Subsurface statigraphy of Middle Pleistocene continental deposits from Livorno area and biostratigraphic characterization of the Pleistocene...

The main results of an integrated study of 4 boreholes drilled in the subsurface of Livorno (NW Italy) are reported. Stratigraphic interpretations of the cores allowed the identification of 4 main lithostratigraphic units, that were correlated with units already described in literature. Integrating the results of the micropalaeontological (calcareous nannoplankton, foraminifers and ostracods), paleontological molluscs and lithological data, it is possible to single out the environments and biostratigraphic constrains of succession. The micropalaeontological study of the lower lithostratigraphic unit allowed the recognition of the «cold guest» Muellerina problematica and Cytheropteron testudo, thus supporting the correlation with the lower pleistocenic Morrona Formation; in addition the top surface of this lithostratigraphic unit was also depicted. Results highlight that the «Corea formation» shows a wider variety of depositional environments than previously documented.