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Downslope-migrating large dunes in the Chattian carbonate ramp of the Majella
Mountains (Central Apennines, Italy)
M. Brandano
a, b,
, L. Lipparini
c
, V. Campagnoni
c
, L. Tomassetti
a
a
Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, La Sapienza Universit di Roma, P. A. Moro 5, I-00185 Roma, Italy
b
IGAG - CNR, Area della Ricerca di Roma 1, Via Salaria Km 29,300-00016 Monterotondo Roma, Italy
c
Medoilgas Italia SpA (MOG Group), via Cornelia, 00166-Rome, Italy
a b s t r a c t a r t i c l e i n f o
Article history:
Received 21 October 2011
Received in revised form 7 February 2012
Accepted 8 February 2012
Available online 16 February 2012
Editor: B. Jones
Keywords:
Oligocene
Carbonate ramp
Lithofacies
Submarine dune
Storm
This work is the result of detailed geological mapping and stratigraphic analysis of the Lepidocyclina Lime-
stone in the northern sector of the Majella Mountains (Central Apennines). The Lepidocyclina Limestone rep-
resents an informal member of the Bolognano Formation (Chattian to Messinian in age).
Four main lithofacies have been recognized: planar cross-bedded grainstone (FA); moderate-angle, cross-
bedded grainstone to packstone (FB); sigmoidal cross-bedded grainstone (FC); and bioturbated marly pack-
stone to wackestone (FD).
A detailed description of the recognized lithofacies and facies association of the Lepidocyclina Limestone is
given in this work, together with an interpretation of the corresponding depositional setting and a discussion
of the related larger-scale processes.
In summary, the depositional prole of the Lepidocyclina Limestone is consistent with a carbonate ramp, where
most of the sediments appear to be parautochthonous in the middle ramp environment and autochthonous-
dominated in the outer ramp environment.
Palaeocurrent patterns indicate a strong, generally northwest basin-ward direction that affected the middle
ramp environment and developed a wide, down-slope migrating dune eld.
Considering that the warmOligocene climate of the Mediterranean area was favorable to tropical cyclone devel-
opment, both in terms of frequency and intensity, it is suggested that return currents generated by strong winds
or storms were common on the Lepidocyclina carbonate ramp, thus favoring the development of the observed
dune eld.
2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
1. Introduction
During the Oligocene, signicant biological, climatic, and oceano-
graphic changes were recorded, which strongly inuenced the compo-
sition and production of the carbonate factory during that time. Many
Oligocene platforms showa carbonate factory dominatedby larger ben-
thic foraminifera and coralline algae (e.g., Pedley, 1998; Nebelsick et al.,
2005; Vaziri-Moghaddam et al., 2006; Brandano et al., 2009a, 2010a;
Bassi and Nebelsick, 2010; Sadeghi et al., 2011). These biota became
progressively more important contributors throughout the Oligocene
until they became dominant in the Lower and Middle Miocene car-
bonate platforms (Carannante et al., 1988; Halfar and Mutti, 2005). In
most known examples, the skeletal components produced in the
shallow euphotic environment (sensu Pomar, 2001) were generally
moved down-shelf and offshore in response to storms and currents,
while skeletons produced in the deeper oligophotic zone (sensu Pomar,
2001) were mainly accumulated in situ and episodically moved by
currents or waves during exceptional storms. The resulting depositional
prole is a carbonate ramp that can be distally steepened or homo-
clinal (sensu Read, 1982, 1985), depending on: the amount of sediment
dispersed and moved downslope, the loci of the main carbonate produc-
tion (aphotic vs oligophotic) (Pomar, 2001), and the tectonic setting
(Pedley, 1998; Bosence, 2005).
This work discusses the Upper Oligocene ramp that outcrops in the
Majella area of the Central Apennines (Lepidocyclina Limestone). This
stratigraphic unit is characterized by a wide middle ramp environment
where the oligophotic biota (larger benthic foraminifera and coralline
algae) were produced and reworked by strong, basinward-owing cur-
rents. In the studied example, coarse carbonate grainstones, which
would typically be attributed to a shallow inner ramp environment
according to most interpretation models, are instead considered to
have originated on the middle and outer ramp.
The goal of this work is to describe the lithofacies and facies asso-
ciations recognized in the Lepidocyclina Limestone, to reconstruct
their depositional settings, and to discuss the related processes.
Sedimentary Geology 255-256 (2012) 2941
Corresponding author at: Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Universit degli
Studi di Roma La Sapienza, P.le Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Roma, Italy. Tel.: +39 06
49694240; fax: +39 06 4454729.
E-mail address: marco.brandano@uniroma1.it (M. Brandano).
0037-0738/$ see front matter 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.sedgeo.2012.02.002
Contents lists available at SciVerse ScienceDirect
Sedimentary Geology
j our nal homepage: www. el sevi er . com/ l ocat e/ sedgeo
Author's personal copy
2. Geological setting
The Apennine fold-and-thrust belt represents the Neogene defor-
mation of the southern margin of the Mediterranean Tethys. This mar-
gin was characterized by wide carbonate platform domains. In the
Central Apennines, these domains are represented by the Latium
Abruzzi platform and the northern extension of the Apulian Platform.
The latter platform outcrops in the Majella and ScontronePorrara
structures (Fig. 1A,B), which are interpreted as the major structural cul-
mination of the ApuliaAdriatic units (Vezzani et al., 2010). The Majella
structure, a NS/NWSE oriented, thrust-related anticline that plunges
both to the north and to the south, formed during the Pliocene due to
the eastern migration of the chainforedeep systemtoward the Adriatic
foreland (Scisciani et al., 2000; Rusciadelli and Di Simone, 2007).
The Majella succession consists of Upper Jurassic to Miocene lime-
stones and dolostones (Crescenti et al., 1969). During the Jurassic
Cretaceous evolution of the carbonate platform, the area was charac-
terized by a steep, non-depositional escarpment that separated
shallow-water platform carbonates from onlapping slope sediments
(Vecsei et al., 1998). The shallow-water deposits are represented by
alternating ooliticoncolitic packstones to grainstones and thin stro-
matolitic bindstones. A major unconformity, as dened by karstica-
tion and bauxitic soils, corresponds to an important, long-term
emersion phase of the platform top from the middle Albian to the
late Cenomanian (Accarie, 1988). The steep escarpment was main-
tained during Late Cretaceous platform aggradation, with lithic brec-
cias, bioclastic turbidites, and pelagic limestone being deposited in
the adjacent basin to the north. By the late Campanian this basin
was completely lled with sediments onlapping onto the escarpment,
and the platform prograded and evolved into a distally steepened
ramp with the adjacent slope (Mutti et al., 1996; Vecsei et al., 1998).
The Majella platform recorded Lower Cenozoic sediments along its
slope and basin, whereas a long hiatus is recorded on the platform top
where Paleocene to Middle Eocene deposits occur only as thin, discon-
tinuous beds. Small coralalgal buildups are recorded during the Pria-
bonian to Rupelian, followed by the progradation of shallow platform
sediments over the slope (Vecsei and Moussavian, 1997). Finally, a
ramp developed above the former shelf and slope during the Chattian
to early Messinian interval (Vecsei and Sanders, 1999). This interval is
represented by the Bolognano Formation, which has been subdivided
into various informal members (Crescenti et al., 1969; Mutti et al.,
1997; Vecsei and Sanders, 1999; Carnevale et al., 2011). According to
Mutti et al. (1997) three depositional sequences, including shallow-
water to deeper-water sediments, can be recognized in the north-
western sector of the Majella (Fig. 2). The rst shallow water-sequence,
represented by the Lower Bryozoan Limestone, unconformably overlies
Eocene deposits and consists of up to 40 m of bioclastic grainstones/
rudstones formed by larger benthic foraminifera, bryozoans, red algae,
and molluscs. This unit, informally called the Lepidocyclina Limestone
by different authors (Merola, 2007; Carnevale et al., 2011) because of
the dominance of Lepidocyclina in the benthic foraminifer assemblages,
is overlain by up to 20 m of strongly bioturbated siliceous hemipelagic
marls and marly limestones. The second shallow water-sequence,
represented by the Upper Bryozoan Limestone, ranges in thickness
from 3 to 40 m and consists of a monotonous succession of cross-
bedded grainstones. The skeletal assemblage of this limestone is charac-
terized by planktonic and small benthic foraminifera, bryozoan, mollusc,
and echinoid fragments, and rarely by larger benthic foraminifera. The
upper part of this second sequence consists of planktonic Orbulina
Marls. This interval is wedge shaped, being thickest (90 m) in the north-
west sector of the Majella and thinnest toward the platform in the SE,
where it disappears (Fig. 2). The third and uppermost shallow water-
Fig. 1. A) Simplied geological map of Italy, B) Palaeogeographic map of the western Mediterranean area during the Early Oligocene.
Modied from Patacca et al. (2008).
30 M. Brandano et al. / Sedimentary Geology 255-256 (2012) 2941
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sequence, the Lithothamnion Limestone, unconformably overlies the
Upper Bryozoan Limestone. This unit consists of up to 30 m of lime-
stones to marly limestones (dominated by red algal-nodules and bi-
valves) and is overlain by 30 m of hemipelagic marls.
Major differences exist regarding the age attributed to the Bolog-
nano Formation (Mutti et al., 1997, 1999: Vecsei and Sanders, 1999;
Marsili et al., 2007; Merola, 2007; Benedetti et al., 2010; Carnevale
et al., 2011).
According to Benedetti et al. (2010), the larger benthic foraminifer as-
semblages suggest a Rupelian age (SBZ 22a) for the Lepidocyclina Lime-
stone (Lower Bryozoan Unit), while Mutti et al. (1997) and Carnevale
et al. (2011) attribute this unit to the Chattian. All authors do agree, how-
ever, with a Chattian p.p. to Aquintanian age interval for the overlying
hemipelagic marls. Mutti et al. (1997) and Vecsei and Sanders (1999)
suggest that deposition of the second sequence (Upper Bryozoan Lime-
stone and Orbulina Marls) occurred during the Burdigalian to Langhian
interval. In contrast, Merola (2007) and Carnevale et al. (2011) use
planktonic foraminiferal assemblages to attribute a Burdigalian to Lan-
ghian pp interval for this Upper Bryozoan Limestone and a Langhian to
early Tortonian age for the overlying Orbulina Marls. Finally, the last se-
quence is dated Serravallian by Mutti et al. (1997) and Vecsei and
Sanders (1999), while Merola (2007) and Carnevale et al. (2011) attri-
bute it to the TortonianEarly Messinian.
Several authors believe that the Miocene platform carbonates of
the Central Apennines were deposited in a carbonate ramp environ-
ment (Vecsei and Sanders, 1999; Civitelli and Brandano, 2005). The
inner ramp was characterized by high-energy deposits associated
with seagrass-meadow sediments, inter-bedded basin-ward with
rudstones to oatstones that are composed of free-living, branching
red algae and, locally, scattered corals (Brandano, 2003; Civitelli and
Brandano, 2005; Brandano et al., 2010b). The middle ramp environ-
ment is below the storm wave-base (swb), in the oligophotic zone,
with red algae, molluscs, and larger benthic foraminifera being the
main sediment producers. The outer ramp, characterized by the ab-
sence of light-dependent biota, is instead dominated by a skeletal as-
semblage consisting of bryozoans, echinoids, bivalves and sponges.
Strongly bioturbated marls rich in planktonic foraminifera and with
minor amounts of radiolarians and siliceous sponge spicules are the
typical deposits of this distal outer ramp.
3. Methods
Cliff exposures on the north-western ank of the Majella anticline
offer a good opportunity to analyze lithofacies, bedding geometries,
and facies architecture of the Lepidocyclina Limestone unit (Bolognano
Formation). In particular, two depositional transects were analyzed
in this area: the Rapina MountainOrfento Valley transect and the
BlokhausLettomanoppello transect. The Rapina MountainOrfento
Valley transect, trending in a roughly SENE direction similar to the
Majella anticline itself, provides a clean section along the deposition-
al dip direction that permits a physical correlation between the sed-
imentary units (Fig. 3). Along the second transect, to the NE of the
Majella, detailed analyses were performed along road cuts in the
Blockhaus and Lettomanoppello areas and in the Fonte del Papa
and Roman Valley quarries (which clearly display sedimentary
structures in various three-dimensional cuts).
Correlation between the Blokhaus and Lettomanoppelo outcrops
was possible using lithostratigraphic criteria.
Bedding and faults were mapped onto high-resolution aerial
photo-mosaics, topographic maps, and panoramic photo-mosaics of
the major outcrops.
Detailed stratigraphic and sedimentologic analyses were performed
on all lithofacies, biofacies, and bounding surfaces. The description of
the physical sedimentary structures follows Anastas et al. (1997, 2006)
who describe and interpret cross-stratication using internal organiza-
tion, cross-set thickness, foresets shape, and lower bounding-surface
shape. The internal organization refers to the complexity of the cross-
stratication: sets that contain only conformable laminae are described
as simple whereas sets that contain discontinuity surfaces are described
as compound. Cross-set thickness is dened as thin (b40 cm), medium
(4075 cm), thick (75500 cm), and very thick (>500 cm). The foreset
connects the upper and lower set boundaries. These bounding surfaces
may be planar if they are formed by bedforms with at troughs, while
bedforms with spurs and scour pits in the trough produce lower bound-
ing surfaces that are trough-shaped in sections perpendicular to the cur-
rent. This conforms with the distinction between 2-D and 3-D dunes as
dened by Ashley (1990). Cross-stratication is organized into four hi-
erarchical levels: cross-lamination, rst-order sets, second-order sets,
and cross-stratied successions. The levels are based on increasing de-
grees of internal complexity. A cross-stratied succession is a vertical
succession of rst- and second-order sets that contains a particular in-
ternal geometric organizationand is characterized by lateral and vertical
changes (or lack thereof) in set thicknesses and the attitude of the
bounding surfaces (e.g., horizontal, inclined).
The eld observations were complemented with the petrographic
examination of 75 thin sections for textural characterization and
identication of skeletal components.
Red-algae associations and test shape variation (T/D) of the large
benthic foraminifera (LBF) Amphistegina were used to constrain ba-
thymetry of the depositional setting according to the model proposed
by Mateu-Vicens et al. (2009). The preservation levels of large benthic
foraminiferal tests have been used to determine taphonomic process-
es related to sediment transport within the ramp. This is based on
Beavington-Penney's (2004) studies on abrasion of macrospheric
Nummulites as indicators of transport processes. Assessments are
given using the Beavington-Penney Taphonomic Scale (i.e., BPTS).
Fig. 2. Stratigraphic architecture of Bolognano Formation (modied from Mutti et al., 1997). SB: sequence boundary.
31 M. Brandano et al. / Sedimentary Geology 255-256 (2012) 2941
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4. Results
The sediments of the Lepidocyclina Limestone are composed pri-
marily of coarse-grained bioclastic material. Grainstones and pack-
stones predominate. Four lithofacies are distinguished based on
bedding characteristics, physical sedimentary structures, and major
constituents.
4.1. Planar cross-bedded grainstone (FA)
The sediment of this lithofacies has a coarse-sand granulometry, and
is moderately sorted with round to subangular grains. Common compo-
nents are well-rounded red-algal debris, nodules, and small rhodoliths.
Nodules and rhodoliths are constituted by Melobesioids (Lithothamnion)
and Sporolithaceans (Sporolithon). Other common skeletal components
include fragmented LBF (Nephrolepidina, Eulepidina, Amphistegina, Het-
erostegina, Operculina) and small benthic foraminifera (rotaliids, Rotalia,
Neorotalia viennoti, Lobatula, Lenticulina, Planorbulina, discorbaceans,
buliminaceans, textularids, rare miliolids as Austrotrillina). Scattered
components are planktonic foraminifera, articulate red algae, echinoid
plates andspines, mollusc fragments, andbryozoans. Rare alveolinidfrag-
ments are also present (Fig. 4A,B). Amatrix is absent. The cement consists
of calcite pseudospar lling primary interparticle pores, and blocky spar
lling intraskeletal pores, andsecondary mouldic pores. Syntaxial cement
developed on echinoid debris.
Amphistegina T/D values range between 0.35 and 0.7. LBF tests
yield BPTS abrasion values between 0 and 3.
This lithofacies is characterized by compound cross-bedding con-
sisting of planar cross-beds (rst order sets) that are 1020 cm thick
and dip up to 10 (Fig. 4C). In these beds, lamination forms angles of
Fig. 3. Simplied geological map of Montagna della Majella, (modied from Vecsei and Sanders, 1999), location of investigated sectors (AB Rapina Mount/Orfento Valley and
CD Blokhaus/Lettomanoppello) and palaeocurrent.
32 M. Brandano et al. / Sedimentary Geology 255-256 (2012) 2941
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510 with bedding planes (bedding-plane discordant) producing
straight-planar rst-order sets. The laminae dip toward the WNW.
These rst-order sets stack in 2- to 3-m-thick co-sets (second-order
sets) bounded by a subhorizontal surface (Fig. 4D). Bioturbation is rare.
4.2. Moderate-angle cross-bedded grainstone to packstone (FB)
This lithofacies is characterized by a moderately sorted, grain-
supported sediment showing moderately tight packing of bioclasts.
The grains are coarse-sand sized. They are mainly represented by LBF,
which are dominated by well-preserved Nephrolepidina and Eulepidina
specimens and Amphistegina and nummulitids (Heterostegina, Opercu-
lina) (Fig. 5A). Other components are red-algal debris, small benthic fo-
raminifera (rotaliids, Lobatula lobatula, Cibicides, N. viennoti, Planorbulina
sp, discorbaceans, buliminaceans, textularids), and very common bryo-
zoa (Fig. 5B). Accessory components are serpulid fragments (Ditrupa),
echinoid plates and spines, mollusc fragments (pectinids, oysters), and
planktonic foraminifera. A branch and small crusts of red algae have
also been observed.
Matrix is scarce and consists of calcisiltite where present. A weak
lamination may be formed by LBF tests. The cement consists of calcite
micro- and pseudospar that lls primary interparticle pores, and blocky
spar in intraskeletal pores, and secondary mouldic pores. Syntaxial ce-
ment develops on echinoid plates.
Amphistegina T/D values range between 0.31 and 0.60. Large ben-
thic foraminifera tests, mostly of the genus Amphistegina, yield BPTS
abrasion and reworking values between 1 and 3.
The cross-beds of this lithofacies have a cuneiform to sigmoidal
shape and are inclined between 10 and 20, the dip is generally to-
ward WNW.
They occur in 0.20.5 m thick, rst-order sets. The sets formcosets
(second order) up to 4 m thick (Fig. 5C,D). Lamination in the rst
order set is characterized by discordant bedding-plane geometries.
In plan view sets have straight (planar) crests.
4.3. Sigmoidal cross-bedded grainstone (FC)
The sigmoidal cross-bedded grainstones are coarse and moderate-
ly sorted. The most common components are bryozoan colonies (cel-
leporids and adeoniforms). Large benthic foraminifera are present
and represented by Nephrolepidina, Amphistegina specimens, and
nummulitids (Heterostegina, Operculina) (Fig. 6A). Other components
are red-algal debris, small benthic foraminifera (rotaliids, Cibicides,
Rotalia, Lenticulina), serpulid fragments (Ditrupa), echinoid plates
and spines, pectinid fragments, and planktonic foraminifera (Fig. 6B).
The low amount of matrix is represented by calcisiltite. The ce-
ment consists of micro- and pseudospar that lls primary interparti-
cle pores, while the intraskeletal, and secondary mouldic pores are
lled by blocky spar. Syntaxial cement develops on echinoid plates.
Amphistegina T/D values range between 0.28 and 0.40. Large ben-
thic foraminifera tests yield BPTS abrasion values between 1 and 2.
These cross-beds have sigmoidal shapes and are inclined between
10 and 22. The dip is generally toward WNW. The sets (rst order)
are 2060 cm thick and can be traced laterally for up to 70 m (Fig. 6C,
D). The sets are characterized by bedding-parallel lamination (bed-
ding-plane concordant). Foresets are generally tangential, with angles
that dip about 20 but decrease to 10 toward the bottomset. The cosets
(second order) are up to 5 m thick and are bounded by large-scale sig-
moidal discontinuities that can be traced laterally for up to 200 m
(Fig. 6D).
4.4. Bioturbated marly packstone to wackestone (FD)
This lithofacies is formed by a horizontally bedded ne packstones to
wackestones characterized by abundant planktonic foraminifera in a
brownmicritic matrix. The mainconstituents are planktonic foraminifera,
especially globigerinids and globorotalids (Fig. 7A). Small benthic forami-
nifera (rotalids, textularids, Lenticulina), bryozoans, bivalves, andechinoid
and serpulid fragments are subordinate (Fig. 7B). The size of planktonic
foraminifera ranges, approximately, between 200 and 500 m.
Glauconitic grains occur in this lithofacies in the bioclastic cavities,
inlling planktonic foraminifera chambers.
The beds are 10 to 30 cm thick and are separated by 1.5 cm thick
interval rich in clayey marls (Fig. 7C). Physical sedimentary structures
are rare. Biogenic structures include Thalassinoides traces.
5. Facies associations
There is a larger-scale stratigraphic organization within the Lepi-
docyclina Limestones which allows for the denition of three lithofa-
cies associations based on the predominant bedding characteristics:
(i) horizontally-bedded, (ii) mixed cross-bedded and horizontally-
bedded, and (iii) cross-bedded.
5.1. Rapina MountOrfento Valley
Two lithofacies were recognized in the Rapina MountainOrfento
Valley transect: FA characterizes the Rapina Mountain and laterally
interngers with FB in the western sector of the Orfento Valley (Car-
amanico area).
Fig. 4. Planar cross-bedded grainstone facies (FA); A) main components are well-
rounded red algal debris and fragmented LBF, other components include alveolinid;
B) epiphytic small benthic foraminifera are abundant in the facies FA; C) rst-order
set characterized by bed discordant lamination; D) compound cross-bedding of FA fa-
cies consisting of planar cross-beds (Orfento Valley).
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These lithofacies most commonly form 30 m-thick horizontally
bedded successions. In this type of succession, coset bases are general-
ly horizontal and parallel to one another. Sets and cosets show little
lateral or vertical changes in thickness (Fig. 8A,B). The tops and bot-
toms of successions are gradational and/or sharp.
More than 90% of the beds show dip azimuths in the range of
290320. The other beds, which are mainly thin and isolated, repre-
sent dips in an azimuth range of 340 to 30 (Fig. 3).
5.2. BlokhausLettomanoppello
All of the recognized lithofacies are present in the BlokhausLetto-
manoppello transect.
The Blokhaus area is characterized by lithofacies FA (which forms
30 m-thick, horizontally bedded successions) as well as lithofacies FB
(that is present also in the southernmost sectors of the Lettomanop-
pello area). In the southeastern area of Lettomanoppello, lithofacies
FC forms a spectacular 40 m-thick, cross-bedded succession. Lithofa-
cies FC is arranged in NNW-dipping beds up to 200 m long, forming
clinostratied lithosomes (Fig. 9) The internal architecture of an indi-
vidual lithosome consists of: 1) sharp, sigmoidal-shaped top and base
surfaces; 2) a lee portion where set bases are inclined downcurrent
with tangential contact on the basal base surfaces; and 3) a stoss por-
tion where set bases are subhorizontal or gently inclined upcurrent.
Approximately 90% of the beds show dip azimuths ranging be-
tween 270 and 330, whereas the other beds range between 260
and 30.
Finally, in the eastern area of Lettomanoppello, the Lepidocyclina
Limestone consists of interstratication of FD lithofacies and cross-
bedded FC lithofacies. The FC lithofacies form clinoforms that show
oblique shape (sensu Quiquerez et al., 2004) with low relief
(b10 m) and low-angle slopes (b10). They do not show important
lateral and vertical facies changes. The clinoforms prograde onto the
FD lithofacies that form horizontally bedded intervals up to 3 m thick.
6. Discussion
6.1. Facies interpretation
The biotic assemblages of facies FA (Nephrolepidina, Amphistegina,
Lithothamnion and Sporolithon) are typical of the oligophotic zone,
however, some are also present in the euphotic zone, such as porcela-
neous larger foraminifers (alveolinids) and articulated coralline red
algae. The latter are typical of the intertidal to subtidal zone, although
they reach their maximum abundance in water b10 m deep (Wray,
1977). Generally, the upper photic zone is dominated by porcelane-
ous larger foraminifera, predominantly living in symbiosis with dino-
phyceans, chlorophyceans, or rhodophyceans (Romero et al., 2002;
Brandano et al., 2009b; Sadeghi et al., 2011). The sediment of facies
FA is also characterized by the presence of epiphytic foraminifera, in-
dicating the occurrence of local vegetated areas. The presence of
shallow-water alveolinds, together with severe bioclast fragmenta-
tion, suggests that sedimentation and accumulation resulted from
both in situ production and material swept fromthe shallower eupho-
tic zone by currents (Fig. 10). This interpretation is supported by the
co-presence of Amphistegina specimens with different test shapes (T/
D ranging from 0.35 to 0.7) and different abrasion features (BPTS
03), implying a mixed provenance (Fig. 11). The Amphistegina test
Fig. 5. Moderate-angle cross-bedded grainstone to packstone (FB); A) Nephrolepidina, Amphistegina and Heterostegina dominate the skeletal assemblage; B) other common com-
ponents of this facies including red algal debris, epiphytic foraminifera (Planorbulina) are still present; C) the cross beds of this lithofacies are characterized by cuneiform to sig-
moidal shape, rst-order sets have thickness ranging between 0.2 and 0.5 m; D) rst order and second-order sets of cross strata, rst-order set show bed discordant lamination.
34 M. Brandano et al. / Sedimentary Geology 255-256 (2012) 2941
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morphologies (T/D values) indicate that the Amphistegina specimens
of this facies formed in water depths ranging from 6 to 28 m.
The sedimentary structures of facies FA indicate that the depositional
environment was characterized by medium-sized, two-dimensional
subaqueous dunes with compound cross-bedding produced by the
migration of superimposed small bedforms (sensu Ashley, 1990).
Bed-discordant lamination was produced from small dunes migration
along the lee face of larger dunes. According to Anastas et al. (1997,
2006) the presence of at-based sets suggests that the superimposed
dunes lacked spurs and scour pits. These characteristics suggest a
continuous and relatively rapid migration of these bedforms.
For the FB, the abundance of deep-living larger foraminifera
(Nephrolepidina, Eulepidina, Heterostegina) and bryozoan colonies
with severe bioclast fragmentation, as well as the relative enrichment
of echinoids resistant to mechanical abrasion, suggest sedimentation
in the oligophotic zone. In addition, material was swept in from the
shallower inner ramp by currents, as indicated by the presence of
shallow epiphytic foraminifers, Amphistegina tests with abrasion fea-
tures up to 3 (suggesting strong reworking), and T/D ratios indicating
a water depths between 9 to 40 m. The FB lithofacies formed in a
high energy setting is characterized by subaqueous dunes up to
57 m thick. Planar cross-bedding was formed by dunes with two-
Fig. 6. Sigmoidal cross-bedded grainstone (FC). A) the skeletal assemblages are dominated by bryozoans, large benthic foraminifera are represented by Nephrolepidina; B) echinoid
plates and spines, pectinid fragments are common; C) rst-order sets are 2060 cm thick and characterized by bedding-parallel lamination (bedding-plane concordant); D) rst-
order sets can be traced laterally followed by tens of meters.
Fig. 7. Bioturbated marly packstone to wackestone (FD). A) The planktonic foraminifera and, small benthic foraminifers are dominant in the facies FD; B) bryozoans, bivalves, and
echinoid and serpulid fragments are present in the packstone beds; C) in this facies bioturbation is diffuse, the beds are separated by a few centimeters of clayey marls.
35 M. Brandano et al. / Sedimentary Geology 255-256 (2012) 2941
Author's personal copy
dimensional lee faces. The internal discontinuities present within cosets
may be due to faster-moving superimposed dunes. The observed planar
cross-bedding formed on the lee sides of straight-crested dunes.
The biotic association and sedimentologic characteristics of facies FC
indicate depositionin the deepest part of the photic zone. The dominant
components are aphotic biota such as bryozoans, while light-related or-
ganisms are present in low percentages and represented by the deep-
living larger benthic foraminifer (Nephrolepidina, Heterostegina and
Amphistegina). The Amphistegina test shapes indicate growth in a
water depths between 20 and 50 m. The BPTS values (12) indicate
that Amphistegina were also reworked and transported, however for a
shorter distance than in the FB lithofacies. The FC lithofacies formed
by migration of large (79 m thick), 3-D, simple and compound dunes
with slight variations in ow strength and direction.
The sediment of the FD lithofacies consists of planktonic foramini-
fers and skeletal debris of aphotic biota (e.g. small benthic foraminifera,
Fig. 8. In the Rapina Mountain (A) and in Orfento Valley (B) FA and FB form 30 m-thick horizontally bedded successions.
Fig. 9. Lithofacies FC is arranged in NNW-migrating clinobeds forming clinostratied lithosomes.
36 M. Brandano et al. / Sedimentary Geology 255-256 (2012) 2941
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bivalves, bryozoans). This assemblage is typical of a deep-water deposi-
tional environment which is in the aphotic zone (Fig. 9). The horizontal
bedding style and the absence of cross-bedding indicate that unidirec-
tional currents were not an important agent of sedimentation. The
lack of physical sedimentary structures related to the increasing inten-
sity of bioturbation coupled with a decrease in grain size and an in-
crease of planktonic components is taken to represent decreasing
energy and, possibly related to a change from shallow to deeper water.
This facies is characterized by the alternation of clayey marls and
limestone beds. The marllimestone alternation in deep environments
has been extensively documented in the Apennine and in Sicily plat-
forms (Pedley, 1981; Carboni et al., 1982; Grasso and Pedley, 1990;
Madonna, 1996; Brandano et al., 2010b). This alternation developed in
the outer-ramp environments and it is interpreted as being the result
of cyclic climate change (Brandano et al., 2010b). The increased terrige-
nous supply is linked to orbitally controlled humid phases, with intensi-
ed precipitation, that cyclically induced increased rates of weathering
on emergent areas of the Apennine chain (Brandano et al., 2010b).
6.2. Facies associations and depositional model
Stratigraphic and sedimentological analyses, as well as the lateral
and vertical lithofacies distributions observed in the cliff photomo-
saics, suggest that the depositional prole is consistent with a carbon-
ate ramp system (Fig. 10).
The components of the Lepidocyclina Limestone are distinctive of a
generally oligophotic zone in a Chattian middle ramp environment
(e.g. Buxton and Pedley, 1989; Pedley, 1998; Pomar, 2001; Brandano et
al., 2009a; Bassi and Nebelsick, 2010; Sadeghi et al., 2011). The tapho-
nomic analysis highlights the coexistence of both abraded and well-
preserved components. Larger benthic foraminifera, red algae, echinoid
plates, and bivalve fragments showbreakage and/or abrasion, however,
well-preserved specimens are also present. Bryozoan colonies are gen-
erally preserved and increase in abundance with depth. This character-
istic suggests a parautochthonous origin for a conspicuous part of the
sediments in a middle ramp environment, and an increase of autoch-
thonous sediments with depth in the outer ramp environment (Fig. 10).
Fig. 10. Carbonate production and sediment accumulation in the Lepidocyclina Limestone carbonate ramp (for discussion see text).
Fig. 11. Thickness to-diameter (T/D) values from Amphistegina specimens in the different facies of Lepidocyclina Limestone. A total of 80 specimens were measured, mwd meter
water depth.
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Inner ramp components (porcelaneous foraminifers, epiphytic
forms, articulated red algae) are restricted to the FA lithofacies.
The Lepidocyclina Limestone may be interpreted as having been
deposited in a wide middle ramp and in outer ramp environment.
The FA lithofacies, characterized by reworked inner ramp compo-
nents, is interpreted as having been deposited in the transition be-
tween the inner and the middle ramp. The FB lithofacies represents
the proximal middle ramp, the FC was deposited in the middle
ramp, while the FD formed in the aphotic zone of the outer ramp.
The higher energy hydrodynamic conditions were in the proximal
sectors of the middle ramp. The bedforms of this sector (FA, FB)
formed under slight uctuations in current strength with moderate
changes in direction. The cross-stratied FA and FB are characterized
by horizontal set bases, with sets showing moderate lateral changes
in thickness and interpreted as originated fromsimple and compound
dunes on at and generally horizontal surfaces (Anastas et al., 1997,
2006). The absence of any lateral variations in set geometry at out-
crop scale indicates that, apart from the random birth and death of
dunes, the bedforms were neither decelerating nor accelerating
(Allen, 1970). This means that no major temporal or spatial changes
occurred in the parameters responsible for bedform size and mor-
phology (i.e. ow strength, water depth, grain size).
The FC lithofacies formed in the distal part of the middle ramp and is
vertically associated with lithofacies FD at the transition with the outer
ramp developing shallowing upward cycles. The FC forms a cross-
bedded succession that, in contrast to the horizontally bedded succes-
sion, displays the bedform prole, shape, and internal structure. The
cross-bedded succession was produced by the migration of large, com-
pound dunes during intervals of decreasing sediment transport and
decay of dune elds. The FD lithofacies, alternating with the FC lithofa-
cies in the distal middle ramp/outer ramp, formed during intervals of
decrease and interruption of sediment transport. The mobilized sedi-
ment of the inner and middle ramps subsequently accumulated at the
transition between the middle and outer ramps. This environment was
characterized by clinoforms, like many other Oligo-Miocene carbonate
ramps (Pedley, 1998; Pomar, 2001; Cathro et al., 2003; Quiquerez
et al., 2004; Ruchonnet, 2006; Benisek et al., 2009; Puga-Bernabeu
et al., 2010). Clinoformsediments transferred down the slope were sup-
plied by oligophotic biota (red algae, large benthic foraminifers) as well
as byin situ productionof photo-independent biota (bryozoan, mollusc).
As pointed out by Quiquerez et al. (2004), the clinoformshape and slope
angle likely depended on the amount and grain size of the carbonate
sediment recruited from the inner and middle ramp, rather than
reecting a hydrodynamic equilibrium prole.
6.3. Palaeogeography and current regime
Palaeogeographic reconstructions of the central Mediterranean
area during the Oligo-Miocene show two main platforms (the La-
tiumAbruzzi and Apulia) separated by narrow basins (Bernoulli,
2001) (Fig. 1). The Majella area, representing the northern extension
of the Apulia platform, shows excellent preservation of the geometry
and stratigraphy of the platform-to-basin transition (Vecsei et al.,
1998). It is generally accepted that the pelagic domain of this plat-
form is represented by the UmbriaMarche Basin to the N and that
it has a NW facies belt orientation for the Cenozoic interval (Vecsei
et al., 1998; Vecsei and Sanders, 1999).
Palaeocurrent patterns for the Lepidocyclina Limestone suggest
strong, generally northwest and basin-ward oriented currents affect-
ing the middle ramp environment and determining the development
of a wide (1015 km), downslope-migrating dune eld. The migration
path of the subaqueous bed forms, such as dunes, is controlled by cur-
rents generated by wind, tides and storms in modern coastal and plat-
form settings (Anthony, 2008; Puga-Bernabeu et al., 2010). Along-
shore bedformmigrationmay be generatedby wave-induced longshore
drift, while offshore sediment transport may be generated by rip
currents (Bowen, 1968; Swift and Thorne, 1991; Aagaard et al., 1997;
Hernndez-Molina et al., 2000). Other mechanisms that may induce off-
shore sediment transport are currents developing at river mouths and
turbidity currents. However these mechanisms developed mainly
along submarine canyons carved into the platform, are unlikely to pro-
duce the downslope migration of dunes (Quiquerez et al., 2004; Puga-
Bernabeu et al., 2010). In clastic wave-dominated coasts a prograda-
tional sedimentary body, known as infralittoral prograding wedge,
may develop between the fair-weather wave base and the offshore. In
the Spanish coasts the infralittoral prograding wedge is generated by
downwelling storm currents and associated seaward transport of sedi-
ments (Hernndez-Molina et al., 2000).
There are many examples in the literature of dunes that formed in
Cenozoic bioclastic-rich systems such as in tidal passes and seaways.
For example, Anastas et al. (1997, 2006) interpreted the Eocene to Mio-
cene cross-bedded bioclastic deposits of NewZealand as being the accu-
mulation of large-scale dunes within seaways, with the largest dunes
formed at water depths of 4060 min response to strong tidal and oce-
anic currents. Betzler et al. (2006) interpreted giant cross-bedded Mio-
cene grainstones from southeastern Spain as having been produced by
the Mediterranean Outow Water, which reworked sediments accu-
mulated in a narrow seaway at a water depth of about 90 m.
There are also examples of bedforms produced by deep currents
owing parallel to the platform margin. Pomar et al. (2002) described
bedforms in different environments of the Tortonian-aged Menorca
ramp. In the middle ramp, 2D dunes were deposited by currents ow-
ing roughly parallel to the shoreline at an estimated water depth of
4070 m. In the lower slope, small three-dimensional dunes migrated
parallel to the slope. At the toe of the slope bedform, migration oc-
curred parallel to the platform margin. As all of these deposits show
palaeocurrent directions parallel to the depositional strike, they
were interpreted as being caused by drift currents.
However, there are also examples in the literature of bedforms
produced by currents owing across depositional strike and toward
the open sea (Di Stefano et al., 2007; Di Stefano and Longhitano,
2009; Payros et al., 2010; Puga-Bernabeu et al., 2010; Longhitano,
2011), as in the Lepidocyclina Limestone example described in this
work.
Puga-Bernabeu et al. (2010) described a distally steepened, Upper
Tortonian ramp in the Guadix Basin (Spain). There a downslope-
migrating dune eld developed, with dunes moving progressively
down the ramp to the ramp-slope. Downslope dune migration was
mainly induced by counter-clockwise, surface marine currents that
entered the Guadix Basin along a narrowseaway. In this case, the cur-
rents did not ow along depositional strike, but rather across it, the
reason being that the longshore currents turned and owed basin-
ward as a consequence of basin geometry. The basinward sediment-
transport mechanisms promoted the development of prograding
clinoforms on the platform margin.
Di Stefano et al. (2007) reported a Plio-Pleistocene cross-stratied
ramp deposits produced by uni-directional basinward-directed
ows. These ows were generated by wind-driven surcial water
impacting against the steep sea-cliff. The reected currents generated
a basinward-directed ow.
Payros et al. (2010) presented the carbonate ramp recorded in the
Pyrenean UrbasaAndia Formation (Middle Eocene). The main sedi-
ment producing were larger foraminifera and red algae. The most dis-
tinctive feature of the UrbasaAndia carbonate system is the dune
eld, which was formed on the outer ramp below storm wave base
by offshore-directed storm return currents. As the inuence of
storm-induced currents and waves was widespread throughout the
carbonate ramp, it was interpreted as being storm-dominated.
These two last examples show that wind and storm-driven return
currents are capable of producing large-scale dune elds in ramp envi-
ronments located below the storm wave base, providing a plausible
mechanismfor understanding the originof the Lepidocyclina Limestone.
38 M. Brandano et al. / Sedimentary Geology 255-256 (2012) 2941
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As shown by Payros et al. (2010) storms can produce a coastal set-up
that piles water in the nearshore zone, caused by lateral variations in
barometric pressure and landward-directed, wind-drifted surface cur-
rents. The combined effect of coastal set-up and strong currents pro-
duces a subsequent coastal downwelling formed by a dense bottom
current. This current returns toward the open sea and may evolve into
a geostrophic current in deeper waters. The geostrophic currents and
storm surges are thought to attain near-bottom velocities of up to
50150 cm/s, velocities capable of reworking coarse-grained sediments
and creating large-scale bedforms (Ashley, 1990; Allen, 1997).
Large-scale cross-bedding generally displays strong similarities be-
tween dunes, even if they are produced by different types of dominating
currents (tidal, oceanic, wind- and/or swell-driven) (Flemming, 1988).
According to Flemming (1988), the only non-ambiguous argument
against a tidal setting is the absence of lunar cycles in the cross-
bedded sets. Tidal origin can be ruled out for the Lepidocyclina Lime-
stone because the investigated bedforms do not show any presence of
bundling within the laminasets and there is no evidence of a tidal origin
such as true bimodal palaeocurrent directions, mud drapes, or reactiva-
tion surfaces. Furthermore, the palaeogeography and hypothesized
coastal geomorphology of the Apula margin of the Majella massif was
not favorable for generationof important tides, as it did not produce em-
bayments or straits that produced tidal amplication (e.g., Longhitano
and Nemec, 2005; Longhitano, 2011).
6.4. Why storms in the Late Oligocene?
The Oligocene is a key time interval because it marks the Earth's
transition from the warm, ice-free climate of the Early Cenozoic to the
icehouse-controlled atmospheric and oceanographic dynamics. This
transitionwas characterized by a general reorganizationof ocean/atmo-
sphere circulation. The rst major Antarctic ice sheets developed in the
Early Oligocene. These ice sheets persisted until the Late Oligocene,
when a warming trend reduced the extent of Antarctic ice (Zachos
et al., 2001). Successively a new increase of continental ice volume
took place during the earliest Miocene. The Early Oligocene and Early
Miocene glaciations are also known from the isotope records (Oi-1
and Mi-1, respectively); these events are characterized by small
but sharp positive carbon isotope excursions that are suggestive of per-
turbations to the global carbon cycle (Zachos et al., 2001; Lear et al.,
2004). According to Lear et al. (2004) the rapid glacial blanketing of
the vast Antarctic continent shut down an enormous chemical
weathering sink for atmospheric CO
2
, causing an increase of atmo-
spheric pCO
2
that, in turn, caused global warming via the greenhouse
effect. According to Zachos et al. (2001) the greenhouse gas forcing
was probably not the primary causal mechanism for Oi-1 and Mi-1,
but instead may have served as a positive or amplifying feedback
for the growth of ice-sheets along with the reorganization of
ocean/atmosphere circulation. Carbonate sedimentation in the Med-
iterranean carbonate platforms took place under tropical to sub-
tropical conditions, as inferred by observed biota assemblages
(Brandano et al., 2009a, 2009b, 2010a, 2010b; Bassi and Nebelsick,
2010). Palaeogeographic reconstructions showthat the Apulian Plat-
form and Umbria Basin may have been located up to 10 southward
of present day latitude during the Chattian (Meulenkamp and
Sissingh, 2003; Brandano et al., 2009b). At present, tropical cyclone
development is restricted to 1035 latitude in each hemisphere
(Fedorov et al., 2010); taking into account a 10 southward shift
during the Chattian, the study area would have been positioned in
this zone. Furthermore we have to consider that the Chattian was
warmer than today (Zachos et al., 2001). According to Fedorov et
al. (2010), warm climatic conditions systematically led to a wide-
spread increase in tropical cyclone frequency, intensity, and lifespan.
These authors used numerical simulations to demonstrate that the
seasonal dependence of tropical cyclone activity became less pro-
nounced, with cyclones occurring throughout the seasons. Under
warm climates, the two warm pools in which tropical cyclones
develop expand polewards.
All items considered suggest that a strong storminuence was com-
mon on the Lepidocyclina carbonate ramp, where the most distinctive
feature is a distal dune eld that was formed by high-energy basinward
directed currents. Constant migration of dunes under storminuence is
documented in modern as well as in the fossil examples (Collins, 1988;
Guilln and Palanques, 1993; Boreen and James, 1995; Todd, 2005;
Payros et al., 2010). According to Hernndez-Molina et al. (2000) in
the Mediterranean shelf the seaward transport of sediment produced
downwelling storm currents. In pure carbonate systems, storm domi-
nated carbonate ramp is documented in the Eocene (Bassi, 2005;
Payros et al., 2010) as well as in the Oligo-Miocene (Boreen and James,
1995). In these examples the storm current winnowed the ne-
grained sediment fraction and produced large-scale dunes, which mi-
grated toward the open sea. The episodic high-energy condition pre-
vailed long enough to allow mobile dunes to overlap and cross-cut
each other (c.f. Payros et al., 2010).
The most typical sedimentary features produced by storm waves
are the hummocky cross stratication. This sedimentary structure is
not preserved in the outer ramp deposits because of the effect of in-
tense bioturbation. Storm-induced currents would also be expected
to produce some erosional features on the shallow environments. In
these environments storm-generated beds commence with an ero-
sional surface which is commonly overlain by a coarse lag of shell de-
bris, the lag grades into ne to medium sand (Elliott, 1986). The
absence of shell lag in the proximal middle ramp is due to the type
of carbonate production of the middle ramp dominated by LBF, bryo-
zoan and red algae debris, while molluscs are subordinate. Conse-
quently the erosional features in the inner environments are less
evidenced by compositional changes and they may be obliterated by
migration of dunes.
7. Conclusion
The Lepidocyclina Limestones of the Majella area were deposited
in the oligophotic and aphotic zones of a carbonate ramp. The tapho-
nomic analysis implies a parautochthonous origin for an important
part of the sediments in a middle ramp environment, and an increase
with depth of autochthonous sediments in the outer ramp.
In the Lepidocyclina Limestone, sediment sorting is not directly re-
lated to a decrease in water energy linked to increasing water depth.
Instead, sediment-sorting is attributed to the effect of uni-directional
currents. Grainstones dominate the middle ramp environment.
Palaeocurrent patterns suggest the occurrence of a strong, generally
northwest directedowthat affected the middle rampenvironment. It
is believed that this basinward-owing current led to the development
of a wide (1015 km), downslope-migrating dune eld. It is proposed
that the combined effects of coastal set-up and strong return currents
caused by storms and winds were able to produce basinward migrating
bedforms.
The Lepidocyclina Limestone is believed to have been deposited
under warm, tropical to subtropical conditions, favorable to the de-
velopment of high-frequency and intense tropical cyclones.
Acknowledgements
This work was funded by La Sapienza University (Ateneo Project)
and supported by Medoilgas Italia Spa and Schlumberger. In particu-
lar Alessandro Romi is thanked for his contribution. Comments on
preliminary version of the manuscript by Sergio Longhitano are grate-
fully acknowledged. Discussions with Marcello Tropeano have been
very useful. Werner Piller, Mathias Harzhauser, Markus Reuter and
Ferdinando Bosi are thanked for useful discussions in the eld. Re-
viewer comment by Andr Strasser and Editor Brian Jones are much
39 M. Brandano et al. / Sedimentary Geology 255-256 (2012) 2941
Author's personal copy
appreciated. We are thankful to Stan Beaubien for his comments and
for improving the English.
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