The Eocene-Oligocene transition in the southwestern Neotethys (Tunisia): astronomical calibration and paleoenvironmental changes

For magnetic susceptibility analysis, a total of 427 samples were collected every ~0.06 m and were measured, at the sediment dynamics and environment laboratory, the national school of engineers of Sfax (Sfax, Tunisia), for low-frequency mass specific magnetic susceptibility using a Bartington MS2 magnetometer (sensitivity of 2×10−6 m3/kg).

A Handheld Olympus Delta Premium-XRF 6000 analyzer (HH-XRF), with an Rh tube and with 40 kV and 10 kV beam currents, was used to analyze a total of 41 powdered rock samples (~0.6 m step) for major and minor elemental concentrations. For stable isotopes, a total of 42 samples were analyzed covering the EOT interval. No sample was considered above 20 m, as the carbonate content falls significantly at that level in favor of clastic material.