Stratigraphy and palaeoenvironments in the upper Turonian to lower Coniacian of the Saxonian Cretaceous Basin (Germany) - insights from calcareous and agglutinated foraminifers

Upper Turonian to lower Coniacian marls of the Strehlen Formation of the Graupa 60/1 core were investigated for their foraminiferal content to add stratigraphical and palaeoenvironmental information about the transitional facies zone of the Saxonian Cretaceous Basin. Further comparison with foraminiferal faunas of the Brausnitzbach Marl (Schrammstein Formation) were carried out to clarify its relationship to the marls of the Graupa 60/1 core. Tethyan agglutinated marker species for the late Turonian to early Coniacian confirm the proposed age of the marls of the Graupa 60/1 core and the Brausnitzbach Marl. The palaeoenvironment of the marls reflects middle to outer shelf conditions. The maximum flooding zones of genetic sequences TUR6, TUR7 and CON1 could be linked to acmes of foraminiferal species and foraminiferal morphogroups. In general, a rise of the relative sea-level can be recognised from the base to the top of the marls of the Graupa 60/1 core. While agglutinated foraminiferal assemblages suggest a generally high organic matter influx and variable but high productivity in the Graupa 60/1 core, the Brausnitzbach Marl deposition was characterized by moderate productivity and a generally shallower water depth.

Automated summary

This study investigates the marls of the Strehlen Formation in the Graupa 60/1 core to provide stratigraphic and paleoenvironmental information about the transitional facies zone of the Saxonian Cretaceous Basin. The foraminiferal content of the marls is analyzed and compared with the Brausnitzbach Marl to understand their relationship. The results confirm the proposed age of the marls and reveal middle to outer shelf conditions in the paleoenvironment.