Carbonate-clastic sediments of the Dudziniec Formation in the Kościeliska Valley (High-Tatric series, Tatra Mountains, Poland): role of syndepositional tectonic activity in facies development during the Early and Middle Jurassic

Abstract

Sediments of the Dudziniec Formation (Lower Jurassic – Aalenian) outcropping in the Kościeliska Valley (autochthonous unit of the High-Tatric series) are represented by a range of mixed carbonate-clastic deposits. Seven lithofacies have been distinguished based on lithology, sedimentary structures, colour and composition of intra- and extraclasts, with sandstones and crinoidal limestones as end members of a continuous spectrum of facies. The study area represents a shallower part of the sedimentary basin located in the vicinity of source areas, as compared to the Chochołowska Valley region located in the west. Facies characteristics and distribution were controlled mainly by synsedimentary tectonic activity, with sandy varieties representing periods of faulting with enhanced influx of extraclasts, and with crinoidal limestones corresponding to intervals of relative tectonic stability. Such influence of synsedimentary tectonics on the deposition in the Early Jurassic strongly resembles the Middle Jurassic development in the High-Tatric area. Neptunian dykes cutting the Dudziniec Formation, and most probably filled by Lower Jurassic sediments, are yet another indication of tectonic instability of the area in the Early Jurassic