The isolated Wuchiapingian (Zechstein) Wielichowo Reef and its sedimentary and diagenetic evolution, SW Poland

Abstract

The development of a relatively small and isolated part of the Wuchiapingian, Zechstein Wielichowo Reef was possible owing to a progressive subsidence and frequent sea level fluctuations. Three biofacies were distinguished within the studied object: (1) a shallow-water and highly energetic Acanthocladia biofacies, dominated by bryozoans and crinoids, with poorly preserved porosity, reduced mainly by calcite cementation and compaction; (2) the Horridonia biofacies comprising numerous brachiopods, preferring a moderate depth of water, with comparably poor porosity; and (3) the Fenestella/Kingopora biofacies rich in fossils of the highest variability, related to the deepest and calmest waters, occurring on the top of the profile and showing a significant effective porosity, reaching almost 13%. Among many diagenetic processes altering the reef, several lines of evidence suggest that it was the meteoric diagenesis to enhance its porosity the most extensively. Since no stromatolites are present, the final sea level decrease is interpreted to be rapid, hence creating conditions favourable for the meteoric dissolution. Some intraparticle porosity, however, seems to be of a depositional origin.