Red-algal limestones in the Middle Miocene of the Carpathian Foredeep in Poland: facies variability and palaeoclimatic implications

Authors

  • Wiesław Studencki Bernardyńska 5/36, PL-02-304 Warszawa

Keywords:

Carpathian Foredeep, Middle Miocene, red algae, lithofacies, palaeoclimatology

Abstract

The distribution of red-algal limestones in the Middle Miocene marine deposits of the Carpathian Foredeep is described. Main facies types are briefly characterized, based on the morphology of red-algal thalli and major rock-forming fossil groups. The following facies have been recognized to date: algal-vermetid reefs, biohermal limestones, rhodolith pavement facies, branching algal facies, alga1-bryozoan facies, and algal-amphisteginid facies. An organodetrital facies rich in red-algal fragments has also been reported. Basing on comparison with the present day, algal-vermetid reefs and biohermal limestones are referred to the shallowest, high-energy conditions, typical of intertidal to shallow subtidal zones. Rhodolith pavements, along with associated algal-bryozoan and algal-amphisteginid facies, formed in a wide range of environmental conditions: from nearshore to open marine, under various hydrodynamic regimes. The branching algal facies was confined to bottom elevations in open marine conditions. The red-algal limestones from the Middle Miocene of Poland are here recognized as a direct, close analogue of the recent rhodalgal lithofacies, typical of the temperate climatic zone, and thus indicating temperate depositional conditions. This interpretation conflicts with the traditional one based on faunal indicators suggesting subtropical to tropical conditions.

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Published

2012-12-07

Issue

Vol. 43 No. 4 (1999)

Section

Articles

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