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Rudist‐coral frameworks associated with submarine volcanism in the Maastrichtian of the Pachino area (Sicily)
Author(s) -
CAMOIN GILBERT,
BERNETROLLANDE MARIECLAIRE,
PHILIP JEAN
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
sedimentology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.494
H-Index - 108
eISSN - 1365-3091
pISSN - 0037-0746
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-3091.1988.tb00908.x
Subject(s) - geology , coral , paleontology , cretaceous , biota , volcano , volcanism , submarine , ecological succession , carbonate platform , carbonate , oceanography , ecology , sedimentary depositional environment , structural basin , tectonics , materials science , metallurgy , biology
Maastrichtian strata from the Pachino area (SE Sicily) provide a model of association between rudist‐coral frameworks and submarine volcanic activity. Two successive carbonate units are distinguished: (a) Coral‐rudist bioherms and biostromes developed in a high‐energy environment, (b) Hippuritid build‐ups and banks overlain by rudist‐coral clusters which grew under harsher ecological conditions, in a weaker current regime. At the top of the Maastrichtian sequence, the growth of rudist‐coral frameworks ceased as ecological conditions shifted toward restricted environments. The inferred succession reflects a gradual decrease in current strengths and water depths, related to the Maastrichtian regressive phase. The frameworks display consistent evolutionary sequences reflecting progressive changes in their biota, structure, size and shape. Occurrences of rudist‐coral frameworks are clearly linked with submarine volcanoes which provided opportunities for their development; they sometimes grew in the vicinity of active‐vent centres, a feature reported for the first time in the Upper Cretaceous.