Depositional evolution of the Middle Jurassic carbonate sediments in the High-Tatric succession, Tatra Mountains, Western Carpathians, Poland

Abstract

Facies development and tectonic history of the High-Tatric Middle Jurassic resembles that of other regions of the Jurassic Tethys (e.g. Southern Alps, Spain). The Triassic carbonate platform disintegrated and divided into a system of horsts and grabens. Syndepositional extensional movements controlled the deposition. During the Aalenian carbonate-clastic sedimentation took place. During the Bajocian crinoidal meadows developed over most of the High-Tatric area. The Bathonian deposits belong to three main lithofacies: crinoidal, ferruginous and nodular limestones. The crinoidal limestones formed by deposition of pelmatozoan material transported over the sea-bottom in the form of megaripples. The ferruginous limestones developed in zones of restricted sedimentation, which were located above the areas of crinoid deposition that surrounded elevated blocks supplying terrigenous material. The nodular limestones represent deeper facies that were deposited on a slope descending towards a deep-sea basin. The Callovian wavy-bedded limestones mark the onset of pelagic deposition, which continued during the Late Jurassic.