Showing papers in "Acta Geologica Polonica in 2013"

Towards a standard Tithonian to Valanginian calpionellid zonation of the Tethyan Realm

Abstract: A calpionellid zonal scheme is proposed for the Tithonian through Valanginian pelagic carbonates of the Western Balkan Unit, based on the vertical ranges of 57 chitinoidellid and calpionellid species recognized. This zonal scheme consists of calpionellid zones that are widely accepted in the Mediterranean Realm, such as the zones of Chitinoidella, Praetintinnopsella, Crassicollaria, Calpionella, Calpionellopsis, Calpionellites and Tintinnopsella. Subzonal divisions are comparable to those in the Carpathians. Direct correlations between ammonite and calpionellid ranges suggest that the base of the Upper Tithonian corresponds to the FO of Chitinoidella boneti ; that of the Upper Berriasian to the FO of the genus Calpionellopsis ; and the base and top of the Lower Valanginian to the FO and LO of the genus Calpionellites respectively. Correlations of the calpionellid zonation in the study area with zonations in other areas are discussed.

The Cambrian trilobites of Jordan - taxonomy, systematic and stratigraphic significance

Abstract: Marine carbonates and siliciclastic rocks of the Burj Formation in Jordan include paucispecific trilobite associations of the (traditional) Lower–Middle Cambrian boundary interval. Comprehensive new material of these trilobites allows a review of their taxonomy and systematic positions as well as a refined morphological description and a reconsideration of previous interpretations of their stratigraphic position and thus the correlation of the fossiliferous beds. In addition to the classic species Kingaspis campbelli (King, 1923) and Redlichops blanckenhorni Richter and Richter, 1941, Timnaella ? orientalis (Picard, 1942) and Hesa problematica Richter and Richter, 1941, the discussed trilobites include Issalia gen. nov. with Issalia scutalis gen. nov., sp. nov., Tayanaspis gen. nov. with Tayanaspis bulbosus gen. nov., sp. nov., Uhaymiria gen. nov. with Uhaymiria glabra gen. nov., sp. nov., Cambrunicornia ? jafnaensis sp. nov., Myopsolenites palmeri (Parnes, 1971), M. hyperion sp. nov., and Enixus cf. antiquus (Chernysheva, 1956). Myopsolenites boutiouiti Geyer and Landing, 2004 is now regarded as a junior synonym of Myopsolenites altus (Linan and Gozalo, 1986). A detailed discussion of the correlation with a focus on global aspects provides clues for the utility of potential index fossils for the global Cambrian Series 3 and Stage 5.

Inoceramid and foraminiferal record and biozonation of the Turonian and Coniacian (Upper Cretaceous) of the Mangyshlak Mts., western Kazakhstan

Abstract: The Turonian and Coniacian (Upper Cretaceous) of the Mangyshlak Mts., western Kazakhstan, yielded a rich and relatively complete inoceramid bivalve record. The faunas and their succession correspond to those known from central and eastern Europe, allowing the zonation established in the latter areas to be applied in a virtually identical form. The gaps in the record of the group in Mangyshlak stem from the regional hiatuses in the geological record in the area and do not reflect any biogeographical differences between eastern and central-western Europe. Planktonic foraminifera are rare. Four successive interval range zones can be distinguished: in ascending stratigraphic order, the Helvetoglobotrunaca helvetica, Marginotruncaca pseudolinneiana , Marginotruncana coronata , and Concavotruncana concavat a zones. Their correlation with the inoceramid zonation and, consequently, with the chronostratigraphic scheme, is demonstrated. The zonation and chronostratigraphic subdivision as applied in Mangyshlak may easily be applied to other areas of the peri-Caspian region (Caucasus, Tuarkyr, Kopet-Dagh, SE margin of the East-European Craton).

Upper Albian and Cenomanian (Cretaceous) ammonites from the Debarsu Formation (Yazd Block, Central Iran)

Abstract: New ammonite faunas consisting of 13 taxa provide the first reliable biostratigraphic dating of the Debarsu Formation of the Yazd Block, west-central Iran, indicating several levels in the Upper Albian and Lower Cenomanian, while a foraminiferal assemblage places the top of the Formation in the Middle Turonian. Among the identified ammonite taxa, Acompsoceras renevieri (Sharpe, 1857) is recorded from Iran for the first time. The upper part of the lower Upper Albian is proved by the occurrences of mortoniceratines of the Mortoniceras ( M .) inflatum Zone in the lowermost part of the Debarsu Formation. For the upper Upper Albian (traditional Stoliczkaia dispar Zone), the M . ( Subschloenbachia ) rostratum and M . ( S .) perinflatum zones are proved by their index taxa. However, there is no evidence of the terminal Arrhaphoceras ( Praeschloenbachia ) briacensis Zone. The upper part of the lower Lower Cenomanian Mantelliceras mantelli Zone ( M. saxbii Subzone) is proved by M. saxbii and M . cf. mantelli . Below, there is an ammonite-barren interval of ca. 100 m in thickness between M . ( S .) perinflatum zonal strata and the M. saxbii Subzone. The upper Lower Cenomanian is documented by the presence of typically M. dixoni zonal ammonites such as Acompsoceras renevieri . Upper Cenomanian and Turonian ammonites have not been found in the upper part of the Debarsu Formation, but micro-biostratigraphic evidence (planktonic foraminifers) from the uppermost part of the formation indicate that the formation ranges into the Turonian. For the development of the major tectonic unconformity at the base of the overlying Haftoman Formation (which yielded Lower Coniacian inoceramids near its base), only 2–3 myr remain, stressing the geodynamic activity of Central Iran during mid-Cretaceous times.

Lower and Middle Cenomanian ammonites from the Morondava Basin, Madagascar

Abstract: Lower and Middle Cenomanian ammonite assemblages have been collected on a bed-by-bed basis from localities at Vohipaly and Mahaboboka, Madagascar, as well as from outcrops around Berekata, all in the Morondava Basin, southwest Madagascar. These collections demonstrate the presence of the upper Lower Cenomanian Mantelliceras dixoni Zone and the lower Middle Cenomanian Cunningtoniceras inerme Zone of the north-western European standard sequence. These records indicate that the striking anomalies in the zonal assemblages of the classic divisions of the Madagascan Cenomanian are based on mixed assemblages, rather than a succession that differs radically from that elsewhere in the world. The dixoni Zone fauna is: Desmoceras cf. latidorsatum (Michelin, 1838), Pachydesmoceras kossmati Matsumoto, 1987, Forbesiceras sp., F. baylissi Wright & Kennedy, 1984, F. largilliertianum (d’Orbigny, 1841), Mantelliceras cantianum Spath, 1926a, M. dixoni Spath, 1926b, M. mantelli (J. Sowerby, 1814), M. picteti Hyatt, 1903, M. saxbii (Sharpe, 1857), Sharpeiceras sp., S. falloti (Collignon, 1931), S. mocambiquense (Choffat, 1903), S . cf. florencae Spath, 1925, Acompsoceras renevieri (Sharpe, 1857), A. tenue Collignon, 1964, Calycoceras sp., Mrhiliceras lapparenti (Pervinquiere, 1907), Mariella ( Mariella ) stolizcai (Collignon, 1964), Hypoturrilites taxyfabreae (Collignon, 1964), Turrilites scheuchzerianus Bosc, 1801, Sciponoceras cucullatum Collignon, 1964, and Sciponoceras antanimangaensis (Collignon, 1964). The presence of Calycoceras in a Lower Cenomanian association represents a precocious appearance of a genus typically Middle and Upper Cenomanian in occurrence, and matches records from Tunisia. The inerme Zone yields a more restricted assemblage: Pachydesmoceras kossmati , Forbesiceras baylissi , Acanthoceras sp. juv., Cunningtoniceras cunningtoni (Sharpe, 1855) and Hypoturrilites taxyfabreae .

Silicified sea life – Macrofauna and palaeoecology of the Neuburg Kieselerde Member (Cenomanian to Lower Turonian Wellheim Formation, Bavaria, southern Germany)

Abstract: With approximately 100 species, the invertebrate macrofauna of the Neuburg Kieselerde Member of the Wellheim Formation (Bavaria, southern Germany) is probably the most diverse fossil assemblage of the Danubian Cretaceous Group. Occurring as erosional relicts in post-depositional karst depressions, both the Cretaceous sediments and fossils have been silicified during diagenesis. The Neuburg Kieselerde Member, safely dated as Early Cenomanian to Early Turonian based on inoceramid bivalve biostratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy, preserves a predominantly soft-bottom community, which, however, is biased due to near-complete early diagenetic loss of aragonitic shells. The community is dominated by epifaunal and semi-infaunal bivalves as well as sponges that settled on various (bio-) clasts, and may widely be split into an early bivalve-echinoid assemblage and a succeeding sponge-brachiopod assemblage. In addition to these groups we document ichnofauna, polychaete tubes, nautilids and bryozoans. The fauna provides evidence of a shallow to moderately deep, calm, fully marine environment, which is interpreted as a largescale embayment herein. The fauna of the Neuburg Kieselerde Member is regarded as an important archive of lower Upper Cretaceous sea-life in the surroundings of the Mid-European Island.

Trace fossils from the Lower Muschelkalk of Raciborowice Górne (North Sudetic Synclinorium, SW Poland) and their palaeoenvironmental interpretation

Abstract: The following trace fossils have been recognised in the Lower Muschelkalk of Raciborowice Gorne (North Sudetic Synclinorium, SW Poland): Archaeonassa fossulata , Balanoglossites triadicus , ? Gastrochaenolites isp., Lockeia isp., Palaeophycus tubularis , Palaeophycus isp., ? Planolites beverleyensis , P. montanus , Planolites isp., ? Protovirgularia isp., Rhizocorallium commune var. auriforme , R. commune var. irregulare , R. jenense , Skolithos linearis , Thalassinoides suevicus and Trypanites weisei . Coprolites and an unidentified trace fossil A are also described. The trace fossils allow the discrimination of five ichnoassociations in the Raciborowice Gorne section: (IA 1) Rhizocorallium - Pholeus , (IA 2) Rhizocorallium-Palaeophycus , (IA 3) Thalassinoides , (IA 4) Trypanites-Balanoglossites and (IA 5) Planolites-Palaeophycus . The Lower Muschelkalk succession was deposited on a shallow carbonate ramp affected by frequent storms. Deposition commenced with sedimentation in a restricted lagoon on the inner ramp with a short episode of sabkha formation. It continued on the middle and outer ramp and then on a skeletal shoal of the outer ramp and in an open basin. Ichnoassociation IA 5 is related to a maximum transgression that commenced with the deposition of the Spiriferina Bed and which probably marked the opening of the Silesian-Moravian Gate. The basin underwent two shallowing episodes, as evidenced by ichnoassociations IA 3–IA 4, resulting in the formation of hardgrounds. Bathymetric changes in the Raciborowice Gorne section correspond well with a general transgressive trend in the Germanic Basin.

Radiocarbon ages of bones from Vistulian (Weichselian) cave deposits in Poland and their stratigraphy

Abstract: Twenty-six bone samples from cave sediments mainly of Vistulian (Weichselian) age were radiocarbon (AMS) dated. The material comes from seven localities in the Krakow-Czestochowa Upland and in Podhale (southern Poland). These are: the Komarowa Cave, the Deszczowa Cave, the Upper Rock Shelter of the Deszczowa Cave, the cave in Dziadowa Skala, the Sąspowska Zachodnia Cave, the Mamutowa Cave and the Oblazowa Cave. The obtained radiocarbon ages of most of the samples differs from their stratigraphy as formerly proposed. The reasons for this discrepancy are discussed. Also examined were the radiocarbon ages of bones from other caves in the study area. Most of the dated bones are shown to have come from relatively short time periods. The existing data on radiocarbon age of bones from Vistulian cave deposits of the Krakow-Czestochowa Upland and Podhale are summarized.

Calcareous plankton bio-chronostratigraphy of the Maltese Lower Globigerina Limestone member

Abstract: The planktonic foraminifera and calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy of the Maltese Lower Globigerina Limestone member has been investigated. The member was dated to early planktonic foraminiferal P22 Zone and nannofossil NP25 Zone (upper Chattian). A climate-stratigraphic approach, based on the quantitative analyses of calcareous nannofossils, was used additionally to achieve a more precise chronology. The species Coccolithus pelagicus (diameter ⩽11 µm) and the genus Umbilicosphaera were selected for the recognition of cold and warm surface waters intervals respectively. The ratio of their percentages enabled the construction of a Climatic Factor (CLF) curve. The CLF values were consistent with a warm climatic phase, which is probably represented by the portion of the oxygen stable isotope curve of Miller et al. above the Oi2c event and below the beginning of the cooling trend that culminates in the Mi1 event. Considering these two climatic events and the upper boundary of the NP25 Zone, it can be inferred that the deposition of the Lower Globigerina Limestone member took place between 25.1 and 24.3 Ma.

On variation in Schloenbachia varians (J. Sowerby, 1817) from the Lower Cenomanian of western Kazakhstan

Abstract: An assemblage of 94 specimens of Schloenbachia varians (J. Sowerby, 1817) from the Lower Cenomanian Sharpeiceras schlueteri Subzone of the Mantelliceras mantelli Zone of the Besakty section in the Mangyshlak Mountains of western Kazakhstan includes 26 complete adults that range from to 59–174 mm in diameter. No size-related dimorphism was detected in the assemblage, which shows wide, continuous intraspecific variation. This is described in terms of five formae; from robust to gracile these are: ventriosa , varians sensu stricto , subtuberculata , intermedia , and subplana . The ratio of robust ( ventriosa + varians sensu stricto ) to gracile ( subtuberculata + intermedia + subplana ) individuals is 34% to 66%. The reference specimens of the formae and their synonyms are described and illustrated, and related to the Besakty material. The modification of adult body chamber ornament of all formae is documented, and Jakeiceras Cooper and Owen, 2011 is shown to be based on an adult of a passage form between forma subtuberculata and forma intermedia. The differences between Lower Cenomanian S. varians , lower Middle Cenomanian S. coupei (Brongniart, 1822), and upper Middle and lower Upper Cenomanian S. lymensis Spath, 1926b are described and illustrated.

Oyster-bioimmured ammonites from the Upper Albian of Annopol, Poland: stratigraphic and palaeobiogeographic implications

Abstract: Ammonites Mortoniceras ( Subschloenbachia ) sp. are preserved as attachment scars on the oyster shells from the topmost portion of the Albian succession at Annopol, Poland. These oyster-bioimmured ammonites show a closest affinity to the representatives of Mortoniceras ( Subschloenbachia ) characteristic of the upper Upper Albian Mortoniceras perinflatum Zone. No ammonites indicative of the uppermost Albian–lowermost Cenomanian Praeschloenbachia briacensis Zone are recorded. Thus, the hiatus at the Albian–Cenomanian boundary at Annopol embraces the latter zone. The presence (and dominance) of Mortoniceras in the upper Upper Albian ammonite assemblage of Annopol suggests that the representatives of this Tethyan genus could migrate into the epicratonic areas of Poland directly from the Tethyan Realm, via the Lwow (Lviv) region.

The oldest Cambrian trilobites from the Holy Cross Mountains, Poland: taxonomic, stratigraphic and biogeographic reappraisal

Abstract: Żylinska, A. 2013. The oldest Cambrian trilobites from the Holy Cross Mountains, Poland: taxonomic, stratigraphic and biogeographic reappraisal. Acta Geologica Polonica, 63 (1), 57–87. Warszawa. Authorship issues are clarified, new photographic documentation is provided and emended systematic descriptions are presented for the oldest Cambrian trilobite taxa from the Holy Cross Mountains (Poland). Biostratigraphic analysis of the fauna allows correlation with the traditional Holmia kjerulfi-group Zone of Scandinavia, the Callavia Zone of Britain and Newfoundland, the lower and middle part of the Sectigena Zone of Morocco and the Marianian Stage of Spain. The trilobites display a strong biogeographic signal linked with West Gondwana and Avalonia and a suggestion is made that the TESZ margin of Baltica with the Malopolska Massif was liable to currents from those areas that distributed planktonic trilobite larvae.

The trace fossil Lepidenteron lewesiensis (Mantell, 1822) from the Upper Cretaceous of southern Poland

Abstract: Lepidenteron lewesiensis (Mantell, 1822) is an unbranched trace fossil lined with small fish scales and bones, without a constructed wall. It is characteristic of the Upper Cretaceous epicontinental, mostly marly sediments in Europe. In the Miechow Segment of the Szczecin-Miechow Synclinorium in southern Poland, it occurs in the Upper Campanian–Lower Maastrichtian deeper shelf sediments, which were deposited below wave base and are characterized by total bioturbation and a trace fossil assemblage comprising Planolites, Palaeophycus, Thalassinoides, Trichichnus, Phycosiphon, Zoophycos and Helicodromites that is typical of the transition from the distal Cruziana to the Zoophycos ichnofacies. L. lewesiensis was produced by a burrowing predator or scavenger of fishes. The tracemaker candidates could be eunicid polychaetes or anguillid fishes.

Early Bashkirian Rugosa (Anthozoa) from the Donets Basin, Ukraine. Part 4. Cordibia, a new protocolonial genus

Abstract: Cordibia pumila gen. et sp. nov. (Aulophyllidae, Dibunophyllinae) from the Lower Bashkirian E 1 Limestone of the Donets Basin, Ukraine is described. The term “protocolony” is formally defined as a growth form intermediate between the solitary and colonial. Protocolonies consist of protocorallites and verticils of non-reproductive offsets [i.e., the lost structures]. The early ontogeny of a protocorallite is compared to the blastogeny in the same species in order to establish characters in common during both processes and to document the usefulness of blastogeny for phylogenetic reconstructions. The short duration and abundance of the occurrence (Limestones E 1 up acme, E 1 1 ) of that species also makes it a good marker for the lowest Feninian (= Krasnopolyanian) strata in the Donets Basin.

Palaeoenvironmental evolution of the Southern Alps across the Faraoni Level equivalent: new data from the Trento Plateau (Upper Hauterivian, Dolomites, N. Italy)

Abstract: Lukeneder, A. and Grunert, P. 2013. Palaeoenvironmental evolution of the Southern Alps across the Faraoni Level equivalent: new data from the Trento Plateau (Upper Hauterivian, Dolomites, N. Italy). Acta Geologica Polonica, 63 (1), 89–104. Warszawa. New stratigraphic and palaeoenvironmental data are presented for the northeastern part of the Trento Plateau (Puez area, Southern Alps, Italy). The studied section corresponds to the upper Hauterivian Balearites balearis and “Pseudothurmannia ohmi” ammonite zones and normal palaeomagnetic chron upper M5. A c. 30-cm-thick bed is identified as the equivalent of the Faraoni Level, based on its position within the Pseudothurmannia mortilleti Subzone, the composition of its ammonite fauna and the peak of a minor positive trend in the δ 13 Cbulk record. Microfacies and geochemical proxies compare well with those of the southeastern part of the Trento Plateau and indicate palaeoceanographic continuity along the eastern margin of the plateau. The abundances of radiolarians and nannoconids suggest a turnover in the trophic structure from eutrophic conditions around the Faraoni Level equivalent to oligotrophic conditions. Low organic matter and sulphur content and frequent bioturbation indicate a well-oxygenated environment. Ammonite diversity and life-habitat groups document the influence of sea level on the plateau: while epi- and mesopelagic ammonites occur commonly during sea-level highstands, all life-habitat groups become reduced during a sea-level lowstand in the Spathicrioceras seitzi and P. ohmi subzones. The Faraoni event is heralded by a faunal turnover expressed as the diversification of epipelagic ammonites. Palaeoenvironmental conditions along the eastern margin of the Trento Plateau during the Faraoni event contrast with those of the organic-rich black shales in the west. A re-evaluation of the depositional model based on the new results suggests a general water depth of 300–500 m for the plateau. The severe reduction of mesopelagic ammonites during the sea-level lowstand indicates a shallowing towards the epi-/mesopelagic boundary. During the Faraoni event, the eastern areas of the Trento Plateau were located at the upper limit of the oxygen-minimum layer and were thus only occasionally affected by oxygen depletion, whereas the western areas were located well within the upper part of the oxygen-depleted layer.

A revised inoceramid biozonation for the Upper Cretaceous based on high-resolution carbon isotope stratigraphy in northwestern Hokkaido, Japan

Abstract: Biostratigraphic correlations of inoceramid bivalves between the North Pacific and Euramerican provinces have been difficult because the inoceramid biostratigraphy of the Japanese strata has been based on endemic species of the northwest Pacific. In this study, carbon stable isotope fluctuations of terrestrial organic matter are assembled for the Upper Cretaceous Yezo Group in the Haboro and Obira areas, Hokkaido, Japan, in order to revise the chronology of the inoceramid biozonation in Japan. The carbon isotope curves are correlated with those of marine carbonates in English and German sections with the aid of age-diagnostic taxa. According to the correlations of the carbon isotope curves, 11 isotope events are recognised in the sections studied. As a result of these correlations, the chronology of the inoceramid biozones of the Northwest Pacific has been considerably revised. The revised inoceramid biozones suggest that the timing of the origination and extinction of the inoceramids in the North Pacific biotic province is different from the stage/substage boundaries defined by inoceramids, as used in Europe and North America.

Experimental method for estimation of compaction in the Oxfordian bedded limestones of the southern Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, Southern Poland

Abstract: Kochman, A. and Matyszkiewicz, J. 2013. Experimental method for estimation of compaction in the Oxfordian bedded limestones of the southern Krakow-Czestochowa Upland, Southern Poland. Acta Geologica Polonica, 63 (4), 681–696. Warszawa. The Upper Jurassic carbonates exposed in the southern part of the Krakow-Czestochowa Upland are well known for their significant facies diversity related to the presence of microbial and microbial-sponge carbonate buildups and bedded detrital limestone in between. Both the buildups and detrital limestones revealed differential susceptibility to compaction which, apart from differential subsidence of the Palaeozoic basement and synsedimentary faulting, was one of the factors controlling seafloor palaeorelief in the Late Jurassic sedimentary basin. The compaction of the detrital limestones has been estimated with an experimental oedometric method in which specially prepared mixtures made of ground limestones from a quarry in the village of Żary were subjected to oedometer tests. The diameters of the detrital grains and their percentages in the limestones were determined by microscopic examinations of thin sections. The diameters were assigned to predetermined classes corresponding to the Udden-Wentworth scale. The rock samples were then ground down to the grain sizes observed in thin sections. From such materials, mixtures were prepared of grain size distributions corresponding to those observed in thin sections. After adding water the mixtures were subjected to oedometer tests. Analysis of the compression of such mixtures under specific loads enabled preparation of a mathematical formula suitable for the estimation of mechanical compaction of the limestone. The obtained values varied from 27.52 to 55.53% for a load corresponding to 300 metres burial depth. The most significant effect of mechanical compaction was observed for loads representing only 2 metres burial depth. Further loading resulted in a much smaller reduction in sample height. The results of the oedometer tests cannot be used directly to determine compaction of the detrital limestones. Mainly because microscopic observations of thin sections of the experimental material show that chemical compaction was also an important factor influencing thickness reduction of the limestones.

Phosphorus minerals in tonstein; coal seam 405 at Sośnica-Makoszowy coal mine, Upper Silesia, southern Poland

Abstract: The paper presents results of research on tonstein, which constitutes an interburden in coal seam 405 at the Sośnica-Makoszowy coal mine, Makoszowy field (mining level 600 m), Upper Silesia, southern Poland The mineral and chemical compositions of the tonstein differ from the typical compositions described earlier for tonsteins from Upper Silesia Coal Basin area Additionally, minerals present in the tonsteins include kaolinite, quartz, kaolinitised biotite and feldspars The presence of the phosphatic minerals apatite and goyazite has been recognized The presence of gorceixite and crandallite is also possible The contents of CaO (566 wt%) and P 2 O 5 (62 wt%) are remarkably high Analysis of selected trace elements demonstrated high contents of Sr (4937 ppm) and Ba (4300 ppm), related to the phosphatic minerals On the basis of mineral composition the tonstein has been identified as a crystalline tonstein, transitional to a multiplied one

Foraminiferal and radiolarian biostratigraphy of the youngest (Late Albian through Late Cenomanian) sediments of the Tatra massif, Central Western Carpathians

Abstract: The foraminiferal and radiolarian biostratigraphy of selected sections of the Zabijak Formation, the youngest sediments of the Tatra massif (Central Western Carpathians), have been studied. Benthic foraminifers, mainly agglutinated species, occur abundantly and continuously throughout the studied succession, while planktic foraminifers are generally sparse. Five planktic and two benthic foraminiferal zones have been recognized. The marly part of the Zabijak Formation comprises the Pseudothalmanninella ticinensis (Upper Albian) through the Rotalipora cushmani (Upper Cenomanian) planktic foraminiferal zones, and the Haplophragmoides nonioninoides and Bulbobaculites problematicus benthic foraminiferal zones. The radiolarians were recognized exclusively in the Lower Cenomanian part of the formation.

Sedimentology of the Early Jurassic terrestrial Steierdorf Formation in Anina, Colonia Cehă Quarry, South Carpathians, Romania

Abstract: The continental, coal bearing Steierdorf Formation, Hettangian – Sinemurian in age, is included in the Mesozoic cover of the Resiţa Basin, Getic Nappe, South Carpathians, Romania. The Steierdorf Formation can be studied in Anina, a coal mining center and an exceptional locality for Early Jurassic flora and fauna, occurring in the middle of the Resiţa Basin. This paper presents the results of sedimentological, stratigraphical and paleobotanical researches undertaken in Colonia Ceha open cast mine in Anina, where the Steierdorf Formation outcrops widely. Several sedimentary facies associations have been described, these associations permitting the reconstruction of various depositional systems such as alluvial fans, braided and meandering river systems, as well as lacustrine and coal generating marsh systems of the Steierdorf Formation. The sedimentary associations recorded within the Steierdorf Formation show a gradual fining upward trend, pointing to a rising marine water table and a decreasing relief within the source area.

Palaeontology, taxonomic revision and variability of some species of the genus Gassendiceras Bert et al., 2006 (Ammonitina, Upper Barremian) from southeastern Franc

Abstract: Bed-by-bed sampling of twelve Barremian sections in southeastern France from pelagic basin (Vocontian Basin) to neritic platforms (Arc of Castellane, Arc of Nice and Provencal Domain) has enabled the collection of isochronous samples of the ammonite genus Gassendiceras . Three poorly known species of the Toxancyloceras vandenheckei Zone (Upper Barremian) are revised: G. alpinum, G. multicostatum and G. hoheneggeri ; two new species are described ( G. rebouleti nov. sp. and G. bosellii nov. sp.). The intraspecific variability of particular species was recognised. This variability is between slender peramorphic and robust paedomorphic extreme morphologies, with the presence of all intermediates.

Quartz c-axis fabrics in constrictionally strained orthogneisses: implications for the evolution of the Orlica-Śnieżnik Dome, the Sudetes, Poland

Abstract: Żelaźniewicz, A., Kromuszczynska, O. and Biegala, N. 2013. Quartz c-axis fabrics in constrictionally strained orthogneisses: implications for the evolution of the Orlica-Śnieznik Dome, the Sudetes, Poland. Acta Geologica Polonica, 63 (4), 697-722, Warszawa. The Orlica-Śnieznik Dome (OSD), NE Bohemian Massif, contains in its core several gneiss variants with protoliths dated at ~500 Ma. In the western limb of the OSD, rodding augen gneisses (Spalona gneiss unit) are mainly L>S tectonites with a prominent stretching lineation. The few quartz LPO studies have produced somewhat discrepant results. Reexamination of these rocks revealed that texture formation was a protracted, multistage process that in- volved strain partitioning with changing strain rate and kinematics in a general shear regime at temperatures of the amphibolite facies (450-600°C). Quartz c-axis microfabrics show complex yet reproducible patterns that developed under the joint control of strain geometry and temperature; thus the LPOs are mixed features represented by pseudo- girdle patterns. Domainal differences in quartz microfabrics (ribbons, tails, quartzo-feldspathic aggregate) are com- mon in the Spalona orthogneisses but uncommon in the sheared migmatitic gneisses. In the latter rocks, the con- strictional strain was imposed on the originally planar fabric defined by high-temperature migmatitic layering. The constrictional fabric of the Spalona gneisses may have developed in the hinge zones of kilometer-scale folds, where the elongation occurred parallel to the fold axes. Other occurrences of rodding gneisses throughout the Orlica-Śnieznik Dome are thought to occupy similar structural positions, which would point to the significance of large-scale folds in the tectonic structure of the dome.

Late Maastrichtian foraminiferids and diatoms from the Polish Carpathians (Ropianka Formation, Skole Nappe): a case study from the Chmielnik-Grabówka composite section

Abstract: Well-preserved foraminiferids have been found in the Chmielnik-Grabowka section (Skole Nappe, Polish Carpathians). The Abathomphalus mayaroensis (late Maastrichtian) and Racemiguembelina fructicosa (early late Maastrichtian) standard planktonic foraminiferal biozones have been recognized, based on the occurrence of their respective index species. Sediments of the R. fructicosa Zone contain diatoms, which are a rare component of Cretaceous flysch microfossil assemblages in the Carpathians. The diatom frustules and some foraminiferid tests are pyritized, probably after burial in the sediment, below the redox boundary or inthe oxygen-deficient microenvironment inside the frustules or tests of microfossils; the presence of trace fossils and bioturbational structures in the same bed indicate an oxygenated sea floor.

Organic geochemistry of Upper Carboniferous bituminous coals and clastic sediments from the Lublin Coal Basin

Abstract: Bituminous coals and clastic rocks from the Lublin Formation (Pennsylvanian, Westphalian B) were subjected to detailed biomarker and Rock-Eval analyses. The investigation of aliphatic and aromatic fractions and Rock-Eval T max suggests that the Carboniferous deposits attained relatively low levels of thermal maturity, at the end of the microbial processes/initial phase of the oil window. Somewhat higher values of maturity in the clastic sediments were caused by postdiagenetic biodegradation of organic matter. The dominance of the odd carbon-numbered n-alkanes in the range n-C 25 to n-C 31 , high concentrations of moretanes and a predominance of C 28 and C 29 steranes are indicative of a terrigenous origin of the organic matter in the study material. This is supported by the presence of eudesmane, bisabolane, dihydro-ar-curcumene and cadalene, found mainly in the coal samples. In addition, tri- and tetracyclic diterpanes, e. g. 16β(H)-kaurane, 16β(H)-phyllocladane, 16α(H)-kaurane and norisopimarane, were identified, suggesting an admixture of conifer ancestors among the deposited higher plants. Parameters Pr/n-C 17 and R dit in the coal samples show deposition of organic matter from peat swamp environments, with the water levels varying from high (water-logged swamp) to very low (ephemeral swamp). Clastic deposits were accumulated in a flood plain environment with local small ponds/lakes. In pond/lake sediments, apart from the dominant terrigenous organic matter, research also revealed a certain quantity of algal matter, indicated, i.a., by the presence of tricyclic triterpanes C 28 and C 29 and elevated concentrations of steranes. The Paq parameter can prove to be a useful tool in the identification of organic matter, but the processes of organic matter biodegradation observed in clastic rocks most likely influence the value of the parameter, at the same time lowering the interpretation potential of these compounds. The value of Pr/Ph varies from 0.93 to 5.24 and from 3.49 to 22.57 in the clastic sediments and coals respectively. The microbial degradation of organic matter in both type of rocks and during early stages of diagenesis is confirmed by a high concentration of hopanes, the presence of drimane homologues, bicyclic alkanes and benzohopanes. Moreover, bacteria could also have been connected with the primary input of organic matter, which is shown by the presence of e.g. C 30 neohop-13(18)-ene.

Scaphitid ammonites from the Upper Cretaceous of KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Abstract: Scaphitid ammonites are described and illustrated from the Upper Cretaceous of the coastal region of north-eastern South Africa. Scaphites kieslingswaldensis Langenhan and Grundey, 1891, Scaphites manasoaensis Collignon, 1965, and Yezoites concinna sp. nov. occur in the Coniacian part of the St Lucia Formation in northern KwaZulu-Natal. A further Yezoites sp. may also be from this level. Argentoscaphites corrugatus sp. nov. occurs in the Santonian to Lower Campanian Mzamba Formation on the northernmost coast of Eastern Cape Province. Yezoites australis sp. nov. occurs in the Upper Santonian part of the St Lucia and Mzamba formations of these areas, and Scaphites reesidei Collignon, 1969, is recorded from the Lower Campanian part of the Mzamba Formation. The scaphitid assemblage includes species previously described from Western Europe and Madagascar, together with Argentoscaphites , previously known only from Patagonia (and possibly South India). Dimorphism is recognised in Scaphites reesidei , Yezoites concinna sp. nov. and Y. australis sp. nov. Argentoscaphites corrugatus sp. nov. and Yezoites sp. are represented by microconchs only. Dimorphism has not been recognised in Scaphites kieslingswaldensis.

Ontogenetic and intraspecific variation in the late Emsian – Eifelian (Devonian) conodonts Polygnathus serotinus and P. bultyncki in the Prague Basin (Czech Republic) and Nevada (western U.S.)

Abstract: Samples from populations of Polygnathus serotinus Telford 1975 and P. bultyncki Weddige 1977 from the Prague Basin and Nevada display normal variation for Devonian conodont species. A considerable number of previous authors, however, have proposed unnecessary synonyms of these two species, primarily because they have not recognized ontogenetic variation. In contrast, we interpret the variation as ontogenetic as well as intraspecific and present detailed synonymies as a result. A third species, P. praetrigonicus Bardashev 1992, which has been carried in open nomenclature for many years, is an important indicator of the basal costatus Zone in the Prague Basin, New York, and Nevada. We review the stratigraphic distribution of these three species and the conodont zonation across the Emsian-Eifelian (Lower-Middle Devonian) boundary. Polygnathus pseudocostatus sp. nov. (partitus-costatus zones, central Nevada) is described herein. We have observed a decrease in the pit size during ontogeny in P. bultyncki although we have not measured enough specimens to rule out intraspecific versus ontogenetic variation.

Character and structural evolution of the Mała Łąka Fault in the Tatra Mts., Carpathians, Poland

Abstract: Dąbrowska, M. and Jurewicz, E. 2013. Character and structural evolution of the Mala Łąka Fault in the Tatra Mts., Carpathians, Poland. Acta Geologica Polonica, 63 (1), 137–151. Warszawa. The Mala Łąka Fault in the Tatra Mts. is a synsedimentary normal fault responsible for the variable thickness of Eocene deposits in the area. Its main activity took place in the interval from the sedimentation of red conglomerates to the appearance of nummulitic limestones. The estimated throw is up to 350 m. Near the northern margin of the Tatra Mts., the trend of the fault changes from N–S to NE–SW. This part of the fault could have been activated during the Neogene uplift of the Tatra Mts. and rejuvenated as a sinistral fault. In the upper reach of the Mala Łąka Stream, the fault trend does not follow the course of the Mala Łąka Valley. Here, the flowing stream waters used extensional fractures within a damage zone associated with the Mala Łąka Fault rather than the lithological boundary at the tectonic contact between the Triassic dolomites and the Eocene conglomerates. The fault has a hingelike character; its hinge was located in the present-day Kościeliska Valley, c. 2.5 km west of the Mala Łąka Valley.

Impacts of heavy groundwater pumping on hydrogeological conditions in Libya: Past and present development and future prognosis on a regional scale

Abstract: Libya, like many other regions with arid climates, suffers from inadequate water resources to cover all the needs of this rapidly developing country. Increasing amounts of water are needed to supply the population, as well as for agricultural irrigation and industrial use. As groundwater is the main water source in the country, it represents a natural resource of the highest economic and social importance. Conceptual and numerical models were implemented on a regional scale to show how the natural situation has changed following heavy groundwater abstraction during the last decades in the northwestern part of the country. The results of the numerical model indicated that the current zones of depression of the piezometric surface could have been caused by smaller withdrawn amounts than previously estimated. The differences in the assessed withdrawn groundwater volumes seem to be quite high and might have a considerable influence on the future possibilities of groundwater use in the study region.

Vojnovskytesidae – a new family of Mississippian Rugosa (Anthozoa)

Abstract: Two new species of the genus Vojnovskytes Fedorowski, 2009, namely V. marcinowskii and V. arcuatus , and a new genus, Vojnimitor , based on the new species V. proiectus , all from Mississippian strata of northern Spain, are described. Vojnovskytes variabilis (Vojnovsky-Krieger, 1934), the type species for the genus from the lowermost Visean strata of southern Urals, also is discussed and illustrated. Characters displayed by the taxa mentioned permit introduction of a new family Vojnovskytesidae.

Anisotropy properties of the quartzite from Jegłowa, Poland

Abstract: Results of the dielectric spectroscopy, thermal and dilatometric measurements of the quartzite rock are presented Based on the dielectric measurements performed in a wide range of the frequency (10 1 – 5 · 10 7 Hz) at temperature of 300K the piezoresonance in quartzite was found A chemical composition of quartzite was examined by XRF The anisotropy of the thermal conductivity was observed The thermal conductivity coefficient changes from 132 [W/Km] to 56 [W/Km] for the [100] and [001] direction, respectively Based on the thermal expansion measurement the thermal expansion coefficient of quartzite was estimated to be α Q = 80 · 10 -6 [K -1 ] ±07 · 10 -6