Evaporite karst and sinkholes: a synthesis on the case of Camaiore (Italy)

In 1995 a sinkhole suddenly formed at Camaiore (Tuscany, Italy), causing destruction or heavy damages to several houses and resulting in the evacuation of many people. To understand the causes, for the formation and evolution of the collapse, surface and underground geologic features were investigated and reconstructed on the basis of geologic and geognostic surveys. The sinkhole area is underlain by thick alluvial deposits that cover a bedrock consisting of the Calcare cavernoso formation. This formation results from hydration and dissolution of Triassic evaporites and has a characteristic spongy and vacuolate texture. The bedrock contains karst cavities, generally filled by breccia and/or alluvial materials. Thus, the sinkhole disaster could be ascribed to deep collapse of a cave in the bedrock, and might be considered a distant effect of ancient karst phenomena in evaporites.     

Evaluating disturbance on mediterranean karst areas: the example of Sardinia (Italy)

Evaluating the human disturbance on karst areas is a difficult task because of the complexity of these peculiar and unique environments. The human impact on karstic geo-ecosystems is increasingly important and there is an increasing need for multidisciplinary tools to assess the environmental changes in karst areas. Many disciplines, such as biology, geomorphology, hydrology and social-economical sciences are to be considered to sufficiently evaluate the impact on these intrinsically vulnerable areas. This article gives an overview of the evolution of environmental impact on karst areas of the island Sardinia (Italy). For this particular case, the most important impacts in the past 50 years are derived from the following activities, in decreasing importance: (1) mining and quarrying; (2) deforestation, agriculture and grazing; (3) building (widespread urbanisation, isolated homes, etc.) and related infrastructures (roads, sewer systems, aqueducts, waste dumps, etc.); (4) tourism; (5) military activities. To evaluate the present environmental state of these areas the Disturbance Index for Karst environments [Van Beynen and Townsend (Environ Manage 36:101–116)] is applied in a slightly modified version. Instead of considering the indicators of environmental disturbances used in the original method, this slightly modified index evaluates the disturbances causing the deterioration of the environmental attributes. In the Sardinian case study, 27 disturbances have been evaluated, giving rise to the definition of a Disturbance Index ranging between 0 (Pristine) and 1 (highly disturbed). This Disturbance Index simplifies the original KDI method, appears to adequately measure disturbance on Mediterranean karst areas and could be applied with success to other similar regions.     

Karst breakdown mechanisms from observations in the gypsum caves of the Western Ukraine: implications for subsidence hazard assessment

The term karst breakdown is employed in this paper to denote the totality of processes and phenomena of gravitational and/or hydrodynamic destruction of the ceiling of a karst cavity and of the overlying sediments. It refers not only to the existence of a surface subsidence (collapse) feature but, first of all, to the internal (hidden in the subsurface) structures that precede development of a surface form. This study reports and discusses the results of direct mapping and examination of breakdown structures in the gypsum karst of the Western Ukraine, at the level of their origin, i.e., in caves. The accessibility of numerous laterally extensive maze cave systems in the region provided an excellent opportunity for such an approach, which made it possible to examine the relationship between breakdown structures and particular morphogenetic or geological features in caves, and to reveal stages of breakdown development. It is found that breakdown is initiated mainly at specific speleogenetically or geologically weakened localities, which classify into a few distinct types. The majority of breakdowns, which are potent to propagate through the overburden, relate with the outlet cupolas/domepits that represent places where water had discharged out of a cave to the upper aquifer during the period of transverse artesian speleogenesis. Distribution of breakdown structures does not correlate particularly well with the size of the master passages. Several distinct mechanisms of breakdown development are revealed, and most of them proceed in several stages. They are guided by speleogenetic, geological and hydrogeological factors. The study confirms that a speleogenetic approach is indispensable to the understanding of breakdown pre-requisites and mechanisms, as well as for eventual subsidence hazard assessment. Direct observations in caves, aimed both at speleogenetic investigation and breakdown characterization on regional- or site-specific levels, should be employed wherever possible.     

利用流体包裹体研究喀斯特溶洞—桂林和杭州地区古水文条件的对比

喀斯特溶洞中石钟乳石和石笋在形成过程中，碳酸盐矿物结晶时，常常捕获周围水溶液和气体，形成不混溶液流体包裹体组合。我们在桂林和杭州洞穴中分别采集更新世形成的钟乳石样品，对于其中流体包裹体进行测定和研究，利用最大密度不混溶流体包裹体确定两地的古温度，计算出两地更新世气体CO2在水溶液中的溶解度，同时测定和估算出水溶液中的pH值。另外，计算出两地钟乳石样品形成过程中的CaCO3饱和度揭示了喀斯特地貌西南地区比东南地区更为发育的原因。     

井间地震层析成像技术在岩溶勘察中的应用

介绍了井间地震层析成像技术测试的工作原理及工作方法,然后利用层析成像反演算法对现场获取的原始测试数据进行了解译,得到溶洞沿不同测线的剖面分布图和不同高程处的平面分布图,并将其与场地现有钻孔地质资料进行对比验证,结果表明井间地震层析成像技术有较高的精度和可信度,可得到场地中溶洞的空间分布,从而为工程设计提供可靠的地质资料。     

Simulation of the development of gypsum maze caves

The development of gypsum maze caves under artesian conditions has been simulated. The numerical model simulations show that the evolution of maze caves in this type of setting requires structural preferences such as laterally extended fissure networks in a horizon of the gypsum layer. Without any structural preferences vertical shafts rather than maze caves are predicted to develop. The most important stage for the development of horizontal caves under artesian conditions is found to be the initial karstification period. During this period the structure of the mature conduit system is established. The solutional enlargement of conduits is spatially extended, total dissolution rates are higher than the later ones.     

The 2nd century AD earthquake in central Italy: archaeoseismological data and seismotectonic implications

The 2nd century AD earthquake in central Italy is only known by an epigraph that mentions restorations to a damaged weighing-house at the ancient locality of Pagus Interpromium. The available seismic catalogues report this event with the conventional date of 101 AD, a magnitude M _aw of 6.3, and an epicentral location at the village of San Valentino in Abruzzo Citeriore, in the province of Pescara. In order to improve the knowledge of the damage pattern, we gathered all the archaeological data collected during modern excavations at sites located in the area, which were presumably struck by the earthquake. This information is mainly represented by (1) stratigraphic units due to the sudden collapse of buildings over still frequented floors; (2) stratigraphic units demonstrating restoration or re-building of edifices; (3) stratigraphic units formed as the result of the abandonment of sites or of their lack of frequentation for decades or centuries. Only stratigraphic evidence consistent with an earthquake occurrence during the 2nd century AD has been considered. The most recent archaeological material found in a collapsed unit is a coin of Antoninus Pius, dated at 147–148 AD. This may represent a post quem date very close to the occurrence of the earthquake. The gathered information, plus the stratigraphic data that excluded the earthquake occurrence at some sites, has allowed us to roughly delineate an area of possible damage, including the Sulmona Plain and surrounding areas. Comparisons between the possible 2nd century damage distribution and (i) the damage patterns of more recent historical events that have struck the investigated area, (ii) the distribution of virtual intensities obtained by simulating an earthquake having an epicenter in the Sulmona Plain and applying an intensity attenuation relationship and (iii) a shaking scenario obtained by modelling the activation of the major active fault of the Sulmona Plain area (the Mt. Morrone fault) have revealed consistency between the ancient earthquake and the activation of this fault. Since no other historical events can be attributed to this active fault, we conclude that the time that has elapsed since the last fault activation should be in the order of 1,850 years, i.e. a time span that is very close to the recurrence interval of Apennine seismogenic sources. Moreover, considering the fault length, the causative source may be responsible for earthquakes with M up to 6.6–6.7. The comparison between the presumed 2nd century damage and the shaking scenario suggests that the magnitude mentioned is consistent with the presumed effects of the ancient earthquake. Finally, considering that Sulmona (the most important town in the region investigated) is located in the middle of the Mt. Morrone fault hanging wall, we consider it as the probable epicentral area. Therefore, to summarise the information on the 2nd century AD earthquake, we can conclude that (i) it occurred shortly after 147–148 AD; (ii) a magnitude M _w 6.6–6.7 can be attributed to it and (iii) the probable macroseismic epicentral area was Sulmona.     

Hydrogeology of thermal waters in Viterbo area, central Italy

A conceptual hydrogeological model of the Viterbo thermal area (central Italy) has been developed. Though numerous studies have been conducted on its geological, geochemical and geothermal features, there is no generalized picture defining the origin and yield of the hydrothermal system. These latter aspects have therefore become the objectives of this research, which is based on new hydrogeological and geochemical investigations. The geological setting results in the coexistence of overlapped interacting aquifers. The shallow volcanic aquifer, characterized by fresh waters, is fed from the area around the Cimini Mountains and is limited at its base by the semiconfining marly-calcareous-arenaceous complex and low-permeability clays. To the west of Viterbo, vertical upflows of thermal waters of the sulphate-chloride-alkaline-earth type with higher gas contents, are due to the locally uplifted carbonate reservoir, the reduced thickness of the semiconfining layer and the high local geothermal gradient. The hot waters (30–60°C) are the result of deep circulation within the carbonate rocks (0.5–1.8 km) and have the same recharge area as the volcanic aquifer. The upward flow in the Viterbo thermal area is at least 0.1 m³/s. This flow feeds springs and deep wells, also recharging the volcanic aquifer from below.     

福建三明万寿岩层状洞穴发育过程及其工程地质意义

万寿岩位于三明市西17 km的岩前盆地,是一座圆锥状灰岩孤峰,地理坐标26°16'13″N,117°29'37″E。孤峰上发育两层水平洞穴,上层洞穴以灵峰洞为代表,下层洞穴以船帆洞为代表,其中灵峰洞是在福建及东南沿海地区发现的第一个旧石器时代早期洞穴文化遗址,船帆洞内遗存的距今3万年左右的人工石铺地面对研究末次冰期古代人类生存环境和文化演进有重大意义。两级层状洞穴和区内的两级河流阶地显示万寿岩地区从中更新世晚期以来至少经历了4次隆升,262 ka前为第1隆升期,185~37 ka为第2隆升期,37.0~17.4 ka为第3隆升期,10.4 ka以来为第4隆升期;前两个间歇期内分别形成了灵峰洞和船帆洞。262~185 ka,灵峰洞从岩溶管道逐渐扩大增宽形成洞厅,期间灰岩的溶蚀速率为0.19 mm/a;37.0~17.5 ka,船帆洞逐步从岩溶管道形成洞厅及现状规模,期间灰岩的溶蚀速率为0.36 mm/a。区内新构造运动的特征和船帆洞以下未被探明的溶洞以及层状洞穴的发育过程表明,船帆洞存在底板坍塌的可能性。因此,对船帆洞的保护措施除现有的防止洞顶坍塌及防渗处理外,更应考虑对船帆洞现有底板保护,避免下层洞穴的岩溶作用引起底板坍塌。

     

岩溶洞穴滴水环境监测研究进展

通过对已有成果的疏理总结,前人的洞穴滴水环境监测研究取得了以下几个方面的主要认识:(1)滴水的氢氧同位素组成虽然基本反映了大气降水的同位素构成,但由于洞穴上覆岩层厚度及裂隙的差异等,导致滴水对降水时间响应不同,滴水氢氧同位素变化存在多样性。(2)滴水化学组成主要受到水—土—岩—气之间相互作用影响,其中的溶解无机碳同位素及有机酸等还受到上覆植被类型以及密度的影响。(3)洞穴物理环境条件是决定洞穴滴水—沉积物中氧碳稳定同位素能否达到平衡分馏的重要因素。(4)由于滴水化学组成指示气候环境变化仍存在多解性和不确定性,需要将洞穴监测研究从洞穴内部扩大到洞穴上覆土壤、植被等中间过程,建立立体监测体系。(5)目前的洞穴环境监测仍缺乏不同自然条件下的综合对比研究,有待今后开展和加强。      

The origin of K-feldspar megacrysts hosted in alkaline potassic rocks from central Italy: a track for low-pressure processes in mafic magmas

In situ Sr-isotope and microchemical studies were used to determine the provenance of K-feldspar megacrysts hosted in mafic alkaline potassic, ultrapotassic rocks and in differentiated rocks from two nearby volcanic apparatus in central Italy.

At Monte Cimino volcanic complex, mafic leucite-free ultrapotassic megacryst-bearing rocks of olivine latitic composition are associated with evolved latite and trachyte. Here, latites and trachytes straddle the sub-alkaline field. Age-corrected ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values (Sr_i) of the analysed Cimino olivine latites vary from 0.71330 and 0.71578 and strongly increase at constant Mg value. Latite and trachyte have lower Sr_i than olivine latites ranging between 0.71331 and 0.71361. Sr_i of K-feldspar megacrysts from olivine latites are between 0.71352 and 0.71397, but core and rim ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios within individual megacryst are indistinguishable. In all the mafic rocks, the megacrysts are not in isotopic equilibrium with the hosts. K-feldspar megacrysts from both the latite and trachyte have similar Sr-isotope compositions (Sr_i=0.71357–0.71401) to those in the olivine latites. However, Sr_i of megacryst in the trachyte vary significantly from core to rim (Sr_i from 0.71401 to 0.71383). As with the olivine latites, the K-feldspar megacrysts are not in isotopic equilibrium with bulk rock compositions of the latite or trachyte.

At Vico volcano, megacryst-bearing rocks are mafic leucite-free potassic rocks, mafic leucite-bearing ultrapotassic rocks and old trachytic rocks. The mafic leucite-bearing and leucite-free rocks are a tephri-phonolite and an olivine latite, respectively. A megacryst in Vico trachyte is isotopically homogeneous (Sr_i CORE=0.71129, RIM=0.71128) and in equilibrium with the host rock (Sr_i bulk ROCK=0.71125). Sr_i of megacryst from tephri-phonolite is clearly not in isotopic equilibrium with its host (Sr_i bulk ROCK=0.71158), and it increases from core (Sr_i=0.71063) to rim (Sr_i=0.71077). A megacryst in Vico olivine latite is isotopically homogeneous (Sr_i CORE=0.71066, RIM=0.71065), but not in equilibrium with the host rock (Sr_i bulk ROCK=0.71013).

The Sr isotope microdrilling technique reveals that Cimino megacrysts were crystallised in a Cimino trachytic magma and were subsequently incorporated by mixing/mingling processes in the latitic and olivine latitic melts. A model invoking the presence of a mafic sub-alkaline magma, which was mixed with the olivine latite, is proposed to justify the lack of simple geochemical mixing relation between Cimino trachytes and olivine latites. This magmatological model is able to explain the geochemical characteristics of Cimino olivine latites, otherwise ascribed to mantle heterogeneity.

The similarity of core Sr_i of megacrysts hosted in Vico tephri-phonolite and olivine latite suggests that the K-feldspar megacrysts are co-genetic. Isotopic equilibrium between megacryst and Vico host trachyte indicates that the trachyte is the parent of this megacryst. On the contrary, the megacrysts hosted in tephri-phonolite and olivine latite do not derive from the old trachytic magma because no diffusion process may explain the core to rim Sr isotope increase of the xenocryst hosted in the tephri-phonolite. The megacrysts hosted in the Vico mafic rocks might derive from a trachytic melt similar in composition to the old Vico trachytes.     

隧道顶部岩溶对围岩稳定性影响的数值分析

以朝东岩隧道为背景,运用二维弹塑性分析研究了隧道顶部不同大小、不同距离的溶洞对隧道围岩稳定性的影响。研究结果表明:隧道顶部溶洞随距离的增大及围岩稳定性增强,距离与隧道开挖引起的释放位移之间存在明显的相关关系,影响的分界线大约为溶洞直径的2～3倍;在拱顶附近的周边释放位移与溶洞的大小成反比,而在隧道侧壁及底部的释放位移与溶洞的尺寸成正比;并详细地分析了应力场及塑性区的变化规律。     

云南多乐原溶洞异位石花的发育特征与机理研究

石花（方解石花、文石花和石膏花）是一种常见的岩溶洞穴次生化学沉积物,广泛分布于洞道周壁,以及石钟乳、石笋、崩塌堆积体表面,其成因不同,形态千差万别。云南多乐原溶洞中若干高悬的次生化学沉积物表面的石花,通过实地考察,发现是一种异位石花。其成因是石柱形成过程中,由滴水和溅水的协同作用所形成,而后石柱底座的古河流堆积体遭到侵蚀搬运,石柱悬空而成新的石钟乳或类石钟乳,附着其底部的石花相对抬高因而显露出来。此类异位石花为云南首次发现,可以作为指示溶洞内微地貌演化的重要依据。     

Simulation of the development of karst aquifers: role of the epikarst

 The evolution of a karst aquifer is modelled taking into account the karst groundwater flow as well as the dissolution kinetics of calcite. In particular, infiltration of water from the epikarst is simulated which controls the temporal and spatial distribution of recharge to the phreatic zone. The results show that the evolution of karst conduits is initiated in the spring. The existence of preferential flow paths leads to the evolution of highly conductive so-called dendritic cave systems, i.e., single passages which concentrate the flow and drain the catchment. With time, the amount of undersaturated water flowing directly into the conduit system is increased leading to an acceleration of the conduits enlargement. Three phases are identified for the evolution of karst aquifers: (a) an initiation stage; (b) an enlargement stage; and (c) a stagnation phase. Received: 4 August 1997 / Accepted: 19 January 1998     

Critical metals distribution in Tethyan karst bauxite: The cretaceous Italian ores

Bauxite is a residual rock, consisting mainly of a mixture of aluminium hydroxides, whose industrial significance is primarily due to its profitably exploitable alumina contents. In the last decades, bauxite, mainly karst bauxite, has been also considered as possible resource of a great number of economically interesting elements including some critical metals such as rare earth elements, Sc, Co, Ni, and Nb. In this study, we present results of univariate and multivariate (R-mode factor analysis) statistics performed on a large data set including chemical composition of the principal Cretaceous karst bauxites from central and southern Italy with the twofold aim to evaluate the inter-elemental relationship among major oxides and critical metals, and describe factors affecting their distribution. Univariate statistics reveal that some critical metals Co, Ni, and LREE, have a significant number of outliers. The Co-Ni relationship associated to the outliers dataset suggests that Co is likely hosted in Ni-rich phases whereas Ce accumulation in authigenic minerals, carbonate-fluoride and phosphate, is at the origin of LREE outliers. Multivariate R-mode statistics, applied to the outliers-devoid database, instead demonstrate that in absence of specific mineralization events, the distribution of most critical metals is controlled by Al-, Fe-, and Ti-oxi-hydroxides and, to a lesser extent, by detrital phases. Among the critical metals, Cr and Y are the exceptions. Their geochemical behaviour seems to be influenced primarily by their own chemical features that are responsible for the mobility of Cr during bauxitization and for the decoupling of Y from the REEs.     

Human impact on the karst of the Venetian Fore-Alps, Italy

People have been exploiting the limestone massifs of the Venetian Fore-Alps since prehistory. The fluviokarstic style of the relief and the location of springs were important controls of settlement and land use. Six principal types of exploitation are recognized and overlapped in time: (1) hunting and early farming, Paleolithic to Iron Age, with the first soil erosion; (2) general deforestation for timber, charcoal, and fuel, Roman to early modern; (3) farm enclosure and improvement, with stone clearing, medieval to modern; (4) trench warfare in World War I; (5) quarrying and specialized farming (dairy, poultry, pigs) since 1950; and (6) developmnent of modern summer and winter tourist facilities. Soil erosion effects from many centuries can still be recognized, war damage remains visible and continues to pollute aquifers, and modern pressure on the karst land and water resources is often severe.     

川北诺水河景区溶洞分布特征及影响因素探析

选取诺水河景区48个典型溶洞为研究对象,参阅本地区区域地质图和水文地质图,在对洞穴发育高度、层位、构造位置、发育方向、节理走向,以及地下水和地表水系部分特征进行详细调查前提下,利用最邻近距离法、节理分析法、GIS缓冲区法等方法,对溶洞群的洞口高程分布、洞穴发育方向、空间分布格局、洞穴与构造及地表水系关系等分布特征进行了分析,并对溶洞群分布特征的影响因素进行了探析。结果表明,① 洞口高程分布在空间上具有层级性,在时间上具有阶段性,研究区洞穴主要沿北西西、北东东向发育,并且越接近地表河流洞穴出口分布越多,洞穴群呈凝聚态分布,越接近构造转折端洞穴分布越密集;② 影响洞穴分布的主要因素包括：地层和碳酸盐岩岩性差异,构造派生节理发育状况以及多期次构造变形和构造隆升,地下水的类型和作用,地表水系对地下水系的影响,以及北亚热带季风气候条件下地形的影响等。     

Chemistry of waters from selected caves in Slovakia—a reconnaissance study

The chemical composition of water samples was studied from different caves in Slovakia. The water samples were collected from caves of two karst regions: (1) the Demänovský Cave System (DCS), situated in the Low Tatra Mountains (Northern Slovakia), which is mainly formed of limestone and dolomites; and (2) the Slovakian Karst to the Southeast is formed of limestone. A considerable difference between water from the two regions was shown. The waters from the DCS, that were controlled by vadose water percolating through different types of host rocks, contained more Mg ions than those from the Slovakian Karst caves whereas, the concentration of SO₄ was controlled by the dissolution of displacive gypsum and/or oxidation of pyrite. The distribution of NO₃ in the studied samples was random, hence nitrates probably derived from few pollution sources. The total mineralization of the water was covariant with calcite and aragonite saturation indices. In general, both parameters are higher in the Slovakian Karst caves than in the DCS. It is controlled probably by differences in climatic conditions, soil and plant covers between these two regions. The main goal of this article is to characterize the major-ion water chemistry within the studied caves as well as some microelements. The results have confirmed the dominant role of the bedrock petrography in forming the general chemistry of cave waters.     

Interaction between a dam site and karst springs: The case of Supramonte (Central-East Sardinia, Italy)

Sardinia is one of the Italian regions with the greatest number of dams per inhabitants, almost 60 for a population of only 1.5 million people. Many of these dam sites are located on non-carbonate rocks along the main rivers of the Island and their waters are used for irrigation, industrial, energy supply, drinking and flood regulation purposes.The Pedra 'e Othoni dam on the Cedrino river (Dorgali, Central-East Sardinia) is located along the threshold of the Palaeozoic basement on the Northern border of the Supramonte karst area, where water is forced to flow out of the system through several resurgences, the most famous of which is the Su Gologone vauclusian spring, used for drinking water supply. The other main outflows of the system, Su Tippari and San Pantaleo springs, are at present almost permanently submerged by the high water level of the Pedra 'e Othoni dam. In the near future water will be supplied also to other communities with a possible increase of water taken from the spring.The dam, originally meant to regulate the flooding of Cedrino river but actually used for all sorts of purposes (electricity supply, drinking water, irrigation of farmlands, industrial uses), has a maximum regulation altitude of 103 m a.s.l., only slightly less than a meter below the Su Gologone spring level (103.7 m), and 4 and 9 m respectively above the submerged Su Tippari and San Pantaleo springs.During floods of the Cedrino river, occurring on average twice a year, also the Su Gologone spring becomes submerged by the muddy waters of the lake for a time ranging between a couple of hours up to several days, making water supply impossible.The analysis of the available meteorological and hydrogeological data relative to the December 2004 flood, one of the severest of the past 100 years, suggests that the reservoir is filled in a few days time. Several flooding scenarios have been reconstructed using digital terrain models, showing that backflooding submerges most of the discharge area of the aquifer, having important repercussions also on the inland underground drainage system. The upstream flood prone areas prevalently comprise agricultural lands with some sparse houses, but also highly frequented tourist facilities. Fortunately flooding occurs outside the tourist season, thus limiting risk to a limited number of local inhabitants. Massive discharge at the dam site, instead, determines a more hazardous situation in the Cedrino coastal plain, where population density in low lying areas is much higher. To avoid flooding hazard upstream the water level in the lake should be regulated, keeping it low in the flood prone seasons, and having it filled from the end of the winter in order to have enough water stocked before the beginning of the summer. Discharge at the dam site, instead, should be done cautiously, preventing severe flooding of the coastal Cedrino plain.     

Fissumella motolae n. gen. n. sp., a new soritoidean (Foraminifera) from the lowermost Albian carbonate platform facies of central and southern Italy

The Soritoidea (Foraminifera) represent an important component of Cenomanian microfossil assemblages of the central and southern Tethyan carbonate platforms and are widely used as biostratigraphic markers. In this paper a new taxon, Fissumella motolae n. gen. n. sp., is described from the Cretaceous carbonate platform facies of central and southern Italy. It is characterized by its small size, planispiral-involute arrangement of chambers, fissure-shaped single aperture and few and short radial septula subdividing the marginal lumen of the chambers. Fissumella motolae n. gen. n. sp. represents the first soritoidean in the fossil record showing internal subdivisions of the chamber lumen. Carbon isotope stratigraphy supports an earliest Albian age for this significant step in the evolution of the superfamily Soritoidea. The new subfamily Fissumellinae is established for soritoidean foraminifera with planispiral-involute lens-shaped shells, single aperture and chamber lumen subdivided by few and short septula.