Tethyan Phosphates and Bioproductites

Among the periods known to have been more especially phosphogenic, the Late Cretaceous—Paleocene is one of the best known, because of the number and size of mined deposits such as those of Morocco and the Middle East. All deposits of that period are linked to Tethys and the bordering platforms, the evolution of which was responsible for the paleogeographical conditions needed to interrupt the biological cycle of phosphorus by mineralization of this element. Also needed is the occurrence of locations suitable for its preservation and concentration.