We have analyzed the geochemistry and mineralogy of the five characteristic beds that constitute the
Dababiya Quarry Member (DQM) recovered from the Dababiya Quarry Core located near the Global
Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) for the base of the Eocene. Well developed in Upper Egypt, these beds are
known to record the isotopic and biotic signatures of the Paleocene/Eocene thermal maximum (PETM). We
have extracted the mineral phases from these beds (representing a total thickness of 2.35 m) and compared
them with those of the encasing shales through qualitative and semi-quantitative SEM analysis using EDX
technology. Total organic carbon was determined using the titrimetric method. Major and trace elements
were analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer, and enrichment factors
were established relative to Al content. We discuss the significance of our data with regard to basaltic
volcanism and cometary impact, for neither of which we find support. In agreement with other studies, our
data indicate very high biological productivity during the deposition of the DQM. This may be related to
upwelling and/or increased nutrient supply, the latter because of an enhanced hydrologic cycle.