Factsheet summarizing information on lithology, depositional environment and
bio- and lithostratigraphy of studied sections and outcrops in central Crete.
Explanation of terms/abbreviations/definitions:
Pf = planktonic foraminifers
ADT = Age Diagnostic Taxa
Time stratigraphic distribution for upper Miocene ADT is to be found in SI, Items 3 and 4 Description and
definition of biozones is given in SI, Item 5
Bf= benthic foraminifers
LBWO species = Low Bottom Water Oxygen species
Bathymetry of benthic foraminiferal depth markers is given in Figure 10 in van Hinsbergen et al., 2005b.
Bedding plane orientation is given as direction and angle of dip.
Neritic refers to water depths between mean low water down to 200 m
Shallow marine = inner neritic: < 100 m
Bathyal refers to water depths of 200–2000 m.
Upper bathyal: 200-600 m
Middle bathyal: 600-1000m
Deep marine: outer neritic + bathyal
Area I (arranged from east to west)
Location 1: Five sections have been studied in fresh road outcrops along the road between Martha and Ano
Viannos with section 1 being located 1 km before and section 5 at the exit to the hamlet of Mesi. The assembly
of sediments is characteristic of the Viannos Fm. Section 1 is a 17 m thick succession dominated by green to
dark grey clays and silts including three up to 80 cm thick platy limestones including Theodoxus and operculae
of land snails. Minor intervals of lignitic clays or thin-bedded sandstones are present. Section 2 measures 35 m is
characterized by a higher amount of sandstones and a lack of platy limestones. Middle part consists of 6 m of
thick-bedded, medium grained and well-sorted, almost structureless sandstone. Individual beds are elongatelenticular. Clayey intervals vary in colour from green to violet. Gravel pockets in clays above the sandstone level
are rich in red cherts derived from the Uppermost Unit. Section 3 measures 20 m showing an upward increase of
bed thickness culminating in a sandstone bed of 8 m at top. This sandstone is rich in scour-and-fill structures,
indicating SW-W oriented paleocurrents. Clays in basal part include shell fragments and smooth ostracods.
Section 4 is 16 m thick and characterized by the presence of several up to 1 m thick conglomerate beds passing
into clayey strata including minor amounts of thin-bedded sandstone. 4 m above base is an up to 2 m thick,
channelling and mega cross-bedded sandstone present interpreted as deposited by a laterally migrating sand bar.
It is followed by 5 m of clays, silty clays and thin sandstone beds at the level of 10 m cut by an up to 1 m thick
scouring conglomerate bed with material derived from the Uppermost Unit. Orientation of scour indicates a
roughly W-E directed channel axis. Top of section consists of clay and thin lignitic clay drapes alternating with
several thin clayey limestones including Chara gyrogonites and Bithynia and capped by a channelling sandstone
unit showing an interval with wave ripple cross bedding. Section 5 (at topographically highest point along this
road) measures 22 m. Also this interval is coarser at top than at the base. The basal half is rich in black clays
with some levels rich in shell fragments (a.o. Planorbis), Bithynia operculea, and gyrogonites of charaphytes.
Several horizons are lignitic. The upper half of section comprises several up to 2 m thick fining upward
sequences consisting of sandstone-clay transitions. The top 10 m consists of a fining upward sequence which
starts with a 3 m thick conglomerate passing into a thin silt and clay interbed and followed by 3 ca 1 m thick
conglomerate beds. The topmost sandstone bed is 2m thick and well-sorted. The abundant red and green cherts
in the conglomerates are derived from the Uppermost Unit. The assembly of sediments in these 5 sections is
interpreted to have been deposited in a channel belt and adjacent flood basin environment. See also Figure 3 and
SI 8: photos 1-2.
Location 2: 14 m of silty clays and few N-dipping sandy turbidites are exposed along the road to Viannos, just
above the cemetery of the village of Martha (Skinias Formation). ca 50 m further in the direction of Viannos and
ca 10 m lower in the stratigraphy: 40 m of silty clays, silts and sandy to gravelly turbidites of the Skinias
Formation. (360N-030). Sand-mud ratio is >2:1. Gravelly interbeds are made up of Tripolitza limestone and
Uppermost Unit debris. Several turbidites show Bouma Ta-b intervals. Imbrication of pebbles in a ripped -off
1
clay-layer point to 140 SE transport. Lithology compares well with that of the older part of the Makrilia
Formation in the Ierapetra Basin. See also Figure 3 and SI 8: photo 14.
Gr 9544: acostaensis 29d +2s and scitula types. Bf: Cibicides pachydermis, Siphonina reticulata, Uvigerina, Gyroidina,
Karreriella, + 1x C. wuellerstorf in 1 tray.
Gr 9545 (+ 3m): acostaensis 16d. Bf: C. wuellerstorfi, Karreriella, Gyroidina, Uvigerina, C. kullenbergi, C. pachydermis
Gr 9546 (+ 3m): acostaensis 39d and scitula types. Bf: idem
Gr 9547 (+ 5m): acostaensis 40d + 1s and scitula types. Bf: idem
Gr 9548 (+ 3m): acostaensis 15d + 1s and scitula types. Bf: idem
Biozonal assignment: joint presence of dextral acostaensis and scitula types is indicative of biozone 6.
Depositional depth: 750–830 m
Location 3: Gully complex east of village of Skinias. Exposed is ca 35 m of northward dipping silty clays of
the Skinias Fm. Several intercalated calcisiltites resemble those of the Kalamavka Formation in the Ierapetra
basin. Inconsistent bedding suggests that the section is disturbed and not suitable for detailed biostratigraphic
analysis. We sampled this outcrop at roughly 2 m intervals (samples Gr 13603-13620) to ascertain the
biostratigraphic age and particularly the presence of biozone 5. In a nearby small outcrop several groove casts in
a turbidite sole indicate transport oriented 90°-70° E, whereas a Tc interval indicates S directed transport.
A debris flow of coarse sand with fragments of corals and sirenian bones at 12 m and a sandy turbidite at ca 18
m from the base a little more to the west (observed in April and June 1993) are no longer exposed due to
construction of a water basin.
Gr 13603: acostaensis 3s in 18, few scitula gr (lengua type), falconarae (incl ls). Bf: uvigerina, gyroidina, oridorsalis
Gr 13604: acostaensis 27s + 18 altispira in 18, few scitula gr (lengua type), falconarae (incl ls). Bf: gyroidina, uvigerina,
pseudoungarianus + amphistegina
Gr 13605: no ADT. Bf: idem minus amphistegina
Gr 13606: acostaensis 2s in 18, few scitula gr (lengua type), falconarae (incl ls). Bf: idem + oridorsalis
Gr 13607: acostaensis 21s + 1d in 27. Bf: dominant low oxygen bf + fish remains
Gr 13608: acostaensis 22s + 1d in 27, falconarae (incl ls). Bf: uvigerina, gyroidina, oridorsalis + low-oygen taxa + fish
remains
Gr 13609: few scitula gr (s, lengua type). Bf: gyroidina, uvigerina
Gr 13610: acostaensis 22s + 1d in 9. Bf: idem
Gr 13611: acostaensis 3s + 1d in 18, scitula gr (s, lengua type). Bf: idem + pseudoungarianus, oridorsalis
Gr 13612: few scitula gr (s lengua type). Bf: idem + karreriella
Gr 13613: acostaensis 29s + 5d, few scitula gr (s, lengua type). Bf: idem minus karreriella
-----------------------Gr 13614: acostaensis 13d + 1s in tray, falconarae (incl ls), scitula gr (s, lengua type). Bf: idem + karreriella
Gr 13615: acostaensis 5d in tray, falconarae (incl ls), few scitula gr (s, lengua type). Bf: idem minus karreriella
Gr 13616: partimlabiata, few scitula gr (s, lengua type). Bf: idem
Gr 13617: falconarae (incl ls). Bf: idem
Gr 13618: partimlabiata 6x in 18, falconarae (incl ls). Bf: idem minus pseudoungarianus
Gr 13619: acostaensis 2d in 18. Bf: idem + pseudoungarianus + kullenbergi
Gr 13620: acostaensis 23d + 1s. Bf: gyroidina, oridorsalis, pseudoungarianus + high % low-oxygen taxa + fish remains
Biozonal assignment: The sampling traject seems to cross a steep normal fault in between Gr 13613 and 13614.
The upper part (Gr 13614-13620) is correlated to biozone 4 and lower part to biozone 5.
Depositional depth: 500/600-750 m
Location 4: Small hillside outcrop bordering the football ground of the village of Skinias. Exposed is a 10 m
thick alternation of marly clays and turbidite sands of Skinias Formation. The basal 2.5 m consist exclusively of
silty marls (Gr 10296-10301), whereas the remaining part of the section includes a number of thick, partly
amalgamated, crudely graded and laminated coarse sandstone beds, plus several thin turbidites (mainly Tc
intervals) and intercalated basinal muds (Gr 10302 – 10305). Flute casts indicate transport to 160S. See also
Figure 3.
Gr 10296: acostaensis 24d+ 6s (80%)
Gr 10297: acostaensis 26d + 5s (84%)
Gr 10298: acostaensis 23d + 2s (92%). Bf: gyroidina, uvigerina, pseudoungarianus + few Amphistegina
Gr 10299: acostaensis 22d + 1s (96%)
Gr 10300: acostaensis 4d
Gr 10301: acostaensis 20d + 3s (87%). Bf: uvigerina, pseudoungarianus, gyroidina
Gr 10302: acostaensis 1d
2
Gr 10303: acostaensis 1d + 1s
Gr 10304: acostaensis 20d + 4s (83%). Bf: idem + Amphistegina
Gr 10305: acostaensis 4d + 2s. Bf: idem minus Amphistegina
Biozonal assignment: section probably belongs to biozone 6 but a biozonal 4 age cannot be excluded (no
representatives of scitula group present).
Depositional depth: 200-350 m
Location 5a: Middle part of a 300 m long outcrop along the new road from Arkalochorio-Martha (opened May
2009) at N 35° 04,861/E 25° 18,981exposes W-dipping sandy to gravelly turbidites, gravel beds and slumps.
Slumped sections are up to 3m thick and made up of ripped clay and sandstone beds mixed with gravels or
mollusc-rich sands. Gravel beds are up to 1.5 m thick and fine upward. Components are floating and derived
from the UN (Uppermost unit, Tripolitza limestone and flysch). The upper part of the outcrop consists of silty
clays, silts and sandy turbidites of at least 40 m thick. Lower part of outcrop is clayey with locally many
slickensides (Gr 13873-13870). This series belongs to the Skinias Fm. See also SI 8: photo 15.
Gr 13873: acostaensis 4d in 18. Bf: uvigerina, oridorsalis, gyroidina, pseudoungarianus
Gr 13872: no ADT
Gr 13871: acostaensis 20d + 2s. Bf: uvigerina, gyroidina, pseudoungarianus
Gr 13870: no ADT. Bf: uvigerina, pseudoungarianus
Gr 13795: acostaensis 17d + 1s, 2x scitula gr (d) in 2 trays. Bf: uvigerina, gyroidina
Gr 13796: acostaensis 4d + 3s in total residue; 2x scitula gr (s) + 3x falconarae (ls) + 14x menardii 4 in 1 tray. Bf: uvigerina,
gyroidina, oridorsalis, pseudoungarianus
Gr 13797: acostaensis 3s in total residue. Bf: gyroidina, uvigerina + 1x amphistegina + 1x borelis.
Gr 13798: acostaensis 1d in 1 tray. Bf: uvigerina, oridorsalis, gyroidina, pseudoungarianus
Gr 13799: acostaensis 17d + 7s in 2 trays. Bf: gyroidina, uvigerina, oridorsalis
Gr 13800: acostaensis 1d + common altispira in total residue. Bf: uvigerina, oridorsalis, pseudoungarianus
Biozonal assignment: probably biozone 5 (based on high proportion sinistral acostaensis + presence of menardii
4 and altispira).
Depositional depth: 350-500 m
Location 5b: Next road outcrop is 200 m long and exposes silty bluish clays with occasionally horizons with
shells (a.o. Cerithium) and calcrete paleosols (Kasteliana Formation). Dip of strata is less than at location 5a.
Location 5c: Next road outcrop is 200 m long (N 35º 06,479/E 25º 17,471) exposing bluish-gray silty marls
with washed shells on surface (a.o. Thatcheria, Ancilla glandiformis and scaphopods). No bedding but regional
dip is to NW. These sediments are assigned to the upper member of the Moulia Formation (Gr 13801-13808 and
Gr 13863-13869 [lower part]). Further northwestward along the new road (in between N35° 05,539/E 25°18,209
and N35° 06,941/E 25°17,377) are several outcrops in the Kasteliana Fm.
Gr 13863: frequent menardii 4; acostaensis 3d + 20s (13%d). Bf: oridorsalis, gyroidina, uvigerina,
pseudoungarianus
Gr 13864: frequent menardii 4; acostaensis 4d + 20s (17%d). Bf: idem
Gr 13865: rare menardii 4. Bf: oridorsalis, uvigerina
Gr 13866: common menardii 4. Bf: oridorsalis, uvigerina, gyroidina
Gr 13867: frequent menardii 4. Bf: oridorsalis, gyroidina
Gr 13868: frequent menardii 4 + 1x ss falconarae. Bf: gyroidina, uvigerina
Gr 13869: frequent menardii 4, acostaensis 2d + 4s, 1x ss falconarae. Bf: gyroidina, uvigerina, oridorsalis
Gr 13801: frequent menardii 4; 2x falconarae (ss) in 1 tray. Bf: gyroidina, oridorsalis, uvigerina,
pseudoungarianus
Gr 13802: frequent menardii 4; acostaensis 3d in 1 tray. Bf: idem
Gr 13803: frequent menardii 4; acostaensis 1d + 2s in 1 tray. Bf: idem
Gr 13804: frequent menardii 4; 3x falconarae (ss) in 1 tray. Bf: idem
Gr 13805: frequent menardii 4; acostaensis 1xd + 2x falconarae (ss) in 1 tray. Bf: idem
Gr 13806: menardii 4 (5x) in 18. Bf: idem
Gr 13807: menardii 4 (2x) in 9; scitula gr (ca suterae types); acostaensis 12d in 1.5 trays.
Gr 13808: menardii 4 absent; 4x falconarae (ss) in 1 tray; acostaensis 7d + 17s in 2 trays.
Biozonal assignment: biozonal interval 8 -9 but most likely bizone 8 because of high % dextral acostaensis.
3
Depositional depth: 350-500 m
Location 6a: Along road from Demati to Faviana, just west of Demati. The section exposes 50 m of shallowmarine silty clays with sandy interbeds, sometimes with a pebbly base (Gr 9455-9469). The uppermost 6 m
represents a coarsening upward sequence from bioturbated mudstone (Skolithos burrows) to bioturbated, poorly
lithified and poorly bedded sandstones including shell pockets at the top. An erosional surface separates this
sequence from the next 20 m (Gr 9470-9472). This essentially upward fining sequence starts with a gravelly lag
deposit rich in shell debris and overlain by several m of massive sandstone ending upwards in a mega cross-bed,
interpreted as a NW-ward prograding sandbar, possibly a wash-over fan. Via 1.5 m of small-scale, cross-bedded
flaser-rich sandstones the sequence ends with a terrestrial sequence of thin-bedded bluish clays, silts and sand,
rich in plant fragments. A sandstone bed showing wave ripples is present near the top. After a non-exposed
interval of 10 m another 10 m of non-marine sediments is exposed including a lignitic clay bed and several levels
with gyrogonites of charaphytes (Gr 9473). Lithostratigraphically, the sequence represents the transition from the
shallow marine upper Skinias Fm (0-50 m) to the paralic Kasteliana Fm (50-93 m). 12 paleomagnetic samples
from the interval between 20 and 50 m (upper Skinias Fm) show normal polarities (Duermeijer, et al., 1998). See
also Figure 3.
Gr 9455-9469: few pf (no ADT). Bf is diverse with representatives of Ammonia, Cancris, Heterolepa dutemplei, Textularia,
Nonion, Elphidium, Robulus, miliolids and some Bulimina indicating a middle shelf depth (ca 100 m).
Gr 9470: no pf. Bf: few Ammonia (intertidal to lagoonal conditions)
Gr 9471-9472: no forams
Gr 9473: many gyrogonites of charaphytes
Age: The interval between 20 and 50 m belongs to the upper Skinias Fm and shows normal polarities (see in
Duermeijer et al., 1998). Since the upper Skinias extends into biozone 6, the interval with normal polarities can
neither be correlated to Chron 5n.1n nor to Chron 4Ar.1n (see Figure 4). Therefore, the most likely correlation of
this interval with normal polarities is with Chron 4Ar.2n.
Depositional environment: Upward trend from middle neritic to fluvial-lacustrine.
Location 6b: Cemented sandstones and clast-supported conglomerates of the Viannos Fm are exposed in
various outcrops above the village of Demati along main road to Martha (and east of location 6a).
Conglomerates are made up of poorly sorted, (sub) rounded pebbles of the Uppermost Unit. Some of the
conglomerate beds have an erosional base. One of the outcrops shows silty clays with two lenticular
conglomerate beds representing E-W oriented braided channels.
Location 7: Directly south of Kalo Chorio: exposures of bioturbated fine sandstones rich in Heterostegina.
Also village itself sits on top of ca 10 m of coarse and fine bioturbated sandstones with occasional Heterostegina
and Lithothamnion oncoliths belonging to lower member of the Moulia Formation. Sandstones are underlain by
> 4m conglomerates of Kasteliana Formation.
Location 8: The classical Kastellios Hill section described and figured in de Bruin et al. (1971) is the type
section of the Kasteliana Formation. In 2008 we observed 2 m pebbly sandstones with scour-and-fill structures at
the very base of this section. The importance of this section for the calibration between continental and marine
stages has spurred a number of follow-up studies (Sissingh, 1974, de Bruin and Zachariasse, 1979, van der
Weerd, 1983, Sen et al., 1986, Aguilar et al., 2004). The lower part of the section (up to highest level with
mammal remains [K5] is still well exposed [105ESE-12/100ESE-10]. The degree of exposure of the upper part
(up to the base of cliff that forms top of Kastellios Hill) remains poor and is mainly fine grained with numerous
washed oysters. The cliff section measured in detail in 2007 consists of shallow marine sands and sandstones, a
few unsorted, clast-supported conglomerates with occasionally silty clays and oyster beds. This 25 m thick
clastic series is overlain by 13 m (partly exposed) bioclastic calcarenites containing Lithothamnion and
Heterostegina (120SE-35). These calcarenites seem to have derived from bioherms. Three of such bioherms
measuring 10, 6 and 3 m are present and consist of Porites and large Tabellastrea buildups in a calcareous
matrix. These bioherms and their debris cones probably mark a level within the Kasteliana Fm
Samples T151-1 to 12 taken in 1967 and restudied in 1993 (with samples 4 to 9 from interval in between 2
lignitic layers containing marine shells, a.o. Polinices, Murex. Residues treated with carbon tetrachloride.
01: acostaensis 7d/3s. Bf: dominant Ammonia/miliolids + few Gyroidina
02: very few pf. Bf: dominant Ammonia/miliolids + Elphidium/Nonion
03: no pf. Bf: dominant Ammonia/miliolids + idem
04: few pf. Bf: dominant Ammonia/miliolids + Elphidium/Nonion/Reusella/Bolivina
05: acostaensis 23d/7s (77%). Bf: idem + Borelis/Pullenia
4
06: acostaensis 1d. Bf: idem as 04 + few Gyroidina
07: few pf. Bf: idem as 04 + Borelis/Pullenia/Rectouvigerina
08: few pf. Bf: idem as 04 but no Reusella
09: acostaensis 15d/2s (88%). Bf: idem as 04 + biconvex Cibicides/Uvigerina/Rectouvigerina
10: no forams; wood fragments
11: 100% Ammonia
12: no pf. Bf: dominant Ammonia/miliolids + few Nonion
Samples KH/A to G taken in summer 1994 (KH A to D from interval in between 2 lignitic layers and KH
E,F,G from interval below K3).
KH D: (after carbon tetrachloride treatment): few Ammonia/Nonionella and reworked? specimens of Bulimina costata,
Rectouvigerina, Uvigerina hispida, Pullenia, biconvex Cicibides, Discorbis, Oridorsalis, Gyroidina, Globobulimina, and of
Orbulina, trilobus, nepenthes, menardii 4, falconarae (ls), falconensis.
KH C: few pf next to dominant Ammonia and miliolids, and few Nonion, Elphidium and Borelis and single specimens of
Bolivina, Uvigerina and Marginulina.
KH B: (after carbon tetrachloride treatment): frequent Quinqueloculina and Ammonia and few Nonion and Elphidium.
KH A: (after carbon tetrachloride treatment): frequent Ammonia and few Elphidium and Nonion. Many wood fragments.
----------------------KH E and F: frequent Ammonia and few Nonion.
KH G: (after carbon tetrachloride treatment): Ammonia and gyrogonites of Charophyta together with many wood fragments
+ (reworked?) Bulimina costata and exilis, Rectouvigerina , Globobulimina, Cibides dutemplei, Gyroidina, Robulus,
Hanzawaia, Bolivina dilatata, Pullenia and (reworked?) acostaensis d, falconensis, falconarae, orbulina, siphonifera
Samples KH 1 to 24 taken in spring 1994 with W. Krijgsman and F. Hilgen (KH 1- 8 from interval in
between upper lignitic layer at base and conglomerate at top; KH 9-14 from exposures on ledge above K5;
KH 15-22 from several levels along poorly exposed upper slope above K5; KH 24 is from upper lignitic
layer).
KH 1: (after carbon tetrachloride treatment): frequent Ammonia and smooth ostracods and many wood fragments. Few pf +
1x Robulus and 1x Bulimina costata (reworked?)
KH 2: many high spired gastropod fragments and Ammonia
KH 3: dominant Ammonia and few Nonion + high spired gastropod fragments. Few pf and single specimens of Bolivina,
Reusella and Robulus (reworked?)
KH 4: dominant Ammonia and few Nonion + mollusc fragments. Few pf and single specimens of Bolivina, Discorbis and
Uvigerina (reworked?)
KH 6: dominant Ammonia and few Nonion and miliolids. Few pf and single specimens of Bolivina and Bulimina
(reworked?)
KH 7: Ammonia and few Nonion.
KH 8: frequent Ammonia and gyrogonites of charophytes. Few pf and single specimens of Bulimina costata and Cancris
(reworked?)
-------------------------------------KH 9: frequent operculae of land snails and shell fragments. 1x pf (reworked?)
KH 10: few Ammonia
KH 11 (after carbon tetrachloride treatment): frequent Ammonia. Few falconensis and Rectouvigerina and Bulimina costata
(reworked?)
KH 12: frequent Ammonia. Robulus (1x), Uvigerina (3x) and Bulimina (1x)
KH 13: few Ammonia and high spired gastropods
KH 14: few Ammonia. Few pf and Uvigerina (3x), pseudoungarianus (1x), Bulimina (3x), and Bolivina (2x)
--------------------------KH 15: (after carbon tetrachloride treatment): frequent smooth ostracods
KH 16: frequent Ammonia
KH 17: frequent Ammonia
KH 18: few Ammonia and many shell fragments. One single specimen of pseudoungarianus (reworked?)
KH 19: few pf and single specimens of Bolivina, Cibicides and Bulimina (reworked?)
KH 20: frequent Ammonia and shell fragments. Also gyrogonites of Charaphytes
KH 21: frequent Ammonia and shell fragments
KH 22: frequent Ammonia and shell fragments
Samples Gr 10341 – 10344 taken in 1999 for W. A. Berggen and M. P. Aubry (results discussed in Aguilar
et al., 2004)
Gr 10341: (ca 8m below upper and ca 4 m above lower lignite): Ammonia, few Nonion and echinid spines, and many smooth
(?) ostracods, few pf, bryozoa fragments, and 1x Bulimina (reworked?)
Gr 10342: (ca 3m below upper lignite): Ammonia, miliolids and ostracods. Few pf and Elphidium and 1x Borelis
(reworked?)
5
Gr 10343: (from upper lignite): no forams
Gr 10344: (ca 4 m above upper lignite): Ammonia, ostracods and few Nonion. 2x pf (reworked?).
Age and depositional environment:
Most samples from the (lower part of the) Kastellios Hill section contain abundant Ammonia beccarii sometimes
with varying additions of Quinqueloculina longirosta and/or shell fragments indicating that the majority of the
sediments of Kastellios Hill was deposited in a brackish water (lagoonal) environment. A few samples with
Hydrobia, gyrogonites of charaphytes, and/or operculae of land snails indicate that the prevailing lagoonal
conditions were occasionally replaced by non-marine conditions, which is in line with the occurrence of
mammal remains in several strata, the presence of two lignite beds and several calcrete paleosols. Open marine
benthic and planktonic foraminifers found in many of the samples from these lagoonal to non-marine sediments
should be interpreted as reworked elements derived from the underlying Skinias Fm which at the time of
deposition of the Kasteliana Fm was subject to erosion in the north. Also Sissingh (pers. comm., May 1995) now
holds the opinion that the ostracod fauna (which he described in 1974) actually consists of an autochtonous fresh
to brackish water component (exemplified by representatives of Cyprideis and Ilyocypris) and an allochtonous
open marine component represented by a suite of ornate species such as Cytherella. Marine shells in part of the
interval in between the 2 lignites, however, are suggestive of truly (shallow) marine conditions. Some
concentrated residues (using carbon tetrachloride) from this interval (T151-05 and 09) yielded a relatively rich
planktonic foraminiferal fauna including dominantly right coiled Neogloboquadrina acostaensis. These
planktonic foraminifers have been described and partly figured in de Bruin et al., 1971. The presence of
Gyroidina and Uvigerina in sample 151-06 suggests outer shelf conditions for this interval unless these depth
markers are reworked as well, along with the right coiled Neogloboquadrina acostaensis. Considering the overall
lagoonal environment, we consider reworking very likely.
It is concluded that most of the sediments of the classical Kastellios Hill section were deposited in a brackish
lagoon with short term changes to non-marine and restricted marine conditions. Planktonic foraminifers are
considered to be reworked implying that the Kastellios Hill section does not provide a direct correlation between
mammal stages and planktonic foraminiferal biozones. 16 new paleomagnetic samples from the lower part of the
Kastellios Hill section (taken by Wout Krijgsman and WJZ in 1996) are all of reversed polarity (see in
Duermeijer et al., 1998) and basically confirm the data presented by Sen et al. (1986), who on the basis of two
very short intervals of normal polarity correlated the lower part of the Kastellios Hill section to chron C5r. We
now know that the underlying Skinias Fm extends up into biozone 6 and therefore the classical Kastellios Hill
section cannot be older than 9.8 Ma (age for top biozone 5, see SI 6) thereby invalidating correlation of this
section to Chron C5r. Moreover, the 2 very short intervals of normal polarities recorded by Sen et al., 1986 either
represent so-called cryptochrons or normal overprinting.
In view of the reversed polarities and the notion that the mammal fauna correlates with that of MN10 (de Bruin
et al., 1992) the lower part of the Kastellios Hill section can be correlated either to Chron C4Ar.2r or to C4Ar.1r
(Krijgsman et al., 1996, Garces et al., 1996). An updated classification of the rodents from Plakias on western
Crete (de Bruin and Meulenkamp, 1972) and Kastellios Hill - with Cricetulodon in Plakias and 2 species of
Progonomys in Kastellios Hill - suggests an older age for the Plakias rodent faunule (Hans de Bruin, 2009,
personal communication). The non-marine deposits at Plakias belong to the Pandanassa Formation
(Meulenkamp, 1969). This unit correlates with the Kasteliana Formation of central Crete and since the base of
this unit is dated at 9.6 Ma (this study), a correlation of the lower Kastellios Hill section to Chron 4Ar.1r is the
most likely. This correlation allows the Plakias faunule to be older (9.6 - 9.3 Ma) than the Kastellios Hill (9.3 9.1 Ma).
Location 9: A partly exposed section along dirt road to the hamlet of Vitsilia (located ca 1 km northeast of
Partira). Succession begins with 4 m conglomerates, sands and silty clays with probably a paleosol at 2m (270W10) followed by 1 m sandstone with pebbly base. This series belongs to Kasteliana Fm and is overlain by 6 m
poorly exposed fine sands with few marine fossils and at top indurated and rich in Heterostegina. Then, 1 m fine
sand and 4 m poorly exposed fine sands with shell fragments and few burrows and at the top bioturbated with
Pecten. Then, a 2 m non-exposed interval followed by 20 cm bioturbated sand with Heterostegina, and 4 m fine
sands showing poorly pronounced cycles of cemented and bioturbated sands with fossils and non-fossiliferous
less cemented sands. This shallow marine series belongs to the lower member of the Moulia Fm. Then, follow
1.5 m silty marls (samples Gr 13565-13570), a non-exposed interval of 8 m and 5 m (silty) marls (Gr 1357113585) (= upper member of Moulia Fm). This series is in faulted contact with Pliocene beige marls (Gr 13774).
Below the base of section along an agricultural track branching off from road to Vitsilia in a northern direction
are marine clays exposed (Gr 13587 + Gr 13777-13778) and a little further in an olive grove we sampled chunks
6
of ploughed fresh clay (Gr 13586). Halfway slope of hill east of Vitsilia we sampled a small clayey outcrop (Gr
13588). See also Figure 3.
Gr 13586: few ammonia and textularia
Gr 13588: some ammonia and smooth ostracods
Gr 13587: some pf (no ADT). Bf: dominant dutemplei and Ammonia with additions of robulus, cassidinulina, textularia,
valvulineria, nonionella, bouanum, bolivina, uvigerina, gyroidina, cancris, pullenia. Pf and some bf taxa reworked?
Gr 13777-13778: few pf (no ADT). Bf: uvigerina, oridorsalis, gyroidina.
Lithostratigraphic assignment:
Gr 13586-13588: probably Kasteliana Fm (intertidal-brackish)
Gr 13777 and 13778: probably Skinias Fm (350-500 m)
---------------Gr 13565: no ADT
Gr 13566: menardii 4 (4x) in 9. Bf: pseudoungarianus
Gr 13567: menardii 4 (11x) + acost 1s in 9. Bf: pseudoungarianus, oridorsalis
Gr 13568: menardii 4 (11x) in 9. Bf: idem
Gr 13569: menardii 4 (8x) in 9. Bf: idem + gyroidina, uvigerina
Gr 13570: menardii 4 (11x) in 9. Bf: gyroidina, oridorsalis
Gr 13571: few pf
Gr 13572: menardii 4 (2x), seminulina (5x), falconarae (1x) in 1 tray. Bf: uvigerina, gyroidina
Gr 13573: few pf. Bf: uvigerina
Gr 13574: menardii 4 (1x), acostaensis 1s, seminulina (2x), falconarae (1x) in 18. Bf: uvigerina, gyroidina, oridorsalis
Gr 13575: menardii 4 (1x), acost 1s in 9; falconarae (1x), seminulina (1x) in 18. Bf: uvigerina, oridorsalis
Gr 13576: seminulina (3x), falconarae (4x incl 1x ls) in 18. Bf: gyroidina
Gr 13577: menardii 4 (1x), seminulina (2x), falconarae (3x) in 27. Bf: oridorsalis, gyroidina
Gr 13578: seminulina (4x), acostaensis 2s in 18; falconarae (5x incl ls) in 2 trays. Bf: idem + uvigerina, pseudoungarianus
Gr 13579: semimulina (1x) in 27. Bf: oridorsalis
Gr 13580: seminulina (3x), acostaensis 1s, menardii 4 (3x), falconarae (2x incl ls) in 9. Bf: oridorsalis, pseudoungarianus,
gyroidina
Gr 13581: seminulina (1x), menardii 4 (1x), acostaensis 1s, falconarae (1x) in 18. Bf: oridorsalis, gyroidina
Gr 13582: menardii 4 (3x), acostaensis 11s + 1d in 1 tray. Bf: gyroidina, oridorsalis, pseudoungarianus
Gr 13583: seminulina (1x), menardii 4 (2x) in 1 tray. Bf: gyroidina, oridorsalis, pseudoungarianus
Gr 13584: menardii 4 (2x), falconarae (1x), acostaensis 4s in 1 tray. Bf: oridorsalis, uvigerina, gyroidina,
pseudoungarianus
Gr 13585: menardii 4 (3x), falconarae (2x), acostaensis 4s in 1 tray. Bf: idem
Biozonal assignment of deep marine member of Moulia Fm: top biozone 8 to basal biozone 9
Depositional depth of deep marine member: 350-500 m and not far from coast. In all samples (particularly Gr
13576-13579) significant amounts of shallow water elements, such as: epifytes, heavily ornamented ostracods,
shell fragments, Ammonia and bryozoa (and even some Heterostegina in Gr 13579). Most samples contain
significant admixtures of clastic debris.
Location 10: An upward coarsening and only partly exposed succession located SSE of the monastery of
Panagia Kera, S of the village of Partira. Massive silty clays at the base gradually pass upward into 35 m of
sandy clays with thin layers of medium sand and followed upward by 15 m of bioturbated and more lithified
sands with pebbly levels in upper 4 m, forming an inaccessible cliff. Several oyster fragments were found in
sandstone blocks fallen from the cliff. This section represents the upper part of the Skinias Fm, which is further
to the northeast conformably overlain by nonmarine to restricted-marine deposits of the Kasteliana Fm. We
sampled 3 short intervals below the bioturbated sandstones. The lower one measures 2.2 m (Gr 10323 – 10329),
the middle section measures 2.5 m (Gr 10317 -10322) and the upper one 5 m (Gr 10306 – 10315). Samples are
sandy and poor in forams; several have been treated with carbon tetrachloride.
Gr 10323 (CCl4): acostaensis 12d +4s (75%d)
Gr 10324 (CCl4): acostaensis 13d + 3s (81%). Bf: dominant Ammonia, trilculina, elphidium, textularia and admixtures of
other species (o.a. Amphistegina). Trace of pseudoungarianus
Gr 10325: 2x ls falconarae and acostaensis 20d + 7s (74%) in 2 trays
Gr 10326: acostaensis 20d + 4s (83%) in 1 tray
Gr 10327: acostaensis 24d + 5s (83%) in 1 tray
Gr 10328 (CCl4): acostaensis 7d + 2s
Gr 10329 (CCl4): acostaensis 15d + 3s (83%). Bf: idem + Borelis, Amphistegina. Trace of oridorsalis
------------------------Gr 10317: 1x ls falconarae, acostaensis 19d + 3s (86%) and 1x altispira in 2 trays
Gr 10318: acostaensis 22d + 2s (92%) in 1 tray. Bf: dominant triloculina, textularia, ammonia, dutemplei, bolivina and
admixtures of other species (a.o. Amphistegina). Traces of uvigerina, gyroidina
7
Gr 10319: acostaensis 32d + 6s (84%) in 2 trays
Gr 10320: acostaensis 21d + 4s (84%) in 1 tray. Bf: dominant Ammonia, triloculina, bolivina and admixtures of other species
(a.o. Amphistegina).
Gr 10321: 24d + 6s (80%) in 2 trays
Gr 10322: 17d + 7s (71%) in 3 trays
------------------Gr 10306 (CCl4): acostaensis 21d + 6s (78%) and 1x altispira
Gr 10307 (CCl4): acostaensis 5d + 5s. Bf: dominant Ammonia, Nonionella, epifytes + trace occurrences of gyroidina,
uvigerina
Gr 10308 (CCl4): acostaensis 18d + 6s (75%)
Gr 10309 (CCl4): acostaensis 6d + 2s
Gr 10310 (CCl4): acostaensis 4d + 1s. Bf: idem minus uvigerina
Gr 10311 (CCl4): acostaensis 21d + 11 d (66%). Bf: dominant: Ammonia, Nonionella, elphidium, bolivina,
rectotouvigerina/peregrina + admixtures of many other species. Trace occurrences of oridorsalis, gyroidina
Gr 10312 (CCl4): acostaensis 4d + 2s
Gr 10313 (CCl4): acostaensis 2d + 2s. Bf: idem
Gr 10314 (CCl4): acostaensis 11d (100%)
Gr 10315 (CCl4): acostaensis 28d + 5s (85%). Bf: idem
Biozonal assignment: dominant dextral acostaensis suggests correlation to biozone 4 or 6. Since the shallow
marine top of Skinias Fm at Tefeli (location 15) and the Piratijanni Kefala (location 12) belongs to biozone 6 we
infer an equal position for the Panagia Kera section. The % dextral acostaensis is somewhat lower and more
variable than observed in biozone 6 of Gibliscemi and Metochia (see SI, Items 3 and 4) and suggestive for some
reworking from biozone 5. Traces of altispira may have been reworked as well.
Depositional depth: shell fragments, large ornamented ostracods, and benthic foram fauna dominated by
Ammonia, large miliolids, Elphidium, Textularia, epifytes + admixtures of many other species (o.a.
Amphistegina and Borelis) and traces of gyroidina, uvigerina, oridorsalis (reworked?) point to a middle neritic
environment (ca 100 m).
Location 11: Hill with ruined church on top ca 0.75 km north of Partira and south of summit 529 m. Poorly
exposed interval of 10 m showing sandstones with lenticular gravel beds and large-scale cross bedding and silty
clays (Kasteliana Fm) is overlain by bioherm dominated by Porites (2m) and strongly bioturbated sandstones
including Lithothamnion, Heterostegina and shells (5 m). Shallow marine sediments belong to the lower member
of the Moulia Fm.
Location 12: S-dipping transect from Amourgelles to the top of Piratijanni Kefala (502 m) begins in nonmarine sediments of the Viannos Fm of which at least 150 m are partly exposed. The older part of the overlying
Skinias Fm (Gr 10742-10743 and 10745) is shallow marine (< 50 m). The Skinias deposits become deeper
marine (50-250 m) along the northern slope of the Piratijanni (Gr 10744 - 107751) but the deepest marine
sediments (170-670 m) are exposed along the eastern slope. Here, freshly bulldozed marls with loose blocks of
calcisiltites (comparable with those found in the Kalamavka Fm of the Ieraptera area) have been sampled (Gr
10752-761). The uppermost 35 m of the Skinias Fm is measured along southern slope of the Piratijanni Kefala
(Gr 10765-107774). This part of the sequence shows an upward increase in malacofauna and in the sand fraction
(and decreasing depositional depth from ca 600 to 150 m) and is overlain by fine-grained clastics with calcretes
of the Kasteliana Fm passing upward into conglomerates and topped by a Porites bioherm. Contact between
upper Skinias and Kasteliana Fm is disturbed by landsliding and faulting but seems conformable.
Gr 10745: few pf (%pf <1)
Gr 10746: few pf (%pf =4)
Gr 10747: more pf but no ADT (%pf=15)
Gr 10744: acostaensis 1d in 27 (%pf=18)
Gr 10748: ls falconarae; scitula gr (lenguaensis types); 4x partimlabiata in 27 (%pf=45)
Gr 10749: acostaensis 25d in 18; 10 x lenguaensis types in 27
Gr 10750: ls falconarae; 7x lenguaensis types in 27 (%pf=58). Bf: gyroidina, uvigerina, oridorsalis, cf kullenbergi
Gr 10751: ls falconarae; 11x lenguaensis types in 18 (%pf=54)
---------Gr 10762: acostaensis 24s + 1d; ls falconarae; 2x lenguaensis type in 9 (%pf=45). Bf: uvigerina, gyroidina
Gr 10763: acostaensis 2s in 27; ls falconarea; 2x lenguaensis type in 27. Bf: idem
Gr 10764: acostaensis 23s + 5d; few altispira; ls falconarae (%pf=74). Bf: uvigerina, gyroidina, cf kullenbergi
Gr 10757: acostaensis 27s + 3d; ls falconarae; lenguaensis types frequent (%pf=83). Bf: idem
Gr 10758: acostaensis 21s + 2d; 16x lenguaensis types in 18. Bf: uvigerina, oridorsalis, gyroidina
Gr 10759: acostaensis 26s + 1d; ls falconarae; 12x lenguaensis and 5x scitula type in 18. Bf: idem
Gr 10760: acostaensis 19d + 11s; ls falconarae; 3x lenguaensis type in 9. Bf: idem + 1x karreriella
Gr 10761: acostaensis 20d; ls falconarae; 3x lenguaensis type in 9 (%pf=79). Bf: idem + 2x cf kullenbergi (minus karreriella)
8
Gr 10752: acostaensis 12s; ls falconarae; 11x lenguaensis types in 9 (%pf=49)
Gr 10753: acostaensis 2d + 1s; ls falconarae; 11x lenguaensis types in 9
Gr 10754: ls falconarae; frequent lenguaensis types. Bf: oridorsalis, uvigerina, gyroidina
Gr 10755: acostaensis 13s + 2d; 3x lenguaensis type in 9 (%pf=51)
Gr 10756: acostaensis 16s; ls falconarae (%pf=44). Bf: uvigerina, gyroidina
------------Gr 10765: acostaensis 18s in 1 tray; rare altispira
Gr 10766: acostaensis 4d + 2s in 1 tray (%pf=63)
Gr 10767: acostaensis 24d + 1s; 4x seminulina in 9; 9x scitula type in 9. Bf: uvigerina, gyroidina
Gr 10768: acostaensis 21d; 6x scitula type in 9 (%pf=70). Bf: oridorsalis, uvigerina, gyroidina
Gr 10769: acostaensis 22d + 1s (%pf=59)
Gr 10770: acostaensis 22d; 2x scitula type in 27
Gr 10771: acostaensis 1d + 1s in 1 tray (%pf=67)
Gr 10772: acostaensis 11d + 1s in 3 trays; few lenguaensis types; ls falconarae (%pf=39)
Gr 10773: acostaensis 17d + 7s in 4 trays; few lenguaensis and scitula types (%pf=45)
Gr 10774: acostaensis 8d in 1 tray; 3x altispira in 1 tray; ls falconarae (%pf=40
Biozonal assignment of Skinias Fm:
Gr 10748-10751: biozone 4
Gr 10762 up to Gr 10765: biozone 5
Gr 10767 up to Gr 10774: uppermost biozone 5 - basal part biozone 6 (if altispira and seminulina are in situ) and
biozone 6 (if altispira and semimulina are reworked).
Depositional depth of Skinias Fm:
Lower Skinias Fm: interval up to Gr 107748: inner neritic
Middle Skinias Fm (Gr 10748 up to 10771): possibly 500– 630 m
Upper Skinias (Gr 10772-10774): outer neritic
Location 13: The new road in between Tefeli and Ligortinos exposes a 10 m high coral limestone (Porites and
Tarbellastrea). Coarse sand below reef with pebbles at base and marine shells pass upward into coral buildups in
a fossiliferous sandy matrix with Heterostegina. The reef is underlain by sediments characteristic of the
Kasteliana Fm. The top part is massive and lithified and overlain by 16 m of silty marls rich in marine shells (Gr
13539-13543 from lower 4 m and Gr 13624: 8 m above base; Gr 13625: 12 m above base just below a level
extremely rich in shells Gr 13626 is 16 m above base). Reefal limestone is assigned to the lower member of
Moulia Fm. Overlying silty marls belong to the upper member of Moulia Fm.
Gr 13539: acostaensis 1d + 7s, 1x men 4 in total residue. Bf: uvigerina, gyroidina, oridorsalis, pseudoungarianus
Gr 13540: scitula gr (2xs) in total residue. Bf: idem
Gr 13541: scitula gr (6xs) in 2 trays. Bf: idem
Gr 13542: acostaensis 1s + 1x men 4 in 2 trays, scitula gr (s). Bf: idem
Gr 13543: menarsii 4 (7x) in 1 tray, scitula gr (s). Bf: idem
Gr 13624: acostaensis 20s + scitula gr (s). Bf: idem
Gr 13625: few scitula gr (s). Bf: idem
Gr 13626: no ADT. Bf: idem
Biozonal assignment basal part of deep marine Moulia Fm: biozone 8 (left acostaensis + menardii 4)
Depositional depth of idem: 350-630 m
Location 14: Along southern slope of Parathamna Kefala (south of Tefeli). Exposed are 20 m of varicoloured
silty clays and silts with calcrete paleosols topped by a sandstone bed with scouring gravels of 1m. Then silt and
sandstones with few silty clay beds of 3 m followed by 3 m bedded sandstones and conglomerates with largescale cross-bedding (indicating transport to N140S) and an oyster bed. Then, alternating silty clays, siltstones
and sandstones with few washed Cerithium of 4 m topped by an oyster bed. Then 6 m partly exposed interval
dominated by silty clays with few levels rich in Cerithium or Theodoxus and a 2 m sandstone bed with unsorted
pebble-supported gravels and some oysters. Then follows 1 m sandstone with gravel horizons (indicative of
beach deposits), which passes upward into bioturbated sandstones with increasingly more Heterostegina. These
shallow marine sandstones are overlain by ca 50 m of partly exposed silty marls with washed marine shells in the
lower part and topped by a 15 m thick slump bed containing algal limestone olistoliths. Above this slump
follows a partly exposed series of alternating homogeneous and sapropelitic marls of ca 15 m followed by
whitish calcareous marls and sapropels with turbidites of bioclastic calcarenites at the top of the Parathamna
Kefala. The sediments up to the shallow marine sandstone are typically for the Kasteliana Fm. The shallow
marine sands belong to the lower member of the Moulia Fm and the overlying deep marine sediments to the
upper member and the MUM unit (see SI 7). The lower 18 m of the upper member of the Moulia Fm has been
9
sampled in some detail: Gr 9897 – 9901 from the top of the Heterostegina sandstone to + 4 m and Gr 9884 –
9896 from + 8 to + 18 m (interval from + 4 to + 8 m is not exposed). See also Figure 3.
Gr 9897: menardii 4 (2x) in 1 tray. Bf: pseudoungarianus, gyroidina, uvigerina, oridorsalis
Gr 9898: menardii 4 (3x) in 1 tray
Gr 9899: menardii 4 (1x) + acost 17s + scitula gr (s) in 1 tray
Gr 9900: acostaensis 24s in 1 tray
Gr 9901: acostaensis 19s + 2d in 1 tray
Gr 9884: acostaensis 15s, menardii 4 (9x) in 1 tray. Bf: gyroidina, pseudoungarianus
Gr 9885 - 9887: scitula gr (s)
Gr 9888: menardii 4 (17x) in 12 fields + scitula gr (s)
Gr 9889: menardii 4 (16x) in 12 + scitula gr (s)
Gr 9890: menardii 4 (6x) in 27 + scitula gr (s). Bf: pseudoungarianus, uvigerina, gyroidina, oridorsalis
Gr 9891: acostaensis 3s + menardii 4 (6x) in 1 tray
Gr 9892: menardii 4 (1x) + scitula gr (s) in 1 tray
Gr 9893: acostaensis 3s + scitula gr (s) in 1 tray. Bf: pseudoungarianus, gyroidina, uvigerina, oridorsalis
Gr 9894: acostaensis 8s + scitula gr (s) in 1 tray
Gr 9895: acostaensis 6s + menardii 4 (1x) + scitula gr (s) in 1 tray. Bf: pseudoungarianus, uvigerina, gyroidina, oridorsalis
Gr 9896: acostaensis 14s + menardii 4 (1x) + scitula gr in 1 tray
Biozonal assignment lower part of upper member of Moulia Fm: biozone 8 (left acostaensis + menardii 4)
Depositional depth of idem: 350-630 m
Location 15: Exposures along new road above the village of Tefeli. Section 1measures 68 m and consists of
deep marine clays with a few sandy turbidites of the Skinias Fm (Gr 13498-13528). Section 3 measures ca 20 m.
Sandfraction clearly increases in an upward direction from silty clays at base to silt at top (Gr 13529-13537).
Section 4 is also a coarsening upward sequence of ca 37 m with the shallow marine deposits of the upper Skinias
Fm passing upward into (between 22 and 24 m) continental deposits of the Kasteliana Fm (sample Gr 13563 is
from fossiliferous sandy marls between 14 and 22 m). Section 5 measures 18 m and is equivalent to interval 5.5–
22.5 m in section 4 with sample Gr13538 from the same fossiliferous sandy marls as Gr 13563. Section 6
consists of 35-40 m of silty clays to silt showing regular grey and brownish colour cycles. Reddish coloured silts
contain calcrete paleosols. Section 6 belongs to Kasteliana Fm. See also Figure 3 and SI 8: photo 16.
Gr 13498: no ADT; bf: uvigerina, gyroidina, pseudoungarianus
Gr 13499: no ADT in 18; bf: oridorsalis, uvigerina, gyroidina
Gr 13500: no ADT; bf: idem
Gr 13501: falconarae (1x) in 18; bf: idem
Gr 13502: acostaensis 2d in 18 fields; scitula gr (lenguaensis and inflated types); bf: idem + oridorsalis
Gr 13503: acostaensis 3d in 9; dominant low-oxygen bf + fish remains
Gr 13504: acostaensis 14d in 18; idem
Gr 13505: acostaensis 3d in 9; idem
Gr 13506: acostaensis 18d +1s in 18; idem
Gr 13507: acostaensis 6d in 18; idem
Gr 13508: acostaensis 7d in 18 + 1x altispira; bf: uvigerina, gyroidina, oridorsalis, pseudoungarianus
Gr 13509: acostaensis 1d in 1 tray; bf: oridorsalis, uvigerina, gyroidina, pseudoungarianus, cf kullenbergi
Gr 13510: acostaensis 15d in 18; bf: idem minus oridorsalis + amphistegina
Gr 13512: few falconarae; idem
Gr 13513: few falconarae; bf: idem plus oridorsalis + cf kullenbergi (2x)
Gr 13514: acostaensis 14d + 1s in 27; idem + oridorsalis minus amph
Gr 13515: acostaensis 1d + falconarae (4x) + lenguaensis type (3s) in 18; bf: uvigerina, gyroidina, pseudoungarianus
Gr 13516: few falconarae; idem
Gr 13517: acostaensis 12d + 1s in 18; bf: idem + oridorsalis + 1x karreriella
Gr 13518: acostaensis 22d +3s in 18; idem
Gr 13519: acostaensis 12d +1s in 9; dominant low-oxygen bf + fish remains
Gr 13520: acostaensis 18d in 18; idem
Gr 13521: acostaensis 8d in 9; idem
Gr 13522: acostaensis 22d + altispira (9x) in 18; bf: uvigerina, gyroidina, oridorsalis, pseudoungarianus + amph
Gr 13523: no ADT; dominant low-oxygen bf + fish remains
Gr 13524: no ADT; idem
Gr 13525: no ADT; idem
Gr 13526: acostaensis 21d in 7; bf: uvigerina, gyroidina, oridorsalis, pseudoungarianus
Gr 13527: falconarae (1x) in 18; bf: idem + cf kullenbergi (2x)
Gr 13528: few falconarae; bf: idem
-----------------Gr 13529: acostaensis 20d + scitula type (3d +1s) in 18; bf: idem
10
Gr 13530: acostaensis 2d + falconarae (incl large sized) in 18; bf: idem
Gr 13531: acostaensis 12d + scitula type (3d) in 18; bf: oridorsalis, uvigerina, gyroidina + Amph + LBWOxygen species
Gr 13532: acostaensis 2d in 27; bf: gyroidina > uvigerina
Gr 13533: no ADT. Bf: gyroidina > uvigerina
Gr 13534: acostaensis 15d + 1s in 1 tray; little bf (high proportion of Ammonia)
Gr 13535: acostaensis 15d + 2s in 1 tray; bf: gyroidina, uvigerina.
Gr 13536: acostaensis 15d + 1s in 27; bf: gyroidina + few uvigerina, oridorsalis + high proportion dutemplei
Gr 13537: acostaensis 1d in 27; high proportion Ammonia, Elphidium, dutemplei + few (reworked?) uvigerina, oridorsalis
and gyroidina
-----------------Gr 13538: no pf; bf: miliolids, Elphidium, Ammonia, Textularia, Asterigerina
Gr 13563: idem (few uvigerina and aculeata reworked?)
Biozonal assignment section 1 and 3: dextral acostaensis without partimlabiata, seminulina and rare altispira in 1
sample + scitula types in 2 samples from section 3 assigns both sections most likely to biozone 6
Depositional depth:
Section 1: possibly 500 - 630 m
Section 3: shoaling from 500-630 m to middle neritic if few Uvigerina etc in uppermost sample are reworked
Section 4: ca inner neritic
Location 16: A little NW of the village of Plakiotissa along a valley to the dammed water basin are at least 14
cycles of poorly lithified gravels/conglomerates and muddy to gravelly sandstones with scattered oysters and
Clypeaster exposed. Pebbles are well rounded and if concentrated in levels then they tend to be flattened, as
often observed in beach gravels. Pebbles consist of greenstones and red chert (uppermost unit), and Tripolitza
limestones/flysch. A few pebbles of green-greyish quartzite, silex, and grey-bluish crystalline limestone may be
derived from the LN. The series measures at least 100 m and belongs to the Kasteliana Fm. In case this cyclicity
is precession-driven then this series would span some 300 kyr indicating a SR of 33 cm/kyr. Closer inspection of
the surroundings indicates that the angular unconformity separating this unit from the underlying Skinias Fm, as
suggested by ten Veen and Postma (1999a), actually represents the contact between a (sub) recent river terrace
and tilted silty marls of the Skinias Fm.
Location 17: Along road north of Xaraki (17a) and near Made (17b) showing fluvial sandstones alternating
with silts and clays assigned to the Viannos Fm. Paleocurrent readings from tabular sets indicate W to SWdirected drainage (245W and 260W).
Location 18: Transect along road from Vorias via Tsifout Kastelli to Ano Akria measured in 2007 with
additions made in 2008 and incorporating samples taken in 1993 (Z54) and 2000 (Gr 10779). Silty clays of the
Skinias Fm are in faulted contact with Tripolitza flysch (Z54). These marine clays underly south dipping
sediments of the upper Skinias and Kasteliana Fm (195SSW-15; 210SSW-08; 210SSW-10), which are best
studied along the road from Vorias to Ano Akria via Tsifout Kastelli. The transect from the bridge across a dry
river directly north of Vorias to the entrance of Tsifout Kastelli shows a series of road outcrops with dominantly
fine-grained sediments. The first one is at the bridge and exposes 8 m silty clay with many thin sandy turbidites
(Gr 13559-13560; this outcrop was earlier sampled in 2000: Gr 10779). Then ca 40 m not exposed followed by
6m alternating silty clay, silt and fine sand (Gr 13561-13562). Ca 5 m non-exposed followed by 4 m of nonfossiliferous coarse sandstones with hardgrounds (paleosols?). Then again a non-exposed interval of 5 m
followed by a series of 10-20 m dominated by sandstones with pebble levels and hardgrounds (paleosols?) with
some silty clayey interbeds. After a non-exposed interval of 60-70 m follow 20 m sandstones with gravels and
hardgrounds. Then again 30 m not exposed followed by an alternation of silty clay, silt and sand of 10 m and 8
m sandstones with gravels and hardgrounds with a few burrows. The next 20 m remains sandy followed by
poorly exposed hill slope with at the foot the modern village of Tsifout Kastelli and on top the ruined old village.
This slope section measures 40-50m and contains 2 or 3 coral reefs of 10 m each with sandstones with gravels
and hardgrounds in between. The next 80 m is poorly exposed with generally fine-grained clastics with many
oyster reefs. The sediments of the Kasteliana Fm are overlain by deep marine sediments of the Moulia Fm but
the contact is not exposed. Ca 10 m of fine sandstones with many marine shells and hardgrounds and a few large
burrows of ca 10 m (no Heterostegina) might represent the lower member of the Moulia Fm and seems in faulted
contact with the deep marine sediments of the upper member represented by 8 cycles of carbonate-rich and
carbonate-poor marls measuring 10 m. We sampled the carbonate poor intervals of these 8 cycles (Gr 13552 –
13558). The calculated thickness from bridge to base Moulia Fm is ca 350m. If all these sediments belong to
Kasteliana Fm then this formation measures here some 350 m. The lithostratigraphic position of the lower 50 m
of fine-grained sediments (Gr 13559-13562 + Gr 10779), however, is uncertain: it belongs either to Kasteliana
Fm or upper Skinias Fm (but: see below).
11
Z 54: acostaensis 16d + 1s (biozone 4 or 6)
--------------Gr 10779: few pf (acostaensis 1d + 9s). Bf is dominated by Ammonia with minor additions of Nonionella, Elphidium,
miliolids, Textularia and Robulus (2x), ribbed Nodosaria (3x), Bolivina (1x) and Cancris (2x).
Gr 13559: few pf (1x reworked (?) menardii 4). Bf dominated by ammonia and nonionella with additions of: robulus,
aculeata, ribbed nodosaria, cassidulina, asterigerina, triloculina, cribrononion, 1x gyroidina
Gr 13560: few pf (no ADT). Bf dominated by ammonia, asterigerina, nonionella, cribrononion with additions of globulina,
triloculina, dutemplei, robulus, elphidium and amphistegina + ostracods + echinid spines.
Gr 13561: few pf (acostaensis 7s in total residue). Few bf with strong dominance of ammonia and traces of: nonionella,
textularia, dutemplei, cribroelphidium, robulus, asterigerina and some ostracods
Gr 13562: few pf (acostaensis 4s in total residue). Little bf: idem + elphidium
-------------------Gr 13552: menardii 4 (10x) in 9 + scitula gr (s). Bf: oridorsalis, psungarianus, gyroidina, uvigerina
Gr 13553: menardii 4 (21x) in 4. Bf: idem + planulina
Gr 13554: menardii 4 (20x) in 2. Bf: idem
Gr 13555: menardii 4 (20x) in 3. Bf: idem
Gr 13556: menardii 4 (9x) in 9 + few scitula gr (s). Bf: idem
Gr 13557: menardii 4 (3x) in 9 + some scitula gr (s). Bf: idem
Gr 13558: menardii 4 (21x) in 4. Bf: idem
Age and depositional environment of interval with Gr 10779+ Gr13559-13562: inner neritic with left acostaensis
being reworked from biozone 5. If left specimens of acostaensis and one single specimen of menardii 4 are
washed in contemporaneously (during storms), then this interval may correlate to biozone 7.2. If this interval is
upper Skinias Fm then the Skinias Fm would extend up into biozone 7.2 which is at odd compared to biozonal
assignment of upper Skinias Fm at Tefeli and Piratijanni Kefala.
Biozonal assignment lower part of upper member Moulia Fm: 8 cycles + continuous presence of menardii 4
indicates upper biozone 8
Depositional depth of idem: 350–630m
Location 19: Three different outcrops in the Skinias Fm ca 400-500 m to the northeast of Douli near the chapel
of Agios Georgios (sampled in 1999, 2000, 2007 and 2008) of which the relative stratigraphic position is known.
Outcrop C is an isolated gully in marine clays of the Skinias Fm (Gr 10735 – 10741). It is the northernmost
outcrop and certainly the oldest. Outcrop B is at the end of a cornfield and close to base of the scarp made up of
bioclastic calcarenites of the Moulia Fm. Exposed are NNW dipping silty clays over a horizontal distance of 15
m. Sampled in 1999 (Gr 10259 and 10260) and in 2000 (Gr 10730 – 10734). In 2008: 2 samples from older part
(Gr 13666-13667) and 5 samples from younger part of B (Gr 13669-13670; Gr 13838-13840). Outcrop A is
again at end of a cornfield (to the south of B) and consists of two parts separated by ca 30 m covered interval.
Lower part exposes marine clays and measures 3 m (Gr 13544 - 13545 and 13551). In 2008 we took 1 sample
between B and A (Gr 13671) and 1 sample below Gr 13551. Upper part consists of silty clays, silts and fine
sands (Gr 13546–13548). Then ca 10 m not exposed followed by outcrop AA of 4 m of silt and silty clay (Gr
13549-13550) and 4 m sandstones with occasionally pebbles and hardgrounds. Then - after a non-exposed
interval of 15-20 m- follow sandstones (sometimes pebbly) with some oysters and irregular hardgrounds, and
few silty clay and silt beds. Then 5 m not exposed followed by 3 m silt, fine to medium sand with few burrows
passing upward into 1 m clast-supported conglomerate (300NW-15). The sequence in outcrop A and AA
describes the transition from shallow marine upper Skinias to Kasteliana Fm. The Skinias and Kasteliana Fm are
unconformably overlain by 25 m of W-dipping bioclastic calcarenites (Gr 13668) and calcisiltites (Gr 13678) of
the Moulia Fm (lower member). Calcarenites contain bryozoa, Lithothamnion, few Pecten latissima and
Clypeaster, and at some levels abundant Heterostegina. Calcisiltites have less bioclasts.
Outcrop C (Gr 10735 -10741): no pf; bf in all samples dominated by Ammonia, Triloculina and Sigmoilopsis
with admixtures of Cancris, Textularia, Cribrononion, Nonionella and rarely Cibicides ungarianus, Bulimina
aculeate, and Reusella. Common: echinid spines, fish remains and mollusc fragments. Environment: inner neritic
with shallow in-sediment redox level (frequent pyrite) and variable salinity (cf shallow marine fauna of
Hageman, 1979). Interval belongs to lower Skinias Fm (comparable with Turritella clay at Vathypetron).
Outcrop B (middle Skinias Fm)
Gr 13666: acostaensis 11xd + 1x juvenile altispira in total residue. Bf: frequent Ammonia, Nonionella, Textularia, dutemplei.
Also Robulus, Elphidium, Cancris, Pullenia, Quinqueloculina, ribbed Nodosaria.
Gr 13667: Few pf (no ADT). Bf: idem as in 13666 + 1x Amphistegina.
Gr 10734: acostaensis 23d and 1x cf partimlabiata
Gr 10733: acostaensis 4d
Gr 10732: acostaensis 16d and 1x cf altispira. Bf: diverse but no depth markers
12
Gr 10731: acostaensis 5d. Bf: diverse but no depth markers
Gr 10730: acostaensis 4d and 2x partimlabiata. Bf: diverse but no depth markers
Gr 10259: acostaensis 6d. Bf: diverse + 3x gyroidina + 1x uvigerina
Gr 10260: acostaensis 4d + 1s and 6x partimlabiata. Bf: diverse but no depth markers
Gr 13669: acostaensis 20x d in total residue. Bf: diverse + Gyroidina
Gr 13670: acostaensis 20xd in total residue. Bf: diverse + Gyroidna.
Gr 13838: acostaensis 2d + 2s in total residue. Bf: diverse with rel frequent ammonia
Gr 13839: acostaensis 14d + 1s in total residue. Bf: idem with rel. frequent ammonia
Gr 13840: acosatensis 24d in 36. Bf: idem + gyroidina
Biozonal assignment: probably biozone 4
Depositional depth: diverse bf with rare Gyroidina + trace of Uvigerina indicates middle to outer neritic
Older part of outcrop A (middle Skinias Fm)
Gr 13671: no ADT in total residue. Bf: Uvigerina, Oridorsalis, Gyroidna, pseudoungarianus.
Gr 13672: acostaensis 20xd + 1x lenguaensis type (s) in total residue. Bf: Oridorsalis, Uvigerina, Gyroidina
Gr 13544: acostaensis 8d in total residue
Gr 13545: acostaensis 1d in total residue
Gr 13551: acostaensis 14d and 1s + 1x lenguaensis type in total residue
Younger part of outcrop A and outcrop AA (= transition from upper Skinias to Kasteliana Fm)
Gr 13546 - 13548: few forams; no ADT
Gr 13549 - 13550: no pf
Biozonal assignment older part A: probably biozone 6
Depositional depth older part A: 350-630m.
Depostional depth younger part A: bf dominated by Ammonia, Textularia, H. dutemplei, Triloculina, Elphidium
and few pf point to inner neritic environment.
Depositional depth AA: no pf and dominant Ammonia: inner neritic
Location 20: Above Douli along dirt road to Kalos is a new (2008) and tectonically complicated outcrop with
N-dipping series of bluish to dark-gray clays and sands with some fragile shell fragments (unit B) overlain by
also a N-dipping series of beige coloured marls with mass transported beds made up of blocks of bioclastic
calcarenites and coral limestones (Unit C). Contact surface between both units is undulating but sharp and subhorizontal.The sequence is likely in faulted contact with calcarenites of the lower member of the Moulia Fm,
which become thicker in direction of Douli. We sampled across the contact surface with Gr 13683-13686 in
upper 1.5 m of unit B which most likely belongs to Kasteliana Fm. Samples Gr 13687-13691 are from three
successive marls beds in between the mass flow beds and Gr 13692 from marls within youngest mass flow of
unit C. Samples Gr 13693-13694 are from younger marl levels exposed along a track uphill branching off from
dirt road to Kalos. Unit C belongs to the upper member of the Moulia Fm and is overlain by whitish and
calcareous marls and laminated marls of the MUM unit (Gr 13673). It seems that units B and C are separated by
a normal fault and that the entire sequence has been tilted to the north in post-upper Messinian time. There is not
much of an angular unconformity between Kasteliana and Moulia Fm in contrast to the configuration at Douli.
Gr 13683: very few pf. Bf: ammonia and textularia with traces of Robulus, Nonionella. Also smooth ostracods
Gr 13684: idem
Gr 13685: idem + few Cancris, Valvulineria, C. dutemplei, Elphidium and miliolids
Gr 13686: no pf. Bf: Ammonia + C. dutemplei + smooth and weakly ornamented ostracods.
----------Gr 13687: miotumida gr (6x) + acostaensis 6s in 27. Bf: oridorsalis, siphonina, planulina, gyroidina, kullenbergi,
pseudoungarianus
Gr 13688: miotumida gr (5x) in 1 tray. Bf: idem
Gr 13689: miotumida gr (10x) in 1 tray. Bf: idem
Gr 13690: miotumida gr (common). Bf: idem
Gr 13691: few miotumida gr + some scitula gr (d). Bf: idem minus kullenbergi
Gr 13692: miotumida gr (13x) in 18 + some scitula gr (d). Bf: idem plus karreriella
Gr 13693: miotumida gr (11x) in 27 + some scitula gr (d). Bf: idem
Gr 13694: miotumida gr (4x) in 27 + some scitula gr (d). Bf: idem
------------Gr 13673: acostaensis 20s. Bf: frequent low-oxygen species
Depositional environment Kasteliana Fm: inner neritic
13
Biozonal assignment of upper member of Moulia Fm: biozone 11
Depositional depth of idem: 600-750 m
Location 21: Across the valley west of Douli and along eastern slope of the Plakoura hill: SW-tilted and partly
exposed series made up of sands and conglomerates with a few clayey intervals and an oyster bed of ca 70 m.
The series belongs to the Kasteliana Fm and is overlain by ca 30 m W-dipping bioclastic calcarenites of the
lower member of the Moulia Fm. Samples Gr 10722-10725 from clays at base of outcrop; Gr 10726-10728 from
clays in middle part and Gr 10729 from clays with Cardita from upper part. See also Figure 3 and SI 8: photo 20.
Gr 10722: few pf. Bf: ammonia, textularia + dutemplei and traces of cancris, robulus, bolivina, nonionella, aculeata
Gr 10723: idem
Gr 10724: few more pf. Bf: ammonia, elphidium + textularia and traces of sigmoilopsis, cassidulina, triloculina, epifytes,
valvulineria + 1x gyroidina.
Gr 10725: many sponge spicules! Few pf. Bf: ammonia, textularia, dutemplei and traces of nonionella, cancris, bolivina,
nonion
Gr 10726: few pf. Bf: ammonia, dutemplei, elphidium, textularia and traces of cancris, 1x reusella.
Gr 10727: no pf. Bf: ammonia and traces of triloculina, textularia, elphidium, cancris + echinid spines.
Gr 10728: few pf (acost 1d). Bf: ammonia, elphidium, dutemplei and traces of cancris, robulus, bolivina, ribbed nodosaria.
Gr 10729: few pf and otoliths. Bf: ammonia, dutemplei, cribrononion and traces of textularia, cancris, nonionella, robulus,
bolivina.
Depositional environment of clayey intervals: inner neritic
Location 22: Eastern scarp of the Mikro Oros (ca 2 km southeast of Agios Thomas) just below the
triangulation point that marks the highest point on the Mikro Oros. Exposed in a down-faulted block are ca 10 m
calcarenites and reefal limestones assigned to the lower member of the Moulia Fm. Basal 2 m consist of irregular
coral buildups mainly of Tarbellastrea. Next 1 m is made up mainly of Porites buildups in upright position. Then
3 m calcarenite with Lithothamnion and scattered Porites and Clypeaster with coral blocks at base and topped by
layer of Lithothamnion oncoliths. Then follow 4 m indistinctly bedded calcarenites with Heterostegina, broyzoa
and few Clypeaster and Pecten latissima. After a non-exposed interval of 2 m follows a poorly exposed series of
30 m made up of silty marls and mass transported bioclastic calcarenites of the upper member of the Moulia Fm
(Gr 9822-9844). Mass transported calcarenites contain Lithothamnion, bryozoa, and Heterostegina and some
show normal grading (200SW-13; n=3). The Moulia Fm is unconformably underlain by poorly exposed silty
clays, sandstones and conglomerates of the Kasteliana Fm (270W-25). See also Figure 3.
Gr 9822: menardii 4 (14x) in 27. Bf: gyroidina, uvigerina, pseudoungarianus, oridorsalis
Gr 9823: menardii 4 (12x) + acostaensis 4s in 27
Gr 9824: menardii 4 (20x) + acostaensis 5s in 27
Gr 9825: menardii 4 (10x) in 27
Gr 9826: menardii 4 (16x) in 27
Gr 9827: menardii 4 (6x) in 27 + acostaensis s
Gr 9828: menardii 4 (5x) in 27 + acostaensis s
Gr 9829: menardii 4 (9x) in 27 + acostaensis s
Gr 9830: menardii 4 (7x) + 3 falconarae in 27 + acostaensis s. Bf: pseudoungarianus, gyroidina, uvigerina
Gr 9831: menardii 4 (5x) + 1 falconarae in 27 + few seminulina
Gr 9832: menardii 4 (4x) + 2 falconarae in 27 + some seminulina
Gr 9833: menardii 4 + acostaensis s + few seminulina
Gr 9834: menardii 4 +1x falconarae + some seminulina
Gr 9835: seminulina (rare) + altispira. Bf: dominant shallow elements (epifytes, elphidium) + pseudoungarianus, uvigerina,
gyroidina. Bryozoa
Gr 9836: altispira (1x) + menardii 4 (1x) in 27. Bf: pseudoungarianus, gyroidina
Gr 9837: menardii 4 (common and incl miotumida types) + few seminulina
Gr 9838: menardii 4 (common and incl miotumida types) + some seminulina
Gr 9839: menardii 4 (rare) + few seminulina
Gr 9840: no ADT
Gr 9841: altispira + some seminulina + acostaensis s. Bf: uvigerina, planulina, gyroidina, oridorsalis
Gr 9842: altispira + some seminulina + 1x menardii 4
Gr 9843: some altispira + seminulina
Gr 9844: menardii 4 (rare)
Biozonal assignment of upper member of Moulia Fm: lower part biozone 9
Depositional depth of idem: 350-500 m
14
Location 23: Steep valley slope directly east of Preveliana in Moulia Fm overlying the Kasteliana Fm. The
Kasteliana Fm is studied in a transverse section parallel to, but south of road from Larani to Agios Thomas and
measures some 330 m. The transverse section begins at hill top 594 m to the northwest of Larani not far above
the base of the Kasteliana Fm. The underlying Skinias Fm is in faulted contact with Pindos flysch in the valley
just ENE of Larani (Gr 10777: close to contact and Gr 10778 closer to base Kasteliana Fm). The Kasteliana Fm
essentially shows repetitions of coarsening up sequences and ends with a reddish coloured continental interval of
ca 80 m comprising both muds and coarser clastics.
The actual transition from Kastelliana to Moulia Fm is hidden in blackberry bushes and reed accompanying a
hillside spring horizon at the foot of a steep slope to the east of Preveliana. The oldest outcrop in the Moulia Fm
is a few meters above the black-berry bushes and exposes 2 m of fine sandstone with irregular hardgrounds and
few shell fragments. Then 3 m covered with a small outcrop of silty marl directly below dirt road (Gr 13479)
followed by 3 m medium/coarse bioturbated sandstones with abundant Heterostegina in upper 1 m. Then 1 m
covered followed by 1 m sandstone with hardgrounds full of Heterostegina. After olive grove follows 1 m fine
sandstone and 1 m covered. Then 1 m coarse sandstones with shell fragments, basement pebbles, and burrows
and 2 m covered interval followed by 3 m bioturbated, fine sandstones with shells and Heterostegina. Then 2 m
not exposed and 1 m fine sandstones with hardgrounds followed by 1.5 m bioturbated sandstone with
hardgrounds and abundant Heterostegina. Then, after a olive grove, follow 1.5 m silt and fine sands with some
large bivalves (Gr 13738) followed by 1 m bioturbated bioclastic sandstone. The next 2 m is covered by olive
grove and is followed by a 4 m thick coarsening upward sequence beginning with 2 m silty clay to silt (Gr
13739) passing up into 2 m fine sandstones with several strongly bioturbated bioclastic intervals with abundant
Heterostegina. Then 2 m covered (olive grove) followed by 2.5 m poorly exposed silty clays, silts and fine sands
with some oysters and shell fragments (Gr 13740 at base). Then 3 m not exposed up to a small asphalted road
above which 6 m of silty marls with some 4 intervening sandy turbidites of 20-30cm (Gr 13741- 13743; Gr
13841-13844; Gr 10080). One of the turbidites is lenticular indicating a roughly NW-SE directed channel axis.
Then a 10-12 m overgrown slope ending with a small outcrop of 1 m silty marls (Gr 13744). The overgrown
slope continues another 15-20m followed by silty marls and bioclastic calcarenites of ca 9m (Gr 13745-13748).
Several of these calcarenites show normal grading and contain (at base) Lithothamnion, bryozoa and
Heterostegina. The series is topped by the MUM unit (see SI, Item 7) made up of laminated marls and calcareous
limestones. Contact is sharp without paleosol. See also Figure 3.
Gr 13479: few pf (no ADT). Bf: diverse with ammonia, textularia, elphidium, C. dutemplei, Nonionella
Gr 13738: few pf (no ADT). Bf: idem + epifytes, cancris, bolivina
--------Gr 13739: acostaensis 7s +1d + menardii 4 (2x) in 18. Bf: gyroidina, uvigerina, pseudoungarianus
Gr 13740: no ADT. Bf: idem
Gr 10080: acostaensis s and altispira (common). Bf: idem + planulina
Gr 13841: acostaensis 2s + menardii 4 (2x) in 27. Bf: idem + oridorsalis
Gr 13741: acostaensis 2s + menardii 4 ((1x) in 27. Bf: idem minus oridorsalis
Gr 13743: acostaensis 2s + scitula gr s. Bf: idem
Gr 13742: acostaensis 1s + menardii 4 (3x) + falconarae (1x ss) in 27. Bf: idem + oridorsalis
Gr 13842: scitula gr s. Bf: idem
Gr 13843: scitula gr s. Bf: idem
Gr 13744: menardii 4 (frequent). Bf: idem
--------Gr 13745: scitula gr s (cf suterae types) + no falconarae in 18. Bf: idem + siphonina
Gr 13746: scitula gr s (idem) + acostaensis 11s + no falconarae in 18
Gr 13747: scitula gr s (idem) + acostaensis 15s + no falconarae in 18
Gr 13748: scitula gr s (idem) + no falconarae in 18. Bf: idem
Depositional depth Skinias Fm: 350-500 m
Depositional depth lower member of Moulia Fm (Gr 13479 and Gr 13738): inner neritic
Biozonal assignment upper member of Moulia Fm: probably upper biozone 8 (because of altispira)
Depositional depth of idem: 350-500 m
Location 24: Western slope and scarp of the Kuies hill located east of the road Herakion -Agia Varvara, 1 km
N of the latter village. The slope below the scarp is heavily overgrown. Several isolated outcrops were sampled.
In approximate stratigraphic order these are:
1) Weathered clays including few molluscs (Gr 13598) sampled along the new road Heraklion-Agia Varvara
directly south of the exit to Agios Thomas and located 20-25 m below the scarp.
2) Several chunks of clay derived from a water drilling (Gr 10030-10031)
3) A freshly bulldozed outcrop at a building site (in 2008) east of the road Heraklion-Agia Varvara and directly
south of the new exit to Agios Thomas exposing 15 m of sands and dark to blue grey clays. These clays
15
occasionally are pebbly and contain freshwater molluscs (165SE-23). Several calcrete paleosols are present and
one interval with slumped sandstones and clays with a large (2 x 1 m) basement boulder.
4) Halfway the slope and a little closer to Agia Varvara is a small outcrop of 2 m sands and a pebble bed of 20
cm and many oysters at surface
5) a little higher up the slope and further in the direction to Agia Varvara is a small outcrop exposing clays, silt
and fine sands
6) Directly below the scarp at the E-side of Kuies hill are silty clays exposed which are locally rich in shells,
such as Thatcheria, Turritella, Cerithium, and small oysters (Gr 13628 and 13629)
The poorly exposed clays, sands and occasional conglomerate in these 6 outcrops from below the scarp are
assigned to the Kasteliana Fm.
The scarp begins with massive bioturbated calcirudites of 10 m containing abundant Lithothamnion oncoliths
and few Heterostegina and Clypeaster. This unit belongs to lower member of the Moulia Fm. The very base is
hidden in reed and blackberry bushes. Then 1m bioturbated sand with lithified top is followed by 1.5 m silty
marl (Gr 10093 and Gr 13599-13601), two stacked sandstone beds of 3 m and 3 m massive sandstone with a
scoured pebbly base. This series belongs to upper member of Moulia Fm and continues to the top of the scarp
but is poorly exposed (ca 7 m) and is - at the SE flank of Kuies hill- overlain by poorly exposed calcareous
sediments (including a layer of angular flysch components) of the MUM unit (see SI 7). The Kasteliana and
Moulia Fm are separated by an angular unconformity as shown by SI 8: photo 21.
Gr 10030: little pf (no ADT). Diverse bf: ammonia, dutemplei, textularia, bolivina, marginulina, cancris, uvigerina,
oridorsalis, marginulina, gyroidina, ungarianus, cassidulina, trifarina, robulus
Gr 10031: little pf (no ADT). Bf: idem + many triloculina
-----------------Gr 13598: many smooth shell fragments and ammonia + few smooth ostracods.
-----------------------Gr 13628-13629: no pf. Bf: dominant ammonia, elphidium, dutemplei, textularia and traces of cancris, aculeata, miliolids,
bouanum + ostracods and echinid spines
-----------------Gr 10093: acostaensis 4s + 1x falconarae + 2 seminulina
Gr 13599: acostaensis 2s in 1 tray + 5 seminulina in 2 trays. Bf: many shallow taxa (e.g. large ammonia, elphidium)
Gr 13600: acostaensis 2s + 3 seminulina in 2 trays. Bf: idem + pseudoungarianus
Gr 13601: seminulina (2x) in 1 tray. Bf: idem as in 13599
Depositional environment of Gr 13598 and Gr 13628-13629: brackish lagoon to vegetated inner shelf.
Depositional depth of Gr 10030-10031: upper bathyal indicating that these clays belong to Skinias Fm unless
deep markers are reworked.
Biozonal assignment upper member of Moulia Fm: biozone 9 (presence acostaensis s + seminulina)
Depositional depth of idem: probably upper bathyal with significant down slope transport of shallow bf
Location 25: Series of outcrops along road to Ano Moulia from the exit of the main road to the Messara up to
village. Below the exit is a coral reef exposed of ca 6 m high made up of irregular buildups of Tarbellastrea and
Porites. Reef is underlain (from top to bottom) by 3 m sandstones and conglomerates and by 6 m of fine
sandstones and silts rich in washed shells (Gr 13750) of Kasteliana Fm. Reef and overlying ca 10 m well-sorted,
bioturbated sandstones with irregular hardgrounds and few pebble horizons are assigned to the lower member of
the Moulia Fm. Then 4 m of silty marl with many washed shells in basal 2 m (Gr 13781) followed by 3 m silty
marl with a few shells (Gr 13782) passing upward into 2 m presumably bioturbated fine sands with shells (Gr
13783) and 6 m of silty marls with shells (Gr 13784 and GR 13752). Then the very poorly exposed slope to the
village of Ano Moulia. Along the road before the village (at place of a scrapped Ford truck) are, in a freshly
bulldozed outcrop, 4 m bluish-gray silty marls with a sandy turbidite of 60 cm exposed (Gr 13753-13755). These
4 m interval is followed by a partly exposed 12 m thick interval of marls and another 4 sandy turbidites (Gr
13756-13757) showing normal grading. The fourth one is a stack of 3 sandy turbidites topped by a stack of
several calcarenites of 1.3 m. Higher up along the road (closer to village) is a chaotic mixture of contorted strata
of marls and calcarenites of 4 m (Gr 13758-13759) topped by the calcareous MUM unit (see SI 7). In between
abandoned truck and slump are several small road outcrops showing silty marls and fine sandy turbidites. We
estimate the thickness of the upper member of the Moulia Fm at 60 m. See also Figure 3.
Gr 13750: no pf. Bf: ammonia and textularia with rare cribrononion and nonionella. Many smooth ostracods
---------Gr 13781: few pf (no ADT). Bf: diverse with miliolids and epifytes
Gr 13782: idem. Bf: C. dutemplei, textularia, elphidium, ammonia + traces of cancris and bolivina
Gr 13783: more pf (no ADT). Bf: diverse with pseudoungarianus
Gr 13784: idem. Bf: uvigerina, gyroidina, pseudoungarianus
16
Gr 13752: menardii 4 (7x) in 27. Bf: idem
--------Gr 13753: menardii 4 (21x) in 3 + acostaensis 3s + scitula gr s. Bf: idem + planulina and oridorsalis
Gr 13754: menardii 4 (22x) in 2. Bf: idem
Gr 13755: menardii 4 (26x) in 2 + some scitula gr s. Bf: idem
Gr 13756: acaostaensis 9s + no falconarae in 9. Bf: idem + siphonina
Gr 13757: acostaensis 21 s + no falconarae in 18 + scitula gr s (incl suterae types).
--------Gr 13758: poor preservation; miotumida gr present
Gr 13759: miotumida gr (8x in 9) + scitula gr d. Bf: uvigerina, gyroidina, planulina
Depositional environment Gr 13750: inner neritic
Depositional depth lower part of upper member of Moulia Fm: from outer neritic to upper bathyal (100-350m)
Depositional depth upper part of idem: 350-500m
Biozonal assignment of upper member of Moulia Fm: uppermost biozone 9/lower part biozone 10 up into
biozone 11
Area II (arranged from east to west):
Location 26: Slope and scarp east of new road from Arkalochorio to Martha and NW of Avli. Overgrown
slope up to base scarp exposes some small outcrops of mature sandstones and marine silty clays (120SE-20) of
the Skinias Fm. These marine silty clays extend up to ca 2 m below base of scarp (Gr 13830). Scarp exposes 1 m
of bioturbated fine sands (Gr 13831) followed by 1 m poorly sorted pebbly and bioturbated sandstone including
Lithothamnion, Spondylus and other marine shells and passing upward into 10-15 m of Lithothamnion
dominated bioclastic calcarenites with poorly pronounced lithified and non-lithified cycles (040NE-15).
Sequence exposed in scarp belongs to the lower member of the Agios Miron Fm.
Gr 13830: menardii 4 (5x and acostaensis (12d +1s) in 1 tray. Bf: oridorsalis, gyroidina, uvigerina, pseudoungarianus.
Age of Skinias Fm: probably biozone 4 (because of menardii 4)
Depth: 350-500 m
Gr 13831: few pf (a.o. acostaensis 1d +1s in 27; reworked?). Bf: ammonia, dutemplei, aculeata
Depth: inner neritic.
Location 27: Ca 6 m of mature sandstones alternating with silts and clays characteristic for the Viannos Fm at
N 35º 08,768/E 25º 17,380 (SW of Rousochorio at newly build party hall). Some of the sandstones are coarse
grained with pebbles derived from the Uppermost (basement) unit. Orientation of scour indicates a roughly W-E
directed small channel axis. At the back of the hall 15-20 m of sandstones alternating with silts and clays are
exposed. Bedding plane varies from 25ºNE-30 to 36º NE-40. This series is overlain by subhorizontal pebbly and
chanelling sandstones with small-scale cross-bedding. Contact not exposed. Higher up the slope, poorly exposed
sandstones with a recrystalized calcareous sandstone or grainstone on top containing miliolids. Similar
lithologies and reddish coloured sands and channelling unsorted conglomerates at Rousochorio are interpreted as
Lago Mare deposits because they are overlain by an early Pliocene mass wasting deposit.
Location 28: Ca 0.5 km north of Kalo Chorio and west of the new road Arkalochorio-Martha (opened in May
2009) at N 35º 07,648/E 25º 17,034: ca 5 m marine silty clays (Gr 13809-13813) of the Skinias Fm (28a). The
top of the hill at ca 15 m above the marine clays exposes 2m coarse sandstones (no fossils) followed by pebble
floor and 6 m of bioclastic calcarenites with Lithothamnion and poorly pronounced cyclicity representing the
lower member of the Agios Miron Fm. Skinias clays (Gr 13818) with irregular pockets of coarse sand and gravel
immediately below these shallow marine deposits probably represent load structures into water soaked sediments
of Skinias Fm during transgression. A little to the southwest and immediately north of cemetery of Kalo Chorio
at N 35º 07,431/E 25º 16,584: fine sands with floating pebbles (1m) pass upward into bioturbated sandstones and
occasionally a pebble horizon and some marine shells and echinoid spines (8-10m) belonging to the lower
member of the Agios Miron Fm (28b). This shallow marine series is in sharp contact with underlying Skinias
clays of 2 m (Gr 13832 and Gr 13857-13860). Large burrows filled with sand extend into Skinias clay. No
paleosol in between the two units.
Gr 13809: acostaensis 1d + lenguaensis type (7s) in 27; few falconarae (incl ls). Bf: gyroidina, uvigerina, oridorsalis
Gr 13810: lenguaensis types + falconarae (incl ls). Bf: idem
Gr 13811: few lenguaensis types. Bf: idem
17
Gr 13812: lenguaensis types (s) + few falconarae (incl ls). Bf: idem + pseudoungarianus
Gr 13813: few falconarae + 2x partimlabiata in 1 tray. Bf: idem
Gr 13832: acostaensis (21s + 2d). Bf: gyroidina + frequent low bottom water oxygen species
Gr 13857: acostaensis 23s + 1d. Bf: gyroidina
Gr 13858: acostaensis 20s + 7d. Bf: gyroidina, oridorsalis
Gr 13859: acostaensis 20s + 1d. Bf: idem
Gr 13860: shallow forams reworked from Agios Miron Fm by bioturbation with few in situ forams
Biozonal assignment of Skinias Fm: probably biozone 4 for 28a and biozone 5 for 28b.
Depositional depth: 350-500 m
Location 29: Along new road Arkalochorio-Martha, above the village of Gasi at N 35° 08,091/E 25° 16,107:
marine clays of the Skinias Fm (Gr 13814-13817) are in contact with overlying lower member of the Agios
Miron Fm.
Gr 13814: acostaensis 16d + menardii 4 (1x) in 27. Bf: gyroidina + frequent low bottom water oxygen species
Gr 13815: altispira 2x in 1 tray. Bf: idem
Gr 13816: acostaensis 1d in 18. Bf: oridorsalis, gyroidina
Gr 13817: acostaensis 1d in 27. Bf: oridorsalis, uvigerina, gyroidina
Biozonal assignment Skinias Fm: biozone 4 or 6 (possibly basal 6).
Depositional depth: 350-500 m
Location 30: 3 m thick conglomerate made up of several finer and coarser units is exposed high in the
overgrown valley slope east of the old road from Arkalochorio to Heraklion at N 35° 10,383/E 25° 14,656 (north
of Houmeri) ( 30a). The clast-supported conglomerate is topped by coarse grained sand. The pebbles are
unsorted and (sub) rounded and derived mainly from Tripolitza limestones with minor admixtures of flysch and
uppermost (basement) unit. Conglomerate represents a channel fill. A sandstone bed – 7-8 m below
conglomerate – is locally coarse grained [with clasts derived from Uppermost Unit] and shows small-scale crossbedding and small-scale channel fills (orientation 60ºNE-240ºSW). 3 m of (pebbly) sandstones with a few
discontinuous pebble levels alternating with thinly bedded silt and clay sometimes filling up symmetrical ripples
are exposed 12-14 m below conglomerate. An exposure to the south and topographically above the conglomerate
bed shows cemented sandstones with parallel lamination. The weathered clays on top of these sandstones include
an oysterbed and probably belong to the lowermost Skinias Fm. The series below should then belong to
uppermost Viannos Fm. Similar Tripolitza-rich conglomerates are exposed along road from Galatas to Voni at N
35º 11,149/E 25º 14,740 (30b). The conglomerates are intercalated in a faulted series of non-marine (devoid of
foraminifers) and sandstones belonging to (uppermost) Viannos Fm. The lower member of the Agios Miron Fm
unconformably overlies the sediments of the Viannos and the Skinias Fm.
Location 31: Directly north of location 11 are marine silty clays (Gr 13776) and sandstones of Skinias Fm
exposed. Some of these sandstones are coarse sandy including few oysters at base and show normal grading
(90E-10). The Skinias Fm is unconformably overlain by subhorizontally-bedded, fine sandstones rich in
Lithothamnion including burrows and stongly karstified bioclastic sandstones to calcarenites locally rich in
Heterostegina at hill top 529 m assigned to the lower member of the Agios Miron Fm.
Gr 13776: acostaensis 20d + ls falconarae (biozone 4 or 6). Bf: gyroidina, oridorsalis, uvigerina,
pseudoungarianus (350-500 m).
Location 32: Topographically some 10 m below an abandoned house directly north of Mikra Episkopi (and ca
60 m below hill top), an exposure of silty clays with many washed shells (Gr 13764). Samples Gr 13767 and Gr
13773) are from small outcrops of silty clays ca 5 m and 10 m below Gr 13764. Across a gully we sampled silty
clay with a.o. washed Turritella ca 5 (Gr 13765) and 10 m (Gr 13766) above Gr 13764. In between both samples
some sandstone beds with parallel lamination and burrows. From Gr 13764 we follow a path upslope to a newly
built house not far below the top of the hill. Topographically at the same position as the location of sample Gr
13767, we take Gr 13768 from massive silty clays. Slightly higher a freshly dug rainwater collecting basin
exposes marine silty clays alternating with fine sandstones and silts (Gr 13769). An exposure near the house
shows ca 6 m thinly bedded fine sandstones with some burrows and channel-fills followed by marine silty clays
(Gr 13770). Ca 15 m below hilltop are silty clays with calcisiltites exposed (Gr 13771). Series in between Gr
13771 and caprock is sandy with several pebble levels (Gr 13772: silty clay ca 8 m below caprock). Caprock
consists of sub-horizontally bedded Lithothamnion-rich calcarenites of the lower member of the Agios Miron
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Fm and unconformably overlies Skinias Fm. The irregular topography of the slope with Skinias exposures is
likely due to landsliding. Reconstructed stratigraphy suggests that we sampled twice a (discontinuous)
succession of middle to upper Skinias Fm. First succession includes samples Gr 13773, 13767, 13764 (middle
Skinias Fm) to Gr 13765, 13766, 137668 (upper Skinias Fm). A second one includes samples Gr 13769 (middle
Skinias Fm) to Gr 13770-13772 (upper Skinias Fm).
Gr 13773: few pf; no ADT.
Gr 13767: seminulina + few altispira. Bf: oridorsalis, pseudoungarianus
Gr 13764: acostaensis 1d in 18. Bf: uvigerina, gyroidina, oridorsalis, pseudoungarianus
--------Gr 13765: few pf. Bf: diverse but dominated by ammonia
Gr 13766: few forams; many mollusc fragments
Gr 13768: no pf. Bf: dominant ammonia; many sea urchin spines.
--------Gr 13769: acostaensis 21d in 27 (incl few atlantica types). Bf: oridorsalis, gyroidina
------Gr 13770: no pf. Bf: diverse but dominanted by ammonia
Gr 13771: idem
Gr 13772: no pf. Bf: diverse but dominated by ammonia + nonionella.
Biostratigraphic assignment Gr 13767: biozone 4 and that may hold also for Gr 13769 (few atlantica types)
Depositional depth of Gr 13764, Gr 13767, and Gr 136769: upper bathyal
Location 33: North of Patsideros at end of dirt road branching off from main road to Patsideros and leading to
a bulldozed field or building site (in 2008). Exposed: 18 m of sands, silts and silty clays (160SES-10)
representing flood basin deposits and assigned to Viannos Fm. Series is overlain by 4-5 m poorly exposed
calcarenites with Lithothamnion and even some mudstones with miliolids (030NE-10) of the lower member of
the Agios Miron Fm. Both units are separated by an angular unconformity; no paleosol. See also Figure 3 and SI
8: photo 23.
Location 34: SE scarp of Megali Korfi ca 0.75 km NW of the village of Stironas exposes 3 m of bioturbated
sands with pebbles and Clypeaster and marine shells, which pass upwards into 10-15 m Lithothamnion-rich
calcarenites showing indistinct cyclicity (330NW-20) and assigned to the lower member of the Agios Miron Fm.
A little below the caprock (near sheep farm) is a small outcrop of Viannos Fm (070NE-20). To the northeast at
end of vineyard and ca 5 m below base of shallow marine member of Agios Miron Fm, are a few meters of sand,
silt and clay (085NE-30) exposed with many washed Turritella and Cardita and several levels rich in shells (Gr
13819) assigned to lower Skinias Fm. The bedding orientation thus indicates an angular unconformity between
Viannos and Skinias Fm and Agios Miron Fm.
Gr 13819: few pf. Bf: diverse but dominated by ammonia (inner neritic).
Location 35: Abandoned quarry shows brecciated Tripolitza limestone block in faulted contact with unsorted
breccio-conglomerates made up of (sub) angular Tripolitza limestone debris. At the entrance of quarry,
sandstones and silty clays belonging to the Viannos Fm are against to and underlying cemented Tripolitza
limestone breccias and topped by less cemented breccio-conglomerates (N 35° 12,192/E 25° 10,133). We
interprete this assembly of basement block and sediments as being the erosional remnant of an olistostrome
deposit. The Tripolitza limestone block is considered to be an olistolith. It cannot be excluded that also the
cemented Tripolitza breccias represent blocks within this debris flow deposit.
Location 36: A little north of location 37 along a dirt road branching off the main road to the NE (N 35°
08,669/E 25° 09,582). Exposed is a steeply dipping (170°/50°), 7-8 m thick series of different conglomerate beds
and sandy interval with thinly bedded and lenticular gravel levels. Conglomerates are clast-supported and made
up of unsorted debris of generally subangular Tripolitza limestone and crystalline dolomites, and Uppermost
Unit fragments. Series belongs to the Viannos Fm and is probably deposited in channels and sheetfloods.
Location 37: Along the road Tefelion – Choudetsion directly north of junction to Armanogia (N 35° 07,967/E
25° 09,741). Pebbly sandstones and lenticular conglomerate beds of the Viannos Fm. Clast-supported and poorly
sorted conglomerates are made up of Uppermost Unit debris, and interpreted as channel fills.
Location 38: Along road to Moni Epanosifi close to junction with main road from Tefelion-Choudetsion (N
35° 09,115/E 25° 09,390). Mature and cemented sandstones (3 m) of Viannos Fm are overlain by blocks of
19
cemented Tripolitza limestone breccia. These blocks are interpreted as olistoliths in (or the cemented parts of) an
olistostrome deposit. See S 8, photo 5.
Location 39: Outcrops along and beneath the road from Choudetsion to Ano Archanes near the Minoan villa of
Vathypetron (measured in 1996, 2000 and 2007)
Below and directly east of Minoan villa: 25 m of (silty) clays with many sandy interbeds and one platy limestone
bed containing Melanopsis and Bithynia operculae and topped by a thick (5 m) sandstone (310NW-20) followed
by silty clays with few cm-thick sandstones (Gr 13967-13969) and cemented sandstone (1 m) with low-angle
cross-bedding (transport to 290°WNW). This series representing flood basin and point bar deposits is assigned to
Viannos Fm and is conformably overlain by 15 m of silty marls with many washed Turritella (Gr 13970-13971
[in basal 1 meter] and Z23) representing the shallow marine basal part of the Skinias Fm. Climbing ripples in a
fine sandstone bed indicate transport to N350. A little higher are 8 m of open marine silty marls exposed without
Turritella (samples Gr 13494-13497), which are (according to paleobathymetry, see below) assigned to middle
part of the Skinias Fm.
Along the road east of the entrance to Minoan villa: outcrop originating from land sliding during road
construction works exposing ca 8 m silty marls with a west-dipping (275W-10) pebbly sandstone bed of ca 80
cm (Gr 10789 – 10798). Pebbles are matrix-supported and dominantly derived from Tripolitza limestones.
Below this interval we sampled another 2 m interval of similar silty marls (Gr 10799-10801). We extended the
main outcrop upward by sampling another 2.5 m of silty marls (Gr 10784 -10788). Series belong to middle
Skinias Fm. See also Figure 3 and SI 8: photo 13.
Gr 13967: monospecific ostracod fauna + gyrogonites of charophytes
Gr 13968: few ostracods (monospecific)
Gr 13969: azoic
--------------------Gr 13970: Ammonia (frequent), Cribrononion, miliolids and Sigmoilopsis (trace) + abundant sea urchin spines
Gr 13971: Ammonia (frequent), miliolids (trace) + sea urchin spines
Z23: few pf (no ADT). Bf dominated by Ammonia, Textularia, triloculina, nonionella, dutemplei and admixtures of other
species o.a. gyroidina and ungarianus.
---------Gr 13494 – 13497: few pf (no ADT). Bf: uvigerina, gyroidina, oridorsalis, ungarianus (350-500 m)
Gr 10799: no ADT. Bf: idem
Gr 10800: no ADT. Bf: idem
Gr 10801: altispira (1x). Bf: idem
Gr 10798: no ADT. Bf: idem
Gr 10797: no ADT. Bf: idem
Gr 10796: altispira (2x) in1tray. Bf: uvigerina, gyroidina, ungarianus (200-350 m)
Gr 10795: acostaensis 3d and 9x altispira in 1 tray. Bf: idem
Gr 10794: acostaensis 1d and 16x altispira in 1 tray. Bf: idem
Gr 10793: acostaensis 3d and 15x altispira in 1 tray. Bf: idem
Gr 10792: acostaensis 9d and 26x altispira in 1 tray. Bf: idem
Gr 10791: no ADT. Bf: ungarianus, no gyroidina and uvigerina (< 200 m)
Gr 10790: acostaensis 6d; 7x seminulina and 6x altispira in 1 tray. Bf: idem
Gr 10789: acostaensis 12d + 2s; 10x seminulina and 3x altispira in 1 tray. Bf: idem
Gr 10984: no ADT. Bf: idem
Gr 10985: no ADT. Bf: idem
Gr 10786: acostaensis 1d in 1 tray. Bf: idem
Gr 10787: no ADT. Bf: idem
Gr 10788: seminulina (8x) and 2x altispira in 1tray. Bf: idem
Biozonal assignment middle part of Skinas Fm: correlation to zone 4 is likely in view of the presence of Gq.
altispira and seminulina. Some samples were checked on nannofossils but no ADT were found. Also no
representatives of G. scitula group are present.
Depositional depth of Skinias Fm: The Turritella clay has been deposited in an inner neritic environment (ca 100
m). The depositional depth of the overlying series changes upward from 350-500 to 200-350 m.
Location 40a: Scarp above and directly west of the village of Vathypetron. ca 12 m of silty clays and sands
(Gr 13480 -13483) deposited in an intertidal to brackish lagoonal environment (see below) either belongs to
shallow top of Skinias Fm or to Kasteliana Fm. The unconformably overlying unit of ca 50 m is made up of
bioturbated fossiliferous sands with irregular and discontinuous hardgrounds showing an upward increase first in
Heterostegina and then in Lithothamnion, and assigned to the lower member of the Agia Miron Fm.
20
Depositional environment samples Gr 13480-13483: no planktonic foraminifers; benthic foram fauna consists
exclusively of Ammonia and Elphidium (cf intertidal- to brackish-water association of Hageman, 1979).
Location 40b: Scarp at end of vineyards ca 500 m to the northwest of location 40a. Poorly-exposed silty clays
(Gr 13484: no forams) underlie clast-supported conglomerates with sandy interbeds (300NW-30; 250WSW-10).
Topographically higher: 1m silt to silty clay with wood fragments (Gr 13485: no forams) and one bed of small
oysters followed by 2 m of coarse sands and conglomerates. Imbricated clasts indicate transport in SE directions.
At about same stratigraphic level in a nearby location: conglomerates and sandstones with small-scale
unidirectional cross bedding indicating transport to the west (280WNW-14; 240SW-05). This assembly of
continental (fluvial) and lagoonal sediments overlies the marine clays of the Skinias Fm and is assigned to
Kasteliana Fm. The thickness of the Kasteliana Fm in this area is estimated at 20-30m and is overlain by
bioturbated sandstones of the lower member of the Agios Miron Fm (but contact is faulted).
Location 40c: Scarp NWN of Minoan villa at end of olive grove: 1.5 m coarse sand with pebbles, silt and
finely bedded silty clay (Gr 13486) (in 1999 from about same location Gr 10339 and topographically 10 m lower
Gr 10340) followed by conglomerates of Kasteliana Fm overlain by or in faulted contact with the lower member
of the Agios Miron Fm.
Gr 13486: no pf. Bf: dominated by ammonia + few cribroelphidium
Gr 10339-10340: no pf; bf dominated by Ammonia, few Elphidium, Cancris and miliolids
Depositional environment: intertidal to inner neritic
Location 40d: East of Mount Yugtas along a track that branches off from road to Ano Archanes (opposite exit
to top of Mount Yugtas). Exposed are conglomerates, sands with pebble levels, silts and a clayey interval rich in
plant remains and fragile shell fragments (105SE-25, n=3). These nonmarine sediments are assigned to
Kasteliana Fm. Then - after non-exposed interval of 10 m and at end of vineyard are ca 1 m bioturbated sands
with few Heterostegina and marine shell fragments. 10 m higher up (not exposed) a small outcrop of strongly
weathered marine sands. Then, 15-20 m higher up is a freshly bulldozed outcrop of bioclastic calcarenite with
bryozoa, Lithothamnion and shells ( 80 cm) followed by 1m silty marl with thin-bedded sandy turbidites (Gr
13491-13493) (140SE-18; n=2) and 1 m bioclastic calcarenite overlain again by a poorly exposed marl and
bioclastic calcarenite of 150 cm. This marine sequence belongs to the upper member of the Agios Miron Fm and
the shallow marine bioturbated sands to the lower member of this unit. The contact between Kasteliana Fm and
overlying Agios Miron Fm may be an angular unconformity.
Gr 13491: acostaensis 1s + 12 x miotumida gr in 1 tray; bryozoa
Gr 13492: acostaensis 6s + 8 x miotumida gr in 1 tray; bryozoa
Gr 13493: acostaensis 4s + 10 x miotumida gr + scitula gr 6s in 1 tray; bryozoa
Bf: many epiphytes (allochtonous), low-oxygen taxa and some psungarianus + 1x gyroidina.
Biozonal assignment of upper member of Agios Miron Fm: biozone 11 (timing of deepening here probably
corresponds with age of cycle M79)
Depositional depth of idem: 200–750 m
Location 41: A small isolated mount (N 35° 12,204/E 25° 08,224) exposes 6-7 m breccio-conglomerates
dominated by unsorted, angular Tripolitza limestone debris overlying silty clays of the Viannos Fm. These
breccio-conglomerates and the large brecciated Tripolitza limestone block are interpreted as the erosional
remnant of an olistostrome deposit. See SI 8, photo 6.
Location 42: Steeply dipping (275°-50) unsorted olistostrome deposit with slumped silty clays and even folded
platy limestones (N 35° 11,831/E 25° 08,845). The series measures ca 20 m and is intercalated in sediments
characteristic of the Viannos Fm, i.e. mature and cemented sandstones below and non-marine silty clays above.
The debris is dominated by (sub) angular Tripolitza limestone with blocks up to 1.5 m across. See SI 8, photos 78.
Location 43: Several Tripolitza limestone and cemented Tripolitza limestone breccia blocks dot the gently
sloping hills of the Viannos Fm over a small area at N 35 11,671/E 25 08,093. The blocks are surrounded by less
cemented, unsorted debris dominated by (sub) angular Tripolitza limestone and few uppermost basement
fragments. The blocks are interpreted as olistoliths being incorporated in an olistostrome deposit. See SI 8,
photos 9-10.
21
Location 44: A small isolated mount to the SE of the village of Kiparissos (44a) consists of a cemented
Tripolitza limestone breccia block surrounded by less cemented breccio-conglomerates. The debris is dominated
by (sub) angular Tripolitza limestone with a few flysch and uppermost basement unit fragments and includes a
package of silty clays and broken cemented sandstones typically of the Viannos Fm (see SI 8, photo 11). A little
to the E (N 35° 11,211/E 25° 05,073) are two olistostrome deposits exposed: the lower one is composed
exclusively of angular and unsorted debris derived from the Uppermost Unit; the upper one is composed of
unsorted, (sub) angular Tripolitza limestone debris probably with olistoliths of (2e generation) cemented
Tripolitza limestone breccias (44b) (see SI 8, photo 12). A nearby isolated mount (N 35° 11,150/E 25° 05,169)
exposes basically the same sequence of olistostromes: the debris of the lower one is made up of Uppermost Unit
and that of the upper one consists of less cemented Tripolitza limestone with isolated blocks of more cemented
breccias (2e generation?) and a few brecciated Tripolitza limestones. The two debris flow deposits represent an
erosional remnant of at least 20-30 m thick. It cannot be excluded that the lower debris flow deposit incorporates
Uppermost Unit blocks.
Location 45: Along a dirt road from Ardachtia (southeast of Agios Thomas) to Sinapi ca 2.5 km NNE of
Ardachtia and just before the northernmost sheep farm at N 35° 09,833/E 25° 03,191 are silty clays and sands of
Viannos Fm exposed. These sediments are tilted (190S-30) and overlain by 8 m of W-dipping bioclastic
calcarenites with abundant Lithothamnion assigned to the lower member of the Agios Miron Fm. At base some
scattered basement pebbles and locally pebbles and pieces of underlying Viannos Fm. Contact is sharp and
without paleosol but locally calcarenites form load structures in the underlying Viannos Fm, which became
plastic at the time of transgression and deposition of the calcarenites. Some 2 km to the north these calcarenites
measure 15 m showing 4 poorly pronounced cycles. Two small outcrops of silts (Gr 13675) and silty marls (Gr
13676) above the calcarenite along the continuation of the dirt road with the sheep farm represent the base of the
upper member of the Agios Miron Fm. See also Figure 3 and SI 8: photo 22.
Gr 13675: very poor preservation. few pf. Bf: many epifytes
Gr 13676: miotumida gr (5x) + scitula gr (2d +2s) in 1 tray. Bf: gyroidina, uvigerina, planulina, pseudoungarianus.
Age for base of the upper member of Agios Miron Fm: biozone 11
Depth of idem: 350-500 m
Location 46: The valley due west of and below Kato Kalesa (46a) exposes N-dipping alternations of mature
cemented sandstones and (silty) clays typically of the Viannos Fm. Some of the sandstones are stacks of up to 8
m with truncation surfaces and low-angle cross-bedding (transport to the NW). The uplifted rear end of a tilted
(to the north) fault block more to the south (at N 35 16,633/E25 02,552) exposes an older, coarse clastic part of
the Viannos Fm (46b). The series measures 60-80 m (without faulting) and consists of unsorted breccioconglomerates with a few intervening (pebbly) coarse sandstones. Some beds have an erosional base. The (sub)
angular components are derived from the uppermost basement unit. We infer deposition from sheetfloods on an
alluvial fan for these coarse clastics. Poorly sorted fluvial conglomerates and (pebbly) coarse sands with lowangle cross-bedding, imbrications (transport to the north) and truncation surfaces are exposed in between
location 46b and basement in the south. These braided channel deposits with transport to the north seem to
belong to a younger, fine-grained part of the Viannos Fm. The basement in the south is the Uppermost Unit and
is overlain by very coarse, angular uppermost basement debris which may pass upwards into the series of
breccio-conglomerates exposed in 46b.
Location 47: Ca 1 km north of Siva along the road to Heraklion near the gas station. A 25 m thick sequence
of silty clays including calcrete paleosols and conglomerates is overlain by 1.50 m sands with few marine shell
fragments followed by 0.5 m conglomerates with abundant Cerithium and 4 m conglomerates and sands with
Porites buildups at the top. Then follow 8 m of sands with large burrows in lower and few marine shells in the
upper part. Then 1.5 m silts (Gr 10069-10070) with many shell fragments followed by 4 m fine sands with
fossiliferous levels (a.o. Pinna) (Gr 10071-10072 and Gr 9851) passing upward into 20 m of bluish-gray silty
marls with shells and displaying 6-7 poorly pronounced cycles of which the lower 10 m has been sampled in the
road cut ca 0.5 km further in the direction of Heraklion at N 35° 13,367/E 25° 02,589 (Gr 9852-9870). The upper
2.5 m has been sampled in the road cut near the gas station at N 35° 12,907/E 25° 02,353 (Gr 10266-10277). The
top of the silty marl unit is black coloured and overlain by a disturbed series of sapropels alternating with beige
coloured homogeneous marls including an ash layer (only the lower 2 m has been sampled: Gr 10278-10288).
The shallow marine sands (including underlying non-marine clastics) are assigned to the lower member of Agios
Miron Fm. The silty marls and the sampled cyclically bedded sequence of sapropels and homogeneous marl beds
(2m) belong to the lower and upper part of the upper member of the Agios Miron Fm. See also Figure 3.
22
Gr 10069-10072: few pf. Bf: ammonia, elphidium, dutemplei + echinid spines (inner shelf)
Gr 9851: few pf + glauconite grains. Bf: pseudoungarianus
----------Gr 9852: menardii 5 (1x) in 2 trays + scitula gr (2s) in 1 tray + glauconite grains
Gr 9853: menardii 5 (1x) + scitula gr (2s) in 27 + glauconite grains
Gr 9854: no ADT
Gr 9855: menardii 5 (15d + 2s) in 3 trays. Bf: pseudoungarianus + 1x gyroidina
Gr 9856: menardii 5 (4d + 1s) in 2 trays + some glauconite grains
Gr 9857: menardii 5 (5d) in 2 trays
Gr 9858: menardii 5 (8d) in 1 tray
Gr 9859: menardii 5 (1d) in 2 trays + scitula gr (9d) in 27
Gr 9860: menardii 5 (6d) in 2 trays. Bf: pseudoungarianus, uvigerina, gyroidina
Gr 9861: menardii 5 (1d) in 2 trays
Gr 9862: menardii 5 (2d) in 2 trays
Gr 9863: no ADT
Gr 9864: menardii 5 (2d) + scitula gr (1s) in 2 trays
Gr 9865: miotumida gr (6x) in 2 trays. Bf: pseudoungarianus, uvigerina, gyroidina, oridorsalis
Gr 9866: miotumida gr (1x) in 2 trays
Gr 9867: miotumida gr (9x) + scitula gr (2d) in 1 tray
Gr 9868: miotumida gr (3x) + scitula gr (5d + 3s) in 9
Gr 9869: miotumida gr (5x) + scitula gr (2d) in 9
Gr 9870: acostaensis 13s + scitula gr (9d +1s) in 9. Bf: pseudoungarianus, uvigerina, gyroidina, planulina
-------------Gr 10266: mioumida gr (3x) in 27
Gr 10267: miotumida gr (3x) in 9
Gr 10268: miotumida gr (1x) in 27
Gr 10269: miotumida gr (2x) in 27; scitula gr (17d/6s)
Gr 10270: miotumida gr (3x) in 27
Gr 10271: miotumida gr (1x) in 27
Gr 10272: miotumida gr (4x) + scitula gr (2d) in 45
Gr 10273: miotumida gr (1x) + scitula gr (24d) in 27 (no nicolae)
Gr 10274: miotumida (1x) in 27; scitula gr (23d/11s)
Gr 10275: miotumida gr (13x)
Gr 10276: miotumida gr (8x)
Gr 10277: miotumida gr (1x) in 9
--------------Gr 10278: miotumida gr (1x) in 27
Gr 10279: miotumida gr (3x) in 27
Gr 10280: miotumida gr (10x) in 9
Gr 10281: miotumida gr = common
Gr 10282: miotumida gr = common
Gr 10283: miotumida gr = rare + scitula gr (1d)
Gr 10284: miotumida gr = frequent
Gr 10285: miotumida gr = trace
Gr 10286: miotumida gr= trace
Gr 10287: miotumida gr = trace
Gr 10288: miotumida gr = trace + volcanic minerals (ash 1)
Biozonal assigment of silty marls (lower part of the upper member of the Agios Miron Fm): biozone 10 and
biozone 11 (straddling T/M boundary)
Depositional depth of idem: deepening upward from inner neritic (ca 100 m: Gr 9851) to outer neritic-upper
bathyal (100-350 m: Gr 9855, Gr 9860) to upper bathyal (350-500 m: Gr 9865, Gr 9870).
Biozonal assignment of (disturbed) lower 2 m of cyclically-bedded sequence (upper part of the upper member of
the Agios Miron Fm): biozone 11
Location 48: Partly exposed valley side, ca 1 km NNE of chapel of Zoodochos Pigi and 1.5 km SE of Avgeniki
at N 35° 10,699/E 25° 02,336. Lower part is made up of 4 m of sandstones with Lithothamnion and few Pecten
in lower 2 m with UN basement pebbles and reworked Viannos sediments in basal 1 m. No Lithothamnion
between 2-4 m. Then 4 m not exposed followed by ca 8 m fine sand with Heterostegina and Pecten and 2 m very
fine sand (Gr 13710-13712). After a non-exposed interval of ca 6 m, the section is topped by 50 cm silty marls
(Gr 13713-13716). The sandy series belongs to the lower member of the Agios Miron Fm and silty marls on top
to the lower part of the upper member of the Agios Miron Fm.
Gr 13710-13712: few pf (no ADT). Bf: diverse (inner neritic)
23
----Gr 13713: poor preservation. No ADT. Bf: uvigerina, gyroidina, pseudoungarianus
Gr 13714: few acostaensis s and scitula gr (4s in 27 incl suterae types?). Bf: gyroidina, oridorsalis, uvigerina,
pseudonungarianus
Gr 13715-13716: few acostaensis s and scitula gr (s and incl suturae types?). Bf: idem
Biozonal assignment of lower part of upper member of Agios Miron Fm: lower biozone 10 or base 11
Depositional depth of idem: 350-500 m
Location 49: 1.5 km due north of Agios Thomas at the chapel of Zoodochos Pigi (= Aghias Oikogeneias in
Reuter et al., 2006) at N 35° 09,830/E 25° 02,189: Tripolitza limestones with borings at top and overlain by
bioclastic calcarenites and calcisiltites with Lithothamnion and Pecten latissima (Gr 13709). This series probably
correlates with the calcarenites of ancient Rhizenia, i.e. belongs to the lower member of the Agios Miron Fm.
Gr 13709: few pf (no ADT). Bf: many epifytes + Nonionella (inner neritic).
Location 50: Along new road Heraklion-Agia Varvara, ca 500 m north of the new exit to Agios Thomas at N
35° 10,081/E 25° 01,200: 2-5 m clays and cemented siltstones of the Viannos Fm in faulted contact with
Tripolitza flysch. The Viannos Fm is overlain by 1.4 m of sandy silt with Pecten and oyster (unit A). This unit A
is at least partly in faulted contact with Viannos Fm below. Unit A passes upward into 60 cm marl with sandy
silt at top with oyster/pecten fragments. Via fault follows 2e sandy silt (40 cm) with oyster/pecten fragments and
40 cm marl followed by 1 m grayish (and dark coloured when fresh) marl being finely-bedded in lower part and
less so in upper part (unit B). Unit B is overlain by a strongly disturbed series of 1.5 m of gray-beige coloured
homogeneous and laminated marl beds (unit C). Unit B and C are separated by a faulted contact. Unit C in its
turn is in faulted contact with a next younger strongly disturbed unit (D) of light coloured tbeige coloured
homogeneous marls and laminites with many calcarenitic turbidites and angular flysch fragments at base. Unit A
belongs to the lower member of the Agios Miron Fm and units B and C to lower and upper part of the upper
member.Unit D belongs to the MUM unit (see SI 7).
Location 51: The village of Agios Miron exposes a ca 10 m thick sequence of silty clays with calcrete
paleosols and conglomerates underlying a shallow marine sequence of bioclastic sands with Porites buildups (4
m) and 6 m fine sands containing Lithothamnion and Pecten with many irregular hardgrounds. This sequence is
probably in faulted contact with the Viannos Fm and belongs to the lower member of the Agios Miron Fm. After
a non-exposed interval of ca 10m, the sequence continues with 2 m of silty marls (Gr 10051-10054) at the
beginning of a small road that branches off from the western village road into a northwestern direction. After a 1
m non-exposed interval follow 7 m of silty marls with molluscs and poorly pronounced cycles (Gr 10055-10062
and Gr 11654 -11673). This silty marl unit belongs to the lower part of the upper member of the Agios Miron
Fm and is in sharp contact with the upper part of the upper member composed of sapropels alternating with
bluish-gray homogeneous marl beds with several ash layers (Gr 11653-11631; Gr 11512-11531; Gr 1167411688). The upper part of the upper member of the Agios Miron Fm passes upward into a partly disturbed
sequence of sapropels and whitish and indurated calcareous marl beds (MUM unit) topped by a presumably early
Pliocene mass wasting deposit (not shown in Figure 3). (See also SI 7).
Biozonal assignment of lower part of upper member of Agios Miron Fm: biozone 11
Biozonal assignment of upper part of idem: biozone 11 and younger
Depositional depth of upper member of Agios Miron Fm: 350-500 m
Location 52: Composite of sections at ancient Rhizenia and along road from Prinias to Ano Atsites at the
necropolis of Rhizenia. A 15 m thick sequence of calcarenites and rudstones (N30°E-20) overlies Tripolitza
flysch. Calcarenites show 6-7 (indistinct) cycles of less lithified, fine grained calcarenites to calcisiltites and
more lithified and bioturbated coarser calcarenites and rudstones. Abundant Lithothamnion (sometimes even in
buildups) occurs next to some corals, few Heterostegina and Clypeaster. No lithoclasts. Azoic clays and
sandstones (210SW-10) were exposed in 1999 at the car park of ancient Rhizenia. These sediments represent a
faulted and tilted remnant of the Viannos Fm possibly in faulted contact with Tripolitza flysch (no contact
exposed). The road along the necropolis exposes the N-ward dipping top of these calcarenites overlain by a very
poorly exposed series of silty marls and some intervening calcarenites of 3.5 m (Gr 12501 – 12505) followed by
a 10 m thick cyclically-bedded sequence of sapropels and homogeneous marls (335NW-15). The lower 1.5 m of
this 10 m has been sampled by digging trenches (Gr 12506-12513); the upper 8.5 m is better exposed but not
figured in Figure 3. The sequence of calcarenites belongs to the lower member of the Agios Miron Fm and is
24
supposedly time-equivalent to the silty marls with 6-7 poorly pronounced cycles at location 40. The overlying 5
m belong to the upper part of the upper member of the Agios Miron Fm.
Gr 12501: few pf. Bf: gyroidina, pseudoungarianus
Gr 12502: few acostaensis + scitula gr (3s) in 2 trays
Gr 12503: very poor preservation. Few shallow water bf + pseudoungarianus:
Gr 12504: miotumida gr (8x) in 2 trays. Bf: gyroidina, uvigerina, pseudoungarianus
Gr 12505: miotumida gr (4x). Bf: uvigerina, gyroidina + cf kullenbergi
Gr 12506: miotumida gr (8x) in 9 and volcanic minerals (ash 1?). Bf: gyroidina, uvigerina, planulina + cf kullenbergi
------Gr 12507: miotumida gr (6x) in 9 + nicolae (3d/1s) in 1 tray and few volcanic minerals
Gr 12508: nicolae (9d) in 1 tray
Gr 12509: miotumida gr (1x) + nicolae (3d) in 1 tray
Gr 12510: nicolae (12d + 1s) in 9
Gr 12511: nicolae (14d + 2s) in 9
Gr 12512: nicolae (8d + 2s) in 9
Gr 12513: nicolae small (14d + 2s) in 9
Biozonal assignment of the upper member: biozone 11 and younger.
Depositional depth of idem: 350-600 m
Area III (arranged from east to west):
Location 53: The slope of the prominent table mountain north of road Panasos-Gergeri exposes a ca 70 m thick
series of variably cemented, fine to coarse (and poorly sorted) sandstones. Several beds show normal grading.
Some are scouring and contain angular flysch components at base. Several beds are strongly bioturbated and
locally rich in Heterostegina. Clypeaster is relatively common. The series is overlain by calcareous sediments
(including a layer of angular flysch components) of the MUM unit (see SI 7 and Figure 3).
Depositional environment: Clypeaster and Heterostegina suggest a shallow marine environment. A prodelta
facies, however, is not confirmed by the absence of an upward increase in grain size or decrease in marine
macrofauna. Upper bathyal silty marls underlying similar deposits along road directly above the village of
Panasos indicate that the stack of massive and pebbly sandstones is deposited in deep water. This indicates that
the macrofossils are displaced, which in combination with normal grading and the absence of upward trends in
grain size renders it likely that the stack of massive and pebbly sandstone beds represent a slope apron facies.
Location 54: The 8 m thick lower reef near the ruined hamlet of Psalidha is overlain by 6 m sandstones with
pebble levels with longest axis of pebbles // to bedding and a few thicker less well-sorted conglomerates
probably deposited in a beach environment. The lower reef is probably part of the in situ reefal limestone higher
up the overgrown slope. Small outcrops of sandy silts and silty clays at ca 16 m and 20 m (Gr 13890-13891)
above the lower reef show many washed molluscs with o.a. Turritella, Cardita, oysters and also Ancilla
glandiformis and Nassarius. Sands with pebble levels are exposed over an interval from ca 12 to 5 m below the
base of the reef. Orientation of the longest axis of the well-rounded pebbles often // to bedding and imbrications
point to a beach environment. The interval from 5 m below to the base reef is characterized by silty sediments
with many Porites buildups. The reef itself measures ca 8 m and is made up mainly of Tarbelleastrea in a sandy
to calcarenitic matrix. The olive grove on the NE-dipping top of the reef shows many oysters and fragments of
Cerithium, Turritella and Cardita. At the end of the dipslope we seem to have passes a N-dipping fault separating
the molluscs-rich shallow/lagoonal sediments of the Kasteliana Fm on top of the reef from marine silty clays
without washed molluscs belonging to the upper member of the Moulia Fm (Gr 13892-13894).
Gr 13890: frequent menardii 4, acostaensis 3s + scitula gr 1x. Bf: oridorsalis, gyroidina, uvigerina,
pseudoungarianus
Gr 13891: rare menardii 4. Bf: idem
Gr 13894: rare menardii 4. Bf: oridorsalis, uvigerina, gyroidina, pseudoungarianus
Gr 13893: rare menardii 4. Bf: idem
Gr 13892: rare menardii 4, acostaensis 2s in 9. Bf: idem
The mollusc-rich silt/clays with Nassarius and Ancilla some 20 m above the lower reef (Gr 13890-13891)
containing frequent menardii 4 and deep water benthic markers (300-500m) clearly belongs to the Moulia Fm.
Also the deep marine clays above the upper reef (Gr 13892-13894) belong to Moulia Fm but are separated from
25
Kasteliana Fm by a normal fault. The lower reef and overlying Moulia Fm may represent a downfaulted block
separated from the upper reef by a listric fault. If true then the reef represents a level close to the top of the
Kasteliana Fm. Details of the bioherm are given in Brachert et al. (2006).
Age: A 87Sr/86Sr-ratio would point to an age of ~9 Ma for the reefal limestone (Mertz-Kraus et al., 2007) but
since the bioherm represents a level in the top of the Kasteliana Fm, an age close to 8.2 Ma is more likely (see
also discussion in text).
Location 55: Steep slope ca 1 km south of Apomarma and east of river at N 35° 06,115/E 24° 57,142 exposes
50 m of bluish-gray marls with a few thin-bedded sandy turbidites overlain by 8 m turbiditic sandstones.
Sandstones contain some shell fragments, Heterostegina and Lithothamnion. The pebbly sandstone bed in the
upper part is scouring. This series belongs to the lower part of the upper member of the Moulia Fm. We sampled
the lowermost 15 m of this section in 2007 (samples Gr 13470-13479).
Gr 13470: menardii 4 (2x) in 9. Bf: karreriella, planulina, gyroidina, oridorsalis, uvigerina, pachydermis
Gr 13471: menardii 4 (21x incl miotumida gr) in 4 + falconarae ss. Bf: idem
Gr 13472: menardii 4 (7x incl miotumida gr) + altispira + acostaensis 18s/1d in 9, 2x seminulina in 1 tray. Bf: idem
Gr 13473: menardii 4 (2x) + acost 13s/1d in 9. Bf: low-oxygen species
Gr 13474: menardii 4 (20x incl miotumida gr) + acostaensis 7s in 9. Bf: idem
Gr 13475: menardii 4 (26x) in 2 + acost 11s in 9. Bf: idem as Gr 13470 minus karreriella + oridorsalis
Gr 13476: seminulina (22x) in 3 + 20 menardii 4 in 2 + acostaensis 1s in 9. Bf: pachydermus, planulina, gyroidina, siphonina
Gr 13477: seminulina (15x) + 3 menardii 4 + 7 altispira in 9 + acostaensis 21s/1d in 4. Bf: pachydermus, planulina,
uvigerina, gyroidina
Gr 13478: sapropel. Little pf: 7 altispira in 1 tray.
Gr 13479: menardii 4 (2x) + 8 altispira + 1 seminulina in 9 + acostaensis 22s/1d in 4. Bf: oridorsalis, planulina, gyroidina,
uvigerina, psungarianus
Biozonal assignment lower part of upper member of Moulia Fm: lowermost part biozone 9
Depositional depth of idem: 350-500m
Location 56: Stratigraphic contact between UN basement (flysch) and Kasteliana Fm along road from
Apomarma to Ambelouzos near bridge over a N-S trending and deeply incised gully complex in the southern
slope of the Orthi Petra (504 m) at N 35° 04,231/E 24° 56,786. Sequence begins with reddish soil followed by
poorly sorted conglomerates and sands of several meters followed by 50-60 m alternating sand, silt and silty
clays with a few clast-supported conglomerates (≤ 2m). Components in a conglomerate bed at ca 30 m are
derived mainly from UN. Silty clays are occasionally rich in shells, e.g. at about 20 m above base (sample level
Gr 13468) display many washed shells of Terebralia and Cardita and lesser amounts of Turritella and Murex.
Samples Gr 10255-10258 were taken in 1999 from several silty clay levels in lower part of section. Colour
cycles in the fine-grained clastics probably reflect dry-wet conditions controlled by precession (distinct greybrownish colour cycles in Kasteliana Fm are found above the village of Tefeli with the brownish layers
representing calcrete paleosols). After a non-exposed interval of 10 m (olive groves) we find 2m of
conglomerates followed by 5 m coarse sand with pebble levels and topped by an oyster bed of 0.5 m. Then
follow 2 m of conglomerates topped by (pebbly) sandstone, which – to the northeast - is found at base of downfaulted block. This sandstone bed measures 5 m and contains large burrows at top along with a few marine shells
and some Heterostegina and is assigned to the lower member of the Moulia Fm. Then follows a series of 2 m
beginning with fine sand passing upward into silty clays (Gr 13469) representing the transition to the upper
member of the Moulia Fm. Thickness of the Kasteliana Fm is estimated at ca 60-80 m. See also SI 8: photos 1718.
Gr 13468: abundant smooth ostracods and Ammonia + some echinid spines.
Gr 10255: no forams
Gr 10256: no pf. Bf: ammonia, few nonionella + 2x reworked Robulus or Cibicides. Echinid spines
Gr 10257: ammonia, smooth ostracods
Gr 10258: no forams
Gr 13469: pf: no ADT. Bf: diverse with Gyroidina and pseudungarianus (middle-outer shelf)
Location 57: Ca 0.75 km to the NW of the village of Kastelli Messara exposes 10 m fine sandstones with a few
scattered oysters and some burrows. In upper part several pebble beds. Then 1 m of bioturbated fine sands
showing a coarsening upward trend topped by gravels with many oncoliths and followed by Lithothamnion-rich
calcarenite with Tarbellastrea buildups of 2 m. Then 2 m strongly bioturbated bioclastic calcarenites which is in
faulted contact with the 60 m thick deep marine sequence of bluish-gray marls and sapropels published in
Krijgsman et al. (1994,1995) and Hilgen et al. (1995) and assigned in this paper to the upper member of the
26
Moulia Fm. The shallow marine sands and calcarenites with coral buildups reefal limestone may represent the
lower member of the Moulia Fm. The base of the upper member of the Moulia Fm correlates with cycle M61 of
Metochia (Hilgen et al., 1995). This level equates with the base of biozone 8, which is confirmed by the presence
of Sphaeroidinellopsis seminulina in lowermost samples.
Location 58: North of road Mires-Timbaki near exit to the Tombe of Ligiou. 10-12 m fine sandstones with
hardgrounds and lenticular levels of pebbly sands pass upward into bioturbated sandstones with bedding-parallel
pebble levels and at the top moulds of presumably Turritella. Sandstones in upper part show parallel laminations
and small-scale cross bedding. This series belongs to lower member of the Moulia Fm. In the ploughed field
below are many small oysters indicating that the Moulia Fm overlies sediments of the Kasteliana Fm. Some 4-5
m and 10-12m above the shallow member are two small outcrops of bluish-gray marls (Gr 13836 and Gr 1383313835) of the upper member of the Moulia Fm. Transition from lower to upper member of Moulia Fm is not
exposed.
Gr 13836: acostaensis 2s + 14x menardii 4 in 9. Bf: siphonina, planulina, kullenbergi, uvigerina, gyroidina, karreriella
Gr 13833: acostaensis 20s/1d+ 6x altispira in 9. Bf: idem
Gr 13834: acostaensis 20s + 7x menardii 4 + 4x altispira in 9. Bf: idem
Gr 13835: acostaensis 1s + trace of menardii 4. Bf: idem
Biozonal assignment of lower part of upper member of Moulia Fm: Gr 13833-13834 correlates best with Gr
5187 in Metochia (below cycle M58), i.e. upper biozone 8 with an age of 8.05 Ma
Depositional depth of idem: 600-750 m
Location 59: Along road from Lagolia to Grigoria: a dominantly sandy series with many lenticular
conglomerate beds and few clays and silts locally with Planorbis and many plant remains. Components in
conglomerates are well-rounded, unsorted to poorly-sorted and derived mainly from UN. Similar lithologies are
found in several outcrops north of the road connecting Lagolia and Klima. The many fluvial conglomerate beds
of the braided river type and the poorly cemented sandstones renders it likely that these sediments belong to the
Kasteliana Fm rather than to the Viannos Fm as indicated on the official geological map 1:50,000 (sheet
Timbakion, IGME 1984). The Kasteliana Fm is in faulted contact with Pindos flysch .
Area IV (arranged from east to west):
Location 60: Along the dirt road (in 2008) from Vassiliki Messara to Lendas (directly south of village of
Vassiliki). Section begins with 5 m silty clays with oysters followed by 1.5 m strongly bioturbated sandstones
and 8 m clays and silts with scattered basement pebbles and few shell fragments. Then 3 m medium coarse and
bioturbated sandstones with scattered basement pebbles and shell fragments followed by orange-brown fine
sandstones (1 m) and 2 m irregular to lenticular bodies of poorly sorted conglomerates (probably representing
sheetflow deposits) and coarse sandstones. Then travertines of 1 m followed by 6 m poorly sorted gravels and
coarse (fluvial) sandstones (Kasteliana Fm). Then 2 m medium coarse sandstone with scattered basement
pebbles and burrows followed by a poorly sorted conglomerate followed by 15 m of Lithothamnion-rich
calcarenites with Clypeaster and Heterostegina and scattered basement pebbles. This unit is assigned to the lower
member of the Moulia Fm and is overlain by a few meters of bluish-gray marls (Gr 13630-13636) belonging to
the upper member of the Moulia Fm. Upper surface of calcarenites is irregular and somewhat karstified
suggesting a sedimentation break. The deep marine marls of upper member belong to upper biozone 10 to base
11 indicating that the shallow-marine deposits at location 60and possibly in the entire western Asteroussia
Mountains are time-equivalent with the deep marine sediments elsewhere in area I and III. This is confirmed by
evidence for a top biozonal 8 assignment for the basal part of the shallow marine member west of Moni Odigitria
(location 62). See also Figure 3.
Gr 13631: scitula gr (3s) in 18. Bf: gyroidina, planulina, pseudoungarianus
Gr 13632: menardii 5 (5x) + 7 scitula gr (s; incl suterae types) in 27. Bf: idem + siphonina, oridorsalis
Gr 13633: menardii 5 (1x + 9 scitula gr (s, incl suterae types) in 27. Bf: idem
Gr 13634: menardii 5 (2x) + acostaensis 2s in 27. Bf: idem
Gr 13635: menardii 5 (19d/3s) + scitula gr (3s/3d, incl 1x suterae type) + acostaensis 4s in 1 tray. Bf: idem + cf kullenbergi
Gr 13636: menardii 5 (1x) + miotumida gr + acostaensis 4s + scitula gr (incl suterae type). Bf: idem minus cf kullenbergi
Biozonal assignment of upper member of Moulia Fm: biozone 10 to base 11
Depositional depth of idem: 500-630m
27
Location 61: A composite section directly south of Sivas (ca 5 km south of Minoan Phaestos) begins with 6 m
of sandstones with irregular hardgrounds and several lenticular gravel beds. Few burrows and some oysters are
present. Then 2 m poorly sorted and pebble-supported conglomerates followed by silty clays (occasionally with
floating pebbles) , silts and sandstones of 9 m with some Cardita and smooth ostracods (of which upper 6 m are
poorly exposed). Then an oyster bed of 2 m overlain by 5 m of coarse sandstones with hardgrounds and oysters
and burrows topped by a bioherm made up of Porites. Reef is overlain by 7 m strongly bioturbated sandstones
with pebbly base and topped by 1.5 m sandstone with pebble horizons followed by 6 m bioturbated sandstones
with pebbly base and irregular hardgrounds passing upward into Lithothamnion-rich calcarenites with few
Heterostegina. Sequence up to reef is assigned to Kasteliana Fm and overlying series including reef belongs to
the lower member of the Moulia Fm. Just before entering the village of Siva (coming from Phaestos) are a few
meters of weathered fine-grained sediments with angular flysch components exposed overlying UN basement
possibly representing a paleosol at the base of the Kasteliana Fm.
Location 62: Bluish-green clays with reddish paleosol (1 m) overlying Pindos flysch are exposed along dirt
road from Moni Odigitria to Vathi and Kefali and are topped by finely bedded limestones of 1 m overlain by a
thinly bedded lignite layer of 5 cm. Then 3.5 m clays followed by calcrete paleosols of 0.8 m and a lignite bed of
0.5 m topped by an oyster bed. Then 1 m silts followed by 2 m fine sandstones with a few burrows and 2 m wellsorted conglomerates topped by a calcrete paleosol of 10 cm. Then silty clay with scattered basement pebbles of
1.5 m with many Terebralia at top and followed by a thin layer almost entirely made up of Hydrobia. Then again
a lignite (10 cm) followed by clays of 1 m and a thinly bedded fine sandstone and 2 m of clays with reddish
colours and calcretes at top and overlain by poorly sorted conglomerate of 1 m topped by bioturbated fine
sandstones that mark the base of 6 cycles of bioturbated fine sandstones and silty marls. Silty marl of 1e cycle:
Gr 13761, Gr 13484, and Gr 13957; 2e cycle: Gr 13958; 3e cycle: Gr 13959; 4e or 5e cycle: Gr 13960; 5e or 6e
cycle: Gr 13762, Gr 13849, and Gr 13961. Several of these bioturbated sandstone beds contain mass transported
oncoliths. Sandstone of 5th cycle is very thick (4 m). Its lower 2 m is not bioturbated and seems a stack of
several sandstones with low-angle and large-scale cross bedding. The upper 2 m contains irregular hardgrounds.
Fifth cycle is followed by a 1m stack of 4 pebbly sandstones overlain by sandstone with scattered pebbles and
few Pecten of 1 m. Then a partly exposed interval of 12 m with a pebbly sandstone of 1.5 m with large Conus at
6 m and a sandstone of 0.8 m at 9 m.This interval is followed by a partly exposed series of Lithothamnion-rich
calcarenites of 20 m showing indistinct cyclicities. The series of bioturbated sandstones and silty marls and
overlying calcarenites belong to the lower member of the Moulia Fm. Underlying sequence is assigned to
Kasteliana Fm. See also Figure 3. The base of the lower Moulia Fm is also exposed a little up the dirt road. Here
bioturbated fine sandstone with pebbly base rests on paleosol of Kasteliana Fm and passes upwards into silty
marls (Gr 13985). Then 2 m calcarenites with Lithothamnion oncoliths in top followed by 1.5 m silty marl with
shell debris (Gr 13986-13988) and overlain by > 1.5 m bioturbated sandstone. The upper 1 m of this sandstone is
probably exposed 15 m more to the south and overlain by 0.5 m silty marls (Gr 13989). Then, 0.6 m bioturbated
sandstone passing upward into calcarenites, 0.4 m fine sandstones with 0.5 m silty marls on top (Gr 13990).
Gr 13848: few pf (acostaensis 6s/1d + 3x scitula gr s + 1x cf falconarae ss in 3 trays). Bf: ammonia + epifytes +
pseudoungarianus
Gr 13761: few pf (acostaensis 1s + 1x small scitula gr d in 3 trays). Bf: idem + few amphistegina.
Gr 13957: few pf (1x small scitula gr s in 2 trays). Bf: idem
Gr 13958: very few pf (no ADT)
Gr 13959: few pf (no ADT)
Gr 13960: few pf (acostaensis 1d/1s + 1x scitula gr s in 2 trays)
Gr 13849: few pf (acostaensis 18d/7s + 3x falconarae ss in 4 trays. Bf: idem
Gr 13762: few pf (acostaensis 2d in 1 tray). Bf: idem
Gr 13961: few pf (acostaensis 15d/4s + 1x falconarae ss + 1x menardii 4 ss). Bf: idem
Gr 13985-13989: shallow benthics dominated by Ammonia and epifytes. Few pf; no ADT (except 1 left coiled
acostaensis in Gr 13988)
Gr 13990: acostaensis 18d/12s; menardii 4 (3x), ss falconarae (3x); scitula types (3s).
Biozonal assignment of lower member of Moulia Fm: Samples Gr 13961 and Gr 13990 are probably derived
from the same stratigraphic level. All ADT are small-sized (probably juveniles). The high percentages (79 and
60) of dextral acostaensis are problematic if base of shallow marine sediments in location 62 is time-equivalent
with base Moulia Fm in areas I and III because SI 4 shows a maximum % dextral acostaensis of only 37 around
8.2 Ma (homogeneous cycle M 56). % dextral acostaensis in samples from M56 increase up to a value of 42% in
the 150-125 micron fraction (comparable with the small size of acostaensis in samples Gr 13961/13990) but do
not reach values of ≥ 60. Values of 60 and 79% rarely occur in basal part of biozone 8 (see SI 4). For the time
being we prefer to correlate sample levels Gr 13961 and 13990 to a level around M56 (i.e. ca 8.2 Ma).
28
Depositional environment of idem: lower to middle siliciclastic shelf with nearby Lithothamnion platforms
Location 63: The track to the entrance of Agiofarangi, west of the dirt road from Moni Odigitria to Kali
Limenes, exposes cyclically-bedded bioturbated sandstones and hardgrounds with Lithothamnion passing
upward into ungraded calcarenites rich in Lithothamnion assigned to the lower member of the Moulia Fm. The
calcarenites show indistinct cyclicities due to varying percentages of matrix and contain scattered Clypeaster,
Pecten and Heterostegina. This shallow marine series measures ca 80 m and overlies Tripolitza flysch.
Area V:
Location 64: Coastal cliff beneath Knossos Royal Village resort at Chersonisos exposes 20 m of non-marine
clays including a sandy channel fill at 7.5 m from base (Gr 13643-13651). Several levels in the lower part are
rich in pyritized Chondrites-like burrows. The upper part contains several finely bedded silts. The > 125 micron
fraction of 2 samples (Gr 13652-13653) from the 1m thick and finely bedded siltstones at the top contain many
calcrete-like lumps. No calcretes are shown in outcrop. Burrows filled with dark coloured marls containing
foraminifers at 1.5 m below the top of these finely bedded siltstones (Gr 13847) should have come from the
marine marls above the non-marine sequence. The marine sequence measures 6 m and consists of homogeneous
marls including several Pycnodont levels. The lower 3 m were sampled in 2007 (Gr 13654-13659). In 2008 we
extended section upward with another 3 m (Gr 13820-13829). In a down-faulted block to the north are a few
sapropels exposed (not sampled). The marine marls are truncated by a marine terrace of 8 m of bioclastic
calcarenites (with corals and reworked Pliocene planktonic foraminifers). The marine marls are assigned to the
Chersonisos Fm and the underlying non-marine sediments to the Viannos Fm. The contact between both units is
sharp and likely corresponds with a hiatus. See also Figure 3 and SI 8: photo 24.
Gr 13643 –13651: many ostracods (2 different species: one smooth and the other weakly ornemented) and fragmented
calcareous worm tubes with pyrite infillings (described in field as chrondrites-like burrows). Sometimes few fish remains.
Gr 13652 - 13653: idem + many calcrete-like lumps in washed residues of 125-600 micron.
------------------Gr 13654: acostaensis 18s + 1d in 18; scitula gr (s). Bf: Gyrodina, Planulina, Karreriella, Oridorsalis, Uvigerina, C.
kullenbergi, pseudoungarianus
Gr 13655: acostaensis 25s + 1d in 9; few scitula gr (s). Bf: idem minus karreriella and oridorsalis
Gr 13656: acostaensis 25s + 4d in 9, few scitula gr (s). Bf: idem as in 13655. Also many glauconite grains
Gr 13657: acostaensis 10s in 18, some scitula gr (s) + 1 men 4 in 1 tray. Bf: idem as in 13654
Gr 13658: acostaensis 22s + 1d in 9, some scitula gr (s), 15 men 4 in 18. Bf: idem but minus kullenbergi
Gr 13659: acostaensis 6s in 18, some scitula gr (s), 22 men 4 in 9. Bf: idem
Gr 13820: acostaensis 20s + 3d, 4x men 4 in 9. Bf: Gyroidina, Planulina, Uvigerina, Oridorsalis, Karreriella,
pseudoungarianus.
Gr 13821: acostaensis 20s + 3d, 2x men 4 in 27, some scitula (s). Bf: idem as in 13820
Gr 13822: acostaensis 20s + 3d, 14x men 4 in 27, some scitula (s). Bf: idem
Gr 13823: acostaensis 24s + 5d, 4x men 4 in 27, some scitula (s). Bf: idem
Gr 13824: acostaensis 20s, 14x men 4 in 9, some scitua (s). Bf: idem minus oridorsalis
Gr 13825: acostaensis 25s + 6d, 6x men 4 in 18, some scitula (s). Bf: idem minus oridorsalis
Gr 13826: acostaensis 9s in 27, 21x men 4 in 27, some scitula (s). Bf: idem as in 13820
Gr 13827: acostaensis 5s in 27, 14x men 4 in 9, some scitula (s). Bf: idem + siphonina
Gr 13828: acostaensis 1s in 18, 27x men 4 in 2, some scitula (s). Bf: idem minus siphonina
Gr 13829: acostaensis 9s in 27, 11x men 4 in 27, some scitula (s). Bf: idem minus siphonina
Depositional environment Viannos Fm: deep lake (emerged during interval Gr 13652-13653?)
Biozonal assignment Chersonisos Fm: no falconarae in any sample (based on surveying 27 fields per tray), i.e
age is post LRO of ls falconarae = post cycle M30. This and the presence of 3 peaks in menardii 4 and a max %
of dextral acostaensis of 20 together with the absence of Gq. dehiscens (based on 27 fields per tray) suggests a
best fit correlation to interval extending from upper M36 to base M39 in Metochia (see SI 4). Note: scitula gr is
dextral in G 43 = M 39. Base of the Chersonisos Fm is ca 8.8 Ma (according to ages for M-cycles updated by
Lourens et al.[2004]).
Depositional depth: 600-750 m
Psiloritis Mountains:
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Location 65: Cemented mature sandstones and silty clays (335°- 35) of ca 30 m thick are exposed along the
road to Kameriotis just north of the intersection with the main road from Gonies to Anogia. These sediments are
typically of the Viannos Fm and are overlain by three cemented breccia beds (of 1 m thick) separated by thinly
bedded limestones (338°-42). Breccias consist of Tripolitza limestones (dominant) and some flysch fragments.
Then follow ca 4 m poorly exposed breccias that are overlain by a large Tripolitza limestone block representing
an olistolith.
West of area III (arranged from east to west):
Location 66: Along road between the villages of Platanos and Vathiako are several outcrops of mature and
cemented sandstones alternating sometimes with silt and landslided clays of the Viannos Fm. Exposures
continues up to 1 km west of Platanos.
Location 67: Along the road Nithavris - Agios Ioannis at N 35° 10,019/E 24° 43,544): 2.5 m of mature and
gravelly cemented sandstones with large-scale cross-bedded representing the remains of a meandering channelbelt. Paleocurrent readings clearly indicate W-directed transport of fluvial bedload. Pebbles are exclusively from
the Uppermost Unit. These sediments (and those in two other outcrops along the same road) are assigned to
Viannos Fm.
Location 68a: Along the road which branches off from the main road Timbaki-Agia Galini in northern
direction, ca 1 km south of the village of Agia Paraskevi at N 35° 08,876/E 24° 42,761: claystones rich in plant
remains and (via a bed-parallel fault) cross-bedded sandstone (indicating 220SW transport) overlain by beige to
grey clays and silty sandstones of ca 25 m. Series includes 1.5 m of platy limestones or calcisiltites containing
Bithynia operculae and smooth ostracods. Some levels contain Melanopsis and one level is particularly rich in
Unio. The platy limestones are underlain by a thin lignite bed of 20cm. The assembly is characteristic of the
Viannos Fm. See also SI 8: photo 3.
Location 68b: An isolated outcrop west and off the road at N 35° 07,803/E 24° 43, 044 (ca 100 m north of
bifurcation to Apodoulo) exposes Viannos Fm made up of silty clays and sandstones with climbing ripples
(paleocurrent reading indicates W-directed drainage).
Location 69: Along the road from Agia Galini to Spili before the village of Nea Kria Vrisi at N 35° 08,170/E
24° 40,029 is a contact exposed between the Uppermost Unit and Viannos Fm. Here, 2 m of matrix-supported
breccias made up of components from underlying basement (mainly schists rich in micas) are overlain by ca 1 m
bluish-green silts followed by matrix-supported breccias of 2m. Then 0.5 m bluish-green silts overlain by 2 m of
matrix-supported breccias. Then again 0.5 m grayish silts topped by 5 m breccias without much matrix and
showing coarsening upward trend with basement blocks of 10-20 cm followed by another 3 m of matrixsupported breccias and topped by 1 m grayish silts. Then a few meters not exposed followed by ca 1 m of platy
limestones with Melanopsis (69a). Ca 300 m further in the direction of Spili at N 35° 08,198/E 24° 39,851 is an
outcrop where pottery clay has been quarried (69b). Exposed are 15 m of clay with several thinly bedded
siltstones showing low-angle foresets (indicating NW-directed drainage) with smooth ostracods, and Bithynia
operculae. This series represent a younger part of the Viannos Fm. Another well-exposed stratigraphic contact
between UN basement and Viannos Fm is at N 35° 08,398/E 24° 38,879 along the same road (69c).
30