Early Kimmeridgian oolitic sedimentary cycle in the Wierzbica quarry, NE margin ot the Holy Cross Mts, Poland

Authors

  • Jacek GUTOWSKI

Keywords:

Lower Kimmeridgian, carbonate ramp, shallowing upward sedimentary cycle, oolite barrier, hypersalinary lagoon, tidal flat, emersion

Abstract

The Lower Kimmeridgian (Hypselocyclum Zone) section, exposed, in the lower part of the abandoned cement works quarry in Wierzbica, NE margin of the Holy Cross Mountains, Central Poland, represents a shallowing upward sedimentary cycle deposited on a carbonate ramp that developed in the SW margin of the East European Platform. Succession of the sedimentary environments has been recognized according to the variety of typical sedimentary structures as follows: open shelf (outer ramp), oolitic barrier, protected bay, hypersalinary lagoon and tidal flat. This sedimentary cycle resulted from relative sea level rise and corresponding encroaching of the sea onto inner carbonate ramp which was followed by stillstand (or slow fall) of the sea level and connected basinward progradation of the oolitic shoals. Rhizoids and aggregations of cycadacean trunks on beach bars found in the uppermost part of the cyclothem indicate emersion of the area studied. Hardground and erosional structures developed in the top of the cyclothem during a later highstand of sea level.

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