Note on the biostratigraphy (benthic Foraminifera) and lithostratigraphy of Pliocene deposits at Kallo (Oost-Vlaanderen; Belgium)

In a temporary exposure near Kallo, west of Antwerp, Belgium, Pliocene strata (14.65 metres thick) were examined. These lie discordantly over the Putte Member (Boom Clay Formation) of Oligocene age. Between the levels of 17.60 and 8.30 metres, sands of the Kattendijk Formation contain a benthic foraminifer association typical of the BFN 4 Assemblage Zone ( Florilus boueanus- Monspeliensina pseudotepida). The palaeoecological parameters indicate a shelf sea with normal salinity. The overlying Oorderen Sands Member (Lillo Formation), has a thickness of 5.35 metres. Its foraminiferal content is typical of the BFN 6 Assemblage Zone ( Elphidiella hannai-Cribrononion excavatum). Palaeoecologically, a change into a rather shallow, high-energy environment is to be noted.