Abstract
Ichnological analysis at the Pakhna Formation (Miocene, Cyprus) reveals, for the first time, the presence of graphoglyptid structures. The Pakhna Formation is dominated by pelagic/hemipelagic sediments, together with contourite, reworked turbidite and turbidite facies. Thus, a complex interaction between pelagic, bottom-current and gravitational sedimentation is envisaged. The discernment of facies is sometimes difficult, based principally on stratigraphic and microfacies features. The record of Helminthorhaphe as a component of the graphoglytid group supports the presence of turbidites, facilitating their differentiation from the other facies. Nereites ichnofacies, punctuating a dominant/background Zoophycos ichnofacies, would reflect changes in paleoenvironmental conditions. This record offers significant perspectives to advance in the study of bottom-current and gravitational processes through outcrop examples.
Acknowledgements
The paper benefited from comments and suggestions by Guest-Editor (Dr. Keighley) and both reviewers (Dr. Fernández and one anonymous). The research was conducted with ‘The Drifters’ Research Group of the Royal Holloway University of London (UK) and is related to projects CTM 2012-39599-C03, CGL2016-80445-R and CTM2016-75129-C3-1-R. We would like to thank Antonio Checa Ros for photographic assistance in the laboratory.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.