arrayname: original
Taxonomy:
Distinguishing features:
Parent taxon (Pontosphaera): Coccoliths are muroliths, central area with variable number of perforations. V-units form narrow imbricate outer wall, R-units form inner wall and central-area.
This taxon: Pontosphaera with elevated, birefringent rim and a thin, low birefringence plate with many small perforations.
Farinacci & Howe catalog pages: P. alta *
Search data:
LITHS: murolith, elliptical, CA: ca_conjunct, pores, CROSS-POLARS: V-prominent, R-prominent, rim-unicyclic, |
Lith size: 8->15µm; Data source notes: lith size from OD & illustrated specimens |
Geological Range:
Last occurrence (top): within NP21 zone (32.92-34.44Ma, top in Rupelian stage). Data source: Dunkley Jones et al., 2009
First occurrence (base): within NP19-20 zone (34.44-36.97Ma, base in Priabonian stage). Data source: Dunkley Jones et al., 2009
Plot of occurrence data:
Bown, P. R. & Newsam, C. (2017). Calcareous nannofossils from the Eocene North Atlantic Ocean (IODP Expedition 342 Sites U1403–1411). Journal of Nannoplankton Research. 37(1): 25-60. gs O De Kaenel, E. & Mojon, P. -O. (2023). Calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy of the Eocene/Oligocene boundary (Zones NP19–21) in the parautochthonous Subalpine UMM of the Swiss Molasse Basin (Canton Fribourg, Western Switzerland). Journal of Nannoplankton Research. 41(2): 64-96. gs O Dunkley Jones, T., Bown, P. R. & Pearson, P. (2009). Exceptionally well preserved upper Eocene to lower Oligocene calcareous nannofossils (Prymnesiophycidae) from the Pande Formation (Kilwa Group), Tanzania. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. 7(4): 359-411. gs Jones, A. P. & Dunkley Jones, T. (2020). Middle Eocene to Early Oligocene calcareous nannofossils from the Nanggulan Formation, Java, Indonesia. Journal of Nannoplankton Research. 38(1): 57-79. gs Roth, P. H. (1970). Oligocene calcareous nannoplankton biostratigraphy. Eclogae Geologicae Helvetiae. 63: 799-881. gs OReferences:
![]() |
Pontosphaera alta compiled by Jeremy R. Young, Paul R. Bown, Jacqueline A. Lees viewed: 16-3-2025
Short stable page link: https://mikrotax.org/Nannotax3/index.php?id=1064 Go to Archive.is to create a permanent copy of this page - citation notes |
![]() |
This policy contains information about your privacy. By posting, you are declaring that you understand this policy:
This policy is subject to change at any time and without notice.
These terms and conditions contain rules about posting comments. By submitting a comment, you are declaring that you agree with these rules:
Failure to comply with these rules may result in being banned from submitting further comments.
These terms and conditions are subject to change at any time and without notice.
Comments