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A high-resolution, multiproxy stratigraphic analysis of the Devonian–Carboniferous boundary sections in the Moravian Karst (Czech Republic) and a correlation with the Carnic Alps (Austria)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 May 2013

TOMÁŠ KUMPAN*
Affiliation:
Department of Geological Sciences, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37, Brno, Czech Republic
ONDŘEJ BÁBEK
Affiliation:
Department of Geological Sciences, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37, Brno, Czech Republic Department of Geology, Palacký University, 17. listopadu 12, 772 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic
JIŘÍ KALVODA
Affiliation:
Department of Geological Sciences, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37, Brno, Czech Republic
JIŘÍ FRÝDA
Affiliation:
Institute of Inorganic Chemistry AS CR, v.v.i., 250 68, Řež, Czech Republic Czech Geological Survey, Klárov 3/131, 118 21, Prague 1, Czech Republic
TOMÁŠ MATYS GRYGAR
Affiliation:
Department of Environmental Geosciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 21, Prague 6, Czech Republic
*
Author for correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract

A multidisciplinary correlation of the Devonian–Carboniferous (D–C) boundary sections from the Moravian Karst (Czech Republic) and the Carnic Alps (Austria), based on conodont and foraminifer biostratigraphy, microfacies analysis, field gamma-ray spectroscopy (GRS), carbon isotopes and element geochemistry, is presented in this paper. The study is focused on the interval from the Middle Palmatolepis gracilis expansa Zone (Late Famennian) to the Siphonodella sandbergi Zone (Early Tournaisian). In Lesní lom (Moravian Karst), a positive δ13C excursion in the Bisphatodus costatusProtognathodus kockeli Interregnum from a distinct laminated carbonate horizon is correlated with a carbon isotope excursion from the Grüne Schneid section of the Carnic Alps and is interpreted as the equivalent of the Hangenberg black shales and a local expression of the global Hangenberg Event sensu stricto. Higher up at both sections, a significant increase in the terrigenous input, which is inferred from the GRS signal and elevated concentrations of terrigenous elements (Si, Ti, Zr, Rb, Al, etc.), provides another correlation tieline and is interpreted as the equivalent of the Hangenberg sandstone. Both horizons are discussed in terms of relative sea-level fluctuations and palaeoceanographic changes. Recent studies show that conodont biostratigraphy is facing serious problems associated with the taxonomy of the first siphonodellids, their dependence on facies and discontinuous occurrences of protognathodids at the D–C boundary. Therefore, the correlative potential of geochemical and petrophysical signatures is high and offers an alternative for the refining of the problematic biostratigraphic division of the D–C boundary.

Type
Original Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013 

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