A Facies-Independent Trans-European Anisian–Ladinian Marker Horizon?: Significance and Impact for Sequence Stratigraphy and Intra-Tethyan Correlation

Götz, Annette E.; Montenari, Michael

Abstract

Transcontinental correlation of European carbonate systems that developed during the onset of the Mesozoic breakup of Pangaea remains difficult due to pronounced lateral facies variations and in many cases facies-dependent fossil groups used for biostratigraphic dating and correlation. In addition, radiometric dating of ash layers associated with Middle Triassic carbonate successions in Europe is limited to certain areas and times of volcanic activity. Thus, Middle Triassic correlation schemes of the Tethyan and Peri-Tethyan realm—a highly dynamic area in terms of plate reorganization and related development of early Mesozoic epeiric seas—need further refinement using new correlation tools. Here, we highlight the Europe-wide occurrence of a silica-rich horizon at the Anisian–Ladinian boundary as a potential trans-European correlation horizon. Chert layers and nodules form in different depositional settings, under different conditions and within different facies, thus being well suited for interregional correlation. However, the processes leading to chert formation in Middle Triassic shallow-marine carbonate deposits are still under discussion and require further research in order to make this prominent feature a powerful correlation tool.

Citation

Götz, A. E., & Montenari, M. (2017). A Facies-Independent Trans-European Anisian–Ladinian Marker Horizon?: Significance and Impact for Sequence Stratigraphy and Intra-Tethyan Correlation. In Advances in Sequence Stratigraphy

• Publication Date: Oct 1, 2017
• Book Title: Advances in Sequence Stratigraphy
• ISBN: 9780128130773
• Publisher URL: https://www.elsevier.com/books/advances-in-sequence-stratigraphy/montenari/978-0-12-813077-3