Sole structures as a tool for depositional environment interpretation; a case study from the Oligocene Cergowa Sandstone, Dukla Unit (Outer Carpathians, Slovakia)

Abstract

Sole structures, typically developed on basal bedding surfaces of turbidite sandstones, are commonly used as palaeocurrent indicators and indicators of the current ability to erode. Detailed analysis of types and frequency of sole structures in the 128 m thick succession of Early Oligocene Cergowa Sandstone (Outer Western Carpathians) also shows their potential as an indicator of flow condition during the deposition. The massive and amalgamated sandstones, predominantly containing load casts and minor flutes and grooves with unidirectional orientation, are suggested to be deposited by highly turbulent flow after reaching hydraulic jump behind the topographic obstacle. High range of sole structures in thick and medium thick sandstones, suggesting inferior oblique and reverse flows, implies deposition from density stratified flows where lower, denser part has a tendency to deflect when hit the basin floor obstacle. The upper, less dense part has an ability to come over the obstacle and shows only small scatter in the palaeocurrent direction.