to as
much as 11,000 m/M.Y. in Early Pleistocene,
which agrees with the influx of sediments from
the protoCentra1 Mountains source t o the
west, recording the beginning of collision
(about 4 M.Y.) of the Philippines Sea Plate
with the Chinese Continental Margin (Chi,
et al., 1981). The stratigraphical record of
the plate interactions in the Coast Range also
agrees with the record of uplift tectonic movement in western Taiwan. In western Taiwan,
the secondary fossils increased in abundance
from the Late Pliocene, and the rates of sedimentation was also increased rapidly during
the rates of sedimentation was also increased
rapidly during the Early Pleistocene (Chen,
et al., 1977). Such data show that tectonic
movements played an important role from the
Post-Late Pliocene, especially in the Pleistocene.
This agrees well with the age record of the
collision between the Luzon Island Arc and the
Chinese Continental Margin in the Coastal
Range, eastern Taiwan.

CONCLUSIONS
1. Biostratigraphy and stratigraphic correlation
in Taiwan was studied with framework
mainly based on Foraminifera in the last
decades. Recently, the same work on Galcareous nannoplankton has been carried out
and successfully applied to oil exploration.
2. Based on the studies, a total of 24 calcareous
nannoplankton datums and 20 nannobiostratigraphic zone have been recognized
and summarized. Correlations can be made
among the sections and basins, as well as
with the standard in north Taiwan.
3. The boundaries of the Oligocene and Miocene, Miocene and Pliocene, and Pliocene
and Pleistocene can be suggested based on
the nannoplankton study.
4. There are three major unconformities that
have been recognized from the Coastal
Range, eastern Taiwan. One is on the base

of the Lower Miocene sediments, or the

so-called Pachangchi Sandstone, in the
Peikang area, which agrees with the h l i
orogeny. The second is on the top of the
Middle Miocene sediments, or on the top
part of the socalled Nanchung Formation,
which is a local unconformity limited t o the
Peikang area. The third one is on the top of
the Early Pleistocene, or within the socalled
Toukoshan Formation, which might be correlated with a part of the Penglai Orogeny in
Taiwan. Another unconformity is recognized
from the top of the Late Miocene Tuluanshan
Formation.
5 . The biostratigraphic data of the Coast
Range, eastern Taiwan, not only can be
made use of for stratigraphic correlations,
but can also provide evidences of the stratigraphic record of the plate interactions of
the Philippines Sea plate and the South
China plate. However, the tectonic movement of the Coast Range and its relations
with western Taiwan and some other Pacific
regions call for still more detailed study.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The writer would like to express his gratitude
t o Mr. T.M. Wu, Vice President of the Chinese
Petroleum Corporation and Dr. S.L. Chang,
Director of the Exploration and development
Research Center C .P.C. for their continuous
encouragement and discussions through the
study. I also thank Professor C.S. Ho, advisor
t o MRSO for his critical reading of the manuscript and helpful suggestions. Thanks are
extended to all my colleagues of the Micropaleontology Laboratory, exploration and
Development
Research Center, Chinese
Petroleum Corporation, for their field work
and laboratory assistance.
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366

2I

Ywlshuichi Section

Figure 1.

20

Section location map of the studied area.

40

60KM

367

II

l2lD

t2f

a
0

I
-

Figure 2. Tectonic subdivision of Taiwan (after Bosum et a/., 1970).

3 68

Figure I. Stratigraphic ~ o r r e l a i i ~ofn ~thc Meroioi~and Cenoioic sediments xn the Central, Southern, m d Ersrcrn Taiwan

3 69

MartiniP

11971)

3ae

Zonations

index

Datums

Fossils

Zones

v l

NN 20

G oceanic0 zone

UP

+ P Iocunoso

. .

PiacunosaSub

Table 1. Datums, Zonations, and Index fossils of Central, Southern, and Eastern Taiwan.

Table 2.

Late

NPI-NP4

NP20

Thanetian
Stage

Stage

ciperoensis ,

disrensur

*,rrr,u,,LJ Dliuqolo:

Stratigraphic zonations, datums, and correlations of the sediments in the Central, Southern, and
Eastern Taiwan.

4 2 P* 3 "P I,ML*

Aption

( WG-IETHS

Appearance Datum
Appearance Datum

Limestone

ML - - - - ~ o i l u t c a n

& - - - Firgt
-

Limestone

OB----Orbitoid

7- - - - L o s t

Limestone

0 P - - - - Operculino

(1

4
0

Shuilufung
Peikuilg
Takeng
Tsukeng
1
Hoshe

=
1

=
I

.
-

Liushuang
Kueichunqchl
Ltuchungchi P
Touchienchi r
Yunshuichi r---Sanchienshon ,
Kuonmiao
Kuanmico P
L
Mucha L

c-----7

---

Napaiin cz=
W rsengwenchi C
L
Z
E Tsenqwencht
W Kueitancht rI
Eastern Kuettanchc
Sonpuchi
Houkuchi I
-

___

K a l t r u l l o ~

_
1

LingkoJ
Toshu

Chinarshan

c=-=3

Henqshan o
Shoushan
Fengshan

KengtingtMoanshmr

Yenliaokenq
Shuilien
c__
Fanshulioo
Tintzulou-Fenqp,n
L_
Hslukuluanchj
LohoChengkunq
Tungho-Full
,
Yuch lwch,
0Chunchie
DD
D D
Lichi
D
D c3 Kuanshan
D
Chungyeh
D
D
O
Juiyuon
D
-LiChilichi

--

WG-l
THS-I

K-2-

K-3-

L N l y

tp-1-

__

L---------L

tioutrushan

8 S S - Well

3 72

Explanation of Plate I
Figs. 1-2.

Gephyrocapsa sp.
From the Lingkou Formation of the Fenshan Section, Cross-Polarized
light, ~ 2 5 0 0
Figs. 3-5.
Gephyrocapsa oceanica Ka m pt ner
From the Lingkou Conglomerate of the Lingkou Section, Cross-Polarized
light, ~ 3 0 0 0
F i g s 6-8. Pseudoemil iania larunosa (Ka m p t ner )
From the Lower Gutingkeng Formation of the Shoushan Section, CrossPolarized light, x2500
Fig. 9.
Discoaster pentaradiatus Tan Sin Hok
From the Takangkou Formation of the Fanshuliao Section, Cross-Polarized
light, ~ 2 5 0 0
Fig. 10.
Ceratolirhus rugosus Bukry and Bramletie
From the Yenshuikeng Shale of the Houkuchi Section, Cross-Polarized
light, ~ 2 5 0 0
Fig. 11.
Umbilicosphaera sp.
From the Liuchiu Mudstone of the Liuchiu Island, Cross-Polarized light,
x 2500
Fig. 12.
Cyclolithella annula (Cohen)
From the Liuchiu Mudstone of the Liuchiu Island, Cross-Polarized light.
x 2500
Fig. 13.
Helicosphueru sellii (Bukry and Bramlette)
From the Shuilikeng Formation of the Shuiliutung Section, Cross-Polarized
light, ~ 2 5 0 0
Fig. 14.
Discoaster brouweri Tan Sin Hok
From the Takangkou Formation of the Eastern Hsiukuluanchi Section,
Transmitted light, ~ 2 5 0 0
Coccolithus pelagicus (W allic h)
Fig. 15.
From the Takangkou Formation of the Eastern Hsiukuluanchi Section,
Transmitted light, ~ 2 5 0 0
Helicosphaera carteri (Wallich)
Fig. 16.
From the Lingkou Conglomerate of the Fengshan Section, Cross-Polarized
light, ~ 2 5 0 0
Helicosphaera cf. H. neogranulata (Gartner)
Fig. 17.
From the Chichiao Formation of the Shoushan Section, Cross-Polarized,
light, X2500
Rhabdosphaera clavigera Murray & Bramlette
Fig. 18.
From the Lower Gutingkeng Formation of the Shoushan Section, CrossPolarized light, x2500
Discoasfer variabilis Martini & Bramlette
Fig. 19.
From of the Takangkou Formation of the Shuilien Section, Transmitted
light, X2500
Figs. 20-21. Cerafolithus cristatus Kamptner
From the Maanshan Mudstone of the Maanshan Section, Cross-Polarized
light, ~ 3 0 0 0
Figs. 22-23. Cyclococcolithina macinfyrei (Bukry and Bramlette)
From the Yenshuikeng Shale of the Houkuchi Section. Fig. 22, Transmitted
light; Fig. 23, Cross-Polarized light, x 3000

3 73
W. R. CHI: Nannobiostratigraphy of Taiwan

Plntc I

374

Explanation of Plate II
Figs. 1-2.

Reliculofenestra pseudoumbilica (Gartner)

From the Yunshuichi Formation of the Tsengwenchi Section, CrossPolarized light, X2500
Figs. 3-4. Sphenolishus abies Deflandre
From the Nanshihlum Sandstone of the Lingkou Section, Cross-Polarized
light, X2500
Figs. 5-7. Ceratolithus rugosus Bramlette and Wilcoxon
From the Takangkou Formation of the Shuiiien Section. Figs. 6-7, from
the Nanshihlun Sandstone of the Kaitzuliao Section, Cross-Polarized
light, X2500
Figs. 8-10. Ceratolithus acutus Gartner and Bukry
Fig. 8 from the Takangkou Formation of the Shuiiien Section, CrossPolarized light. Figs. 9-10, from the Tangenshan S. S. of the Kuitanchi
Section, Transmitted light, X2500
Figs. 11-13. Discoaster quinqueramus Gartner
Figs. 11 & 13, from the Tuluanshan Formation of the Coastal Range;
Fig. 12 from the Kengting Formation of the Hengchun Peninsula CrossPolarized light, X2500
Fig. 14.
Amaurolithus delicatus Gartner and Bukry
From the Yenshuikeng Formation of the Kuitanchi Section, CrossPolarized light, X2500
Figs. 15-16. Ceratolithus cf. cristatus Kamptner
From the Lichi Formation of the Lichi Section. Fig. 15, Cross-Polarized
light; Fig. 16, Transmitted light, X2500
Fig. 17.
Ceratolithus armatus Muller
From the Mucha Formation of the Eastern Kuanmiao Section, CrossPolarized light, X2500
Fig. 18.
Discoaster variabilis Martini & Bramlette
From the Takangkou Formation of the Chengkung Section, Transmitted
light, X2500
Fig. 19.
Discoaster surculus Martini & Bramlette
From the Kengting Formation of the Hengchun Peninsula, Transmitted
light, X2500
Fig. 20.
Discoaster brouweri Tan Sin Hok
From the Kaitzuliao Shale of the Lingkou Section, Transmitted light,
X2500

3 75
W. R. CHI: Nannobiostratigraphy of Taiwan

Plate 11

376

Explanation of Plate I11

Figs. 1-2.

Catincster calyculus Martini & Bramlette

From the Kengting Formation of the Hengchun Peninsula, Transmitted
light, x2500
Figs. 3-6. Cutinaster csrlithus Marlini & Bramlette
r r o m the Kengting Formation of the Hengchun Peninsula. Figs. 3-4,
Transmitted light; Figs. 5-6, Cross-Polarized light, r 2 5 0 0
Discoaster bullii Martini & Bramlette
Fig. I .
From the Kengting Formation of the Hengchun Peninsula, Transmitted
light, x2500
Figs. 8-10. Cyclicargolithus floridanus (Roth and Hay)
From the Talu Shale of the Taihsi no. 1. Cross-Polarized light, ~ 2 5 0 0
Figs. 11-14. Sphenolithus heteromorphus Deflandre
From the Talu Shale of the Taihsi no. 6 Well. Figs. 11-13, CrossPolarized light. Fig. 14, Transmitted light, x2500
Fig. 15.
Helicosphaera cf. H. romba (Bukry)
From the Mucha Formation of the Eastern Kuanmiao Section. CrossPolarized light, ~ 2 0 0 0
Figs. 16-18, Helicosphaera ampliaperta Bramlette and Wilcoxon
From the Talu Shale of the Taihsi no. 6 Well, Cross-Polarized light, ~ 2 5 0 0
Figs. 19-21. Sphenolithus bdemnos Bramlette & Wilcoxon
From the Peiliao Formation of the Taihsi no. 6 Well. Cross-Polarized
light, x2500
Micranrholithus sp.
Fig. 22.
From the Shuichangliu Formation of the Peikangchi Section, CrossPolarized light, ~ 2 5 0 0
Fig. 23.
Discoaster deflandre Bramlette and Riedel
From the Shuilikeng Formation of the Tsukeng Section, Transmitted
light, x2500
Figs. 24-25. Discoaster drugii Bramlette & Wilcoxon
From the Shuilikeng Formation of the Peikangchi Section, Transmitted
light, x2500
1

377
W. R. CHI: Nannobioslratigraphy of Taiwan

Plate 111

3 78

Explanation of Plate I V
Scyphosphriera sp.
F r o m the Lichi Formation of the Eastern Hsiukuluanchi Section, CrossPolarized light, x2500
Figs. 2-3.
Cyclicargolithus floridanus (Roth and Ha))
F r o m the Shuilikeng Formation of the Peikangchi Section, Cross-Polarized
light, x2000
Figs. 4, 7. Sphenolithus ciperoensis Bramle t t e and WiJcovon
F r o m the Shuichangliu Formation of the Peikangchi Section, Crosslight, x2500
Sphenolithus distentus (Martini )
Fig. 5.
F r o m the Shuichangliu Formation of the Peikangchi Section, CrossPolarized light, x2500
Sphenolithus predistentus Bramlette & \Vilco\on
Fig. 6 .
F r o m the Shuichangliu Formation of the Peikangchi Section, CrossPolarized light, x2500
Figs. 8-10, Zyhrhablithus bijugatus (Deflandre)
F r o m the Shuichangliu Formation of the Peikangchi Section, CrossPolarized light, x2500
Figs. 11-12. Dictyococcites bisectus (Ilay, hlohler and \Vade)
F r o m the Shuichangliu Formation of the Peikangchi Seclion, CrossPolarized light, ~ 2 5 0 0
Figs. 13-14. Sphzrrolithus rodinrs Defiandre
From the Shuichangliu Formation of the Peikangchi Section, CrossPolarized light, x2500
Figs. 15,21. Triquetrorhabdulus carinutus hlartini
F r o m the Shuilikeng Formation of the Peikangchi Section, Cross-Polarized
light, ~ 2 5 0 0
Figs. 16,22. Discolithinu mullipora (Kamptner)
F r o m the Lower Gutingkeng Formation of the Chinanshan Section.
Cross-Polarized light, x 2500
Figs. 17-18. Discolirhina syracusana (Lohman)
F r o m the Lower Gutingkeng Formation of the Chinanshan Section, CrossPolarized light, x2500
Figs. 19-20. Helicosphaera carter; (Hay & XIohler)
F r o m the Pachangchi Sandstone of the l a i h s i no. 1 \Veil (THS-l),CrossPolarized light, x 2500
Fig. 23.
Discolithinu japonica ( l a k a y a m a )
F r o m the Wusham Formation of the Kaitzuliao Section, Cross-Polarixd
light, x2500

Figs. 1,23

3 79
W. R. CHI: Nannobiostratigraphy of Taiuan

Plate IV

380

Explanation of Plate V
Fig. 1.

Orthorhabdus serratus Bramlette & Wilcoxon

From the Piling Shale of the Santao Section, Miaoli area, Cross-Polarized
light, x2500
Fig. 2.
Triquetrorhabdulus carinatus Martini
From the lower part of the Shuilikeng Formation of the Tsukeng Section,
Transmitted light, )c 2500
Fig. 3.
Discoaster surculus Martini and Bramlette
From the Lower Gutingkeng Formation of the Chinanshan Section,
Transmitted light, x 3000
Fig. 4.
Scyphosphaera sp.
From the Lower Gutingkeng Formation of the Mucha Section, CrossPolarized light, x 3000
Fig. 5.
Helicosphaera sellii Bukry
From the Lichi Formation of the Lichi Section, Cross-Polarized light,
x 3000
Fig. 6 .
Dicfyococcites abisectus (Muller)
From the Kengting Formation of the Ilengchun Peninsula, Cross-Polarized
light, x2500
Figs. 7,9. Braarudosphaera bigelowi (Gran and Braarud)
From the Chimei Formation of the Chenkung Section. Fig. 5 , Transmitted
light; Fig. 6, Cross-Polarized light, ~ 2 5 0 0
Fig. 8.
Pollen
From the Chimei Formation of the Chengkung Section. Fig. 5 , Transmitted
light; Fig. 6, Cross-Polarized light, ~ 2 0 0 0
Figs. 10-11. Chiasmolithus grandis (Bramlette and Riedel)
From the Chimei Formation of the Chengkung Section. Fig. 5, Transmitted
light; Fig. 6, Cross-Polarized light, ~ 2 0 0 0

38 1

W.R. CHI: Nannobiostratigraphy

of Taiwan

Plate V

382

Explanation of Plate VI
Zygrhabdulus bijugatus (Deflandre)
From the Tsukeng Formation of the Tsukeng Section, Cross-Polarized
light, x2500
Figs. 2-3. Ramboaster sp. cf. R. cuspis Branilette & S u l l i m n
F r o m the Tsukeng Formation of the Tsukeng Section. Fig. 2, Transmitted
light; Fig. 3, Cross-Polarized light, x 2500
Ellipsolithus sp. cf. E. distichus (Bramlette & Sullivan)
Fig. 4.
F r o m the Kengting Formation of the Hengchun Peninsula, Cross-Polarized
light, x2500
Figs. 5-6. Fasciculithus tympuniformis H a y and hlohler
From the Kengting Formation of the Hengchun Peninsula, Cross-Polarized
light, x2500
Figs. 7-8. Fasciculithus involutus Bramlette & Wilcoxon
F r o m the Kengting Formation of the Hengchun Peninsula, Cross-Polarized
light, ~ 2 5 0 0
Fasciculithus lillianae Perch-Nielsen
Fig. 9.
From the Kengting Formation of the Hengchun Peninsula, Cross-Polarized
light, x3000
Fasciculithus sp.
Fig. 10.
F r o m the Kengting Formation of the Hengchun Peninsula, Cross-Polarized
light, x3000
Tetralithus aculeus (Stradner)
Fig. 11.
F r o m the Kengting Formation of the Hengchun Peninsula, Cross-Polarized
light, x3000
Figs. 12-13. Watznaueria 6arnesae (Black)
Fig. 12 from 1644m of the Peikang no. 2 Well; Fig. 13 from the Tsukeng Formatiou of the Tsukeng Section, Cross-Polarized light, x 2500
Figs. 14-15. Eiffellithus turriseiffeli (Deflandre & F e r t )
F r o m the Tsukeng Formation of the Tsukeng Section, Cross-Polarized
light, x2500
Reticulofenestra umbilica (Levin)
Fig. 16.
F r o m the Kengting Formation of the Hengchun Peninsula, Cross-Polarized
light, ~ 2 0 0 0
Discoaster sublodoensis Bramlette and Sullivan
Fig. 17.
F r o m the Kengting Formation of the Hengchun Peninsula, Transmitted
light, x2500
Discoaster elegans Bramlette & Sullivan
Fig. 18.
F r o m the Kengting Formation of the Hengchun Peninsula, Transmitted
light, x2500
Figs. 19-20, Mathasterites tribrachiafus (Bramlette & Riedel)
F r o m the Tsukeng Formation of the Tsukeng Section, Transmitled light,
x 2500
Chiasmolithus cf. Ch. danicus (Brotzen)
Fig. 21.
F r o m the Tsukeng Formation of the Tsukeng Section, Transmitted light,
x 25oO
Fig. 1.

383
W. R. CHI: Nannobiostratigraphy of 'Taiwan

Plate VI