Tablica litologiczno-stratygraficzna Polski

Abstract

LITHOLOGIC-STRATIGRAPHICAL TABLE OF POLANDSummaryOn the basis of literature data, particularly on those of synthetical nature, an attempt was made by the present authors at elaborating a synthesis of lithologic-stratigrarphical problems of the entire area of Poland (colour table * attached to this volume). Emphasis is laid mainly on sedimentary formations, his being substantiated by the character of the geological structure of Poland. In addition to this, sites and nature of magmatic rock occurrences are presented, too. Stratigraphical subdivision comprises members, down to each stage inclusive (columns 1-4), and shows absolute age determinations. In columns 5-8 are given time intervals of orogenies, as well as orogenic phases and climatic changes. Small maps illustrate the extents of deposits and, to certain degree, also their palaeogeographical interpretation. Marine, lagoonal, continental end glacial deposits are distinguished, too. The stratigraphic-lithological columns (9-23) of the individual geologic regions of Poland are, according to the map presented at the base of the table, the main contents of the table considered. Lithological members are generalized, and, in consequence of this, only main types of clastic, clayey, mixed and carbonate rocks of evaporates and of carbonate deposits, as well as of deep, volcanic, piroclastic and metamorphic formations are presented. Quaternary deposits are shown generally for the entire area of Poland. Close to the lithological columns thicknesses are given of the formations of each stage (or of another member), and information is added as to the stratigraphical position of the individual minerals (name of mineral raw material, e.g. hard coal or salts; or chemical symbols as, for example, Fe ore). Mineral raw materials under exploitation are especially emphasized by adding a sign in the form of small crossed hammers. Mineralization phenomena, related to endogenic processes, are marked, neaor by the stratigraphical column, by placing (in rectangles) the respective symbols of the chemical elements that make interesting concentrations in a given region. In this way, the authors barely, try to accentuate the fact of existence of this phenomenon, provided that, as a matter of fact, it is of more considerable qualitative range than presented in the table. This kind of illustration of mineralization phenomena demonstrates that the mineralization processes may have affected rocks older than those found to occur in places where these processes have appeared. Colours are used to stress certain types of formations, and to emphasize the cyclic or monotonous nature of their development. The respective colours illustrate: yellow - clastic and clayey deposits, blue - carbonate rocks, green - evaporates, red – comprises all magmatic and piroclastic rocks; cherry-red - represents metamorphosed pre-Cambrian formations. The presentation of facial and palaeogeographical problems in the form of stratigraphical table allows us to stress also the dynamics of sedimentary phenomena in time, and to accentuate the sequence and the cyclic nature characteristic of the formation of deposits. Moreover, the table shows also various time intervals, the deposits of which are absent at present. The problem whether the lack of deposits, observed in various regions, is the result of hiatus, or it is an effect of denudation processes, has not been presented, however. A synthetical illustration of these problems is of considerable importance in the interpretation of numerous lithological, palaeogeographical and genetical phenomena, for the character of deposits, the continuity of breaks in sedimentation, and the lack of deposits of various periods (regardless of any possible reason), are of cardinal importance for the interpretation of both the origin and the possibility of preservation of solid, liquid or gaseous deposits. Data that concern mineral raw materials are placed near by the column, and point to the relation of a given mineral raw material to lithology, frequently also to the period of its formation. In this way, the environment favourable for the development of mineral deposits and for their preservation has been presented in regional aspect. Under these conditions and based on the correlated lithological character, the thickness of a series, its changing or monotonous nature, the continuity in sedimentation, the gaps or periods of denudation (in a connection with the character of climate, of the probable orogenic phases or of the synorogenic phenomena), as well as on certain data concerning the existing deposits or mineralization, we may obtain some evidences as to the possible occurrence of new deposits in the same, or in other, regions. Such a comparison demonstrates how uncleared are still both stratigraphical and palaeogeographical problems and reconnaissance degree of large stratigraphic intervals in various regions. It illustrates also numerous, barely touched questions that call for further explanation and detailed investigation. This concerns both regional and geologic-depositional problems.* The following are errors encountered after printing Table, and before printing the article: 1) “lattorf”, “rupel” and ”szat” are referred to Eocene, and should be placed within Oligocene; 2) the Miocene sub-stages “opol” and “grabow” should be at the same level as Tortonian.