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Silurian microbial associations from the Alexander terrane, Alaska

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 May 2016

Constance M. Soja  and
Robert Riding
Robert Riding
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, University of Wales College of Cardiff, Cardiff CF1 3YE, U.K.
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Abstract

Silurian calcareous algae, cyanobacteria, and microproblematica are abundantly preserved in the Alexander terrane of southeastern Alaska. They represent a diverse population of calcified microbes that contributed to the formation of a variety of shallow- and deep-water carbonate deposits. Five associations are recognized on the basis of recurring groups of microbial taxa. These include a Girvanella-Tuxekanella association that formed oncoids and thick encrustations on skeletal grains in shelf environments. A Renalcis association predominated in a stromatoporoid-coral reef that developed at the incipient shelf margin on a crinoid-solenoporid shoal (“Solenopora” association). Other organic buildups are characterized by a Ludlovia association, which constructed skeletal stromatolite reefs, and by an Epiphyton-Sphaerina association that contributed to the formation of a stromatolitic mud mound. A mixed microbial assemblage reflects transport and mixing of shallow-water microbial biotas that were deposited by turbidity currents, debris flows, and slumps in a slope environment.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Paleontology , Volume 67 , Issue 5 , September 1993 , pp. 728 - 738
Copyright
Copyright © The Paleontological Society 

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