The Planktonic Foraminiferal Biostratigraphy of the Palani Formation (Lower Oligocene) in well K-218, Kirkuk Oilfield, Northeast Iraq

Thirteen cutting samples were collected from Palani Formation in Baba Dome of Kirkuk Oilfield area, well no. (K-218), northeastern Iraq. The thickness of the Palani Formation is 60 m, between the interval (600-540 m). The studied section is characterized by abundant rich, good preservation, and diversified planktonic foraminifera assemblage fossils. Fourteen species related to three genera are identified, not showing marked differences in their foraminiferal content, they are: Pseudohastigerina micra, Cassigerinella chipolensis, Globigerina tapuriensis, Globigerina gortanii, Globigerina ampliapertura, Globigerina sellii, Globigerina yeguaensis, Globigerina euoperura, Globigerina praebulliodes, Chiloguembelina cubensis Globigerina angustiumbilicata, Globigerina prasaepis, Globigerina galavisi. According to the stratigraphic ranges of identified species, two planktonic foraminiferal biozones are established; these are from the lower (oldest) to the upper (youngest) of the section:Gassigerinella micra Interval Range Biozone (O1).Globigerina ampliapetura Interval Range Biozone(O2).These biozones are correlated and compared with different studies of similar once in different parts of the world. The biostratigraphy study assigned the Early Oligocene (Rupelian) age of the Palani Formation in the present study. The palaeoenvironmental study of Palani Formation in the studied section based on Planktonic foraminifera contents and the lithologic characteristics is referred to the sub-tropical of low energy deep open marine (from outer shelf to slope) environment.