Orbitolina arcuala sp. nov. : a new orbitolinid foraminifera from the cretaceous (Albian)‎ of Iraq

Abstract EN

A new species of foraminifera related to the family Orbitolinidae, Orbitolina arcuala sp.

nov., is observed and described from the Late Albian part of the Mauddud Formation (Late Albian – Early Cenomanian) of Iraq.

Its identification depends on the morphology and the internal structural features of the test.

To achieve this aim, thin sections have been prepared from core samples collected from Kirkuk well 109.

Two supplementary thin sections are used, one from Cham Chamal well 1 and the other from Nafatah well 1; to confirm definition and geographic extensions.

This new identified species differs from the other species of the genus Orbitolina d'Orbigny, 1850 (subfamily Orbitolininae), by the presence of a depression on one side near the embryonic area and by the presence of a perfect, well-developed periembryonic area, in addition to the differences in the dimensions and other features, all features are within the valid definition of the genus Orbitolina.