Origin of the chert laminae and silico-calcareous nodules in uppermost Röth cavernous limestone at Gogolin (Lower Silesia)

Abstract

The Gogolin Cavernous Limestone (upperinost Röth; Lower Silesia) is interpreted as formed in a sabkha environment. A specific feature of this deposit is the occurrence of chert laminae and silico-calcareous nodules. These are thought to have originated due to dissolution of detrital quartz in the periods of strong evaporation at a high temperature and a high pH and, subsequently, precipitation of the silica gels during flooding by marine water resulting in a rapid fall of temperature and pH.