Facies architecture, palaeoecology and biotic spatial self-organization of a Devonian, sediment-impacted carpet reef
Final Report Abstract
Reefs have occurred in sediment-stressed environments throughout the Phanerozoic, yet beyond some broad-scale generalisations, ur understanding of these systems remains hamstrung by a lack of the quantitative data necessary to undertake relational analysis. In order to fully elucidate the relationship between siliciclastic sedimentation and reef development, there needs to be a significant step-change in how we routinely record ancient and recent reefal systems. Only through the collection of constrained quantitative data can we progress beyond the largely conjectural associations postulated for many ancient reefal systems. Where a reef has developed in relation to siliciclastic sediments, it is necessary to discern if the influx of siliciclastic material was contemporaneous with reef growth or occurred after the development of the reef, for example, through the infiltration of siliciclastic material into the reef framework. Stratigraphic relationships between the siliciclastic sediments and the reef should be detailed; particular attention must be paid to contact relationships. All sedimentary structures, including bioturbation, should be fully documented. A quantitative analysis of the mineralogy and textural properties of the siliciclastic grains should be undertaken. The carbonate component of the matrix should be similarly documented in detail. Any relationships between bioclasts and siliciclastic components (incorporation, overgrowth, abrasion, etc.) must be recorded. The morphologies of the skeletal components should be described in detail. Where a reef has developed in a siliciclastic-dominated setting but lacks a siliciclastic component, then an attempt should be made to discern the reason for the lack of siliciclastics.
Publications
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Inside a sediment‐stressed Middle Devonian carpet reef: Cave exposes details of three‐dimensional facies architecture and palaeoecology. Sedimentology, 70(4), 1251-1280.
Unger, Tanja; Saillol, Matthieu; Aretz, Markus; Lokier, Stephen; Mueller, Mathias; Karius, Volker & Immenhauser, Adrian
