Middle Carboniferous - Lower Permian conodonts of Novaya Zemlya

A total of eleven Middle - Upper Carboniferous and twelve Lower Permian conodont assemblage zones and subzones from 21 sampled sections in Novaya Zemlya and from three wells in the Pechora Sea Shelf are defined in this study. On Novaya Zemlya conodont samples were collected systematically from four regions that represent a wide transition from (near-shore) shallow to deep depositional environments/settings. Approximately 160 samples contained conodonts. 104 conodont taxa are recognized. Analysis of the distribution of these conodont taxa has resulted in the recognition of 23 local conodont zones and subzones, most of which are assemblage zones. Chronostratigraphic correlation indicates that these zones range from Early Bashkirian (Declinognathodus noduliferus Assemblage Zone) to Late Artinskian (Neostreptognathodus pequopensis Assemblage Zone). In the Carboniferous part of the succession, conodont zones are defined from both shallow and basinal facies. Early Permian conodont assemblages obtained from basinal facies are essentially different from coeval assemblages from shallow water deposits. The conodont assemblages of Novaya Zemlya are compared with zonal assemblages from type sections of the Russian Platform and the Urals, which has provided a precise dating of local stratigraphic units. In addition, correlation of the Middle Carboniferous-Lower Permian sections of Novaya Zemlya with those of the Sverdrup Basin (Arctic Canada) and Svalbard is possible based on the defined conodont zones. Conodont Colour Alteration Index (CAI) isopach maps have been prepared for the Middle Carboniferous and Upper Carboni-ferous - Lower Permian from Novaya Zemlya and Pechora Sea Shelf. An analysis of these maps allows identification of potentially oil-producing deposits of Middle Carboniferous - Lower Permian of the Pechora Shelf; potential gas-producing deposits of this age may occur in the southern and northern areas of Novaya Zemlya. Additionally, because of the regular distribution in the CAI values, oil- and gas-producing rocks may be present to the west and north of Novaya Zemlya.