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Sediment dynamics of early Carboniferous ramps: A proposal
Author(s) -
Wright V. P.,
Faulkner T. J.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
geological journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.721
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1099-1034
pISSN - 0072-1050
DOI - 10.1002/gj.3350250205
Subject(s) - carboniferous , carbonate , geology , benthic zone , paleontology , tournaisian , phanerozoic , reef , late devonian extinction , devonian , paleozoic , anoxic waters , oceanography , cenozoic , structural basin , materials science , metallurgy
In this paper we contend that the widespread development of carbonate ramps, in preference to carbonate shelves, during the early Carboniferous was a consequence of the different style of carbonate production during that period. Not only was the overall rate of biogenic production probably slightly lower than at most other times in the Phanerozoic but its distribution was also different. The marked differential carbonate productivities between shallow and deeper water, a key factor in forming accretionary shelf margins, was not as strongly developed during the early Carboniferous. Benthic biotas, especially reef builders, were partly impoverished following the late Devonian extinctions and were also affected by oceanographic and climatic changes taking place during the Tournaisian, including possible anoxic phases.