Cortesa de _Geolibros_

http://geolibros.blogspot.com
Au~e

Absolute Water Depth Limits of Late Devonian

Paleoeeologieal Zones
By ASHTONF. EMBRY, III, Calgary, and J. EDWARDKLOVAN,Calgary *)
With 10 figures

Zusammenfassung njkj
Ein verfeinertes Schema zur Klassifizierung von Riffkalksteinen, das die Bestandteile
fiber 2 mm (den konglomeratischen Anteil) und die Art der organischen Bindung besser berficksichtigt, erm6glicht eine genauere Faziesbeschreibung von organischen Riffen. Die Klassifizierung wurde auf oberdevonische Rifle angewandt, die im nord6stlichen Tell der Banks Island, Canadian Arctic Archipelago, anstehen. Die Faziesverteilung und -abfolge in einem der Rifle erm6glichte es, die absoluten Wassertiefen
von drei wesentlichen oberdevonischen Zonen zu bestimmen. Korallen waren die
vorherrschende Fauna in Wasser tiefer als 21 m; tabulare Stromatoporiden wuchsen
zwischen 21m und 9 m Wassertiefe; massive Stromatoporiden waren die vorherrschende Fauna zwischen 9 m und Meeresspiegel. Der wichtigste Faktor, der die Tiefen
der Zonengrenzen bestimmte, war die Wellenenergie (normaler Wellentiefgang 9 m;
Sturmwellentiefgang 21 m).

Abstract
A refined scheme o~ reefal limestone classification, which places more emphasis on
the > 2 mm components (conglomeratic fraction) and on the mode of organic binding,
allows for a more detailed facies description of organic buildups. The classification has
been applied to Late Devonian organic buildups which outcrop on northeastern Banks
Island, Canadian Arctic Archipelago. The distribution and sequences of facies in one
organic buildup has led to the determination of absolute water depth limits of three
major Late Devonian paleoecological zones. Corals were the dominant fauna below
70 feet (21 m.); tabular stromatoporoids flourished between 70 feet (21 m.) and 30 feet
(9 m.) of water depth; massive stromatoporoids were the dominant fauna between
80 feet (9 m.) and sea level. The main controlling factor on the depth limits of the
zones was wave energy (normal wave base, 80 feet [9 m.]; storm wave base, 70 feet

[21 re.l).

R6sum~
Une classification sch6matique et d6taill6e des calcaires de r6cif sup~rieur insistant
sur les constituents d'une grosseur ~ 2 mm. (fraction comglomeratique) et sur la mani~re
avec laquelle les constituents ont 6t6 li6 spar des organismes permet une d6scription
plus d6taill6e des facies d'6difices organiques. Elle a 6t6 appliqu6e ~ l'6tude de r6cifs
qui affleurent dans la partie Nord-est des Banks Island dans l'archipel arctique canadien.
Lad distribution et la succession des facies dans un 6difice organique ont permit de
pr6ciser les limites des profondeurs absolues d'eau de trois zones pal6o6cologiques
principales du d6vonien sup6rieur. Des coraux formaient la faune pr6pond6rante audessous de 21m.; stromatop6roides tabulaires abondaient entre 2Ira. et 9m. de profondeur; des stromatoporoides massifs formaient la faune pr6pond6rante entre la surface de la mer et 9m. de profondeur. Le facteur principal fixant les limites de profondeur des zones pal6o6cologiques 6tait l'6nergie des vagues (base des vagues normales 9 m., base des vagues de temp~te 21 m.).
*) Authors' addresses: ASaTON F. EMBRY, III, Mobil Oil Canada Ltd., Calgary, Alberta, Canada; J. EDWARD KLOVAN, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta,
Canada.
672

A. F. EMBRY, J. E, KLOVAN- - Absolute Water Depth Limits of Late Devonian

Is

co~ep~aHne

CxeMa RzaccHOnKaunH pHqboB1ax 1/13BeCTHHHOB, nprt HOTOpO~ MO~HO pa3ziHqaTb

COCTaBHLIe qacTH 6oaee 2 MM (Konr~oMepaTHafI qaCTb) n BH~ opranHqec~nx o6pa3OBaHH~, pa3pemaeT woqltee onHcaTb ~)aii~i~ pI~)OB. 3Ty I~acc~i~]~nl~ar~r~IonpnMetU~JIH K BepxHe-~eBOHCHRM pH(~aM, HOTOpbIe o6pa3ymT ceBepo-eocwoquyIo qaCTb
6aHoH HcJIaH~C',~OFO14 Harla~gHoro apHTr~qecKoro apxnHe~ara. Pacnpe~eJienge ~at~H~
~ ero qepeaonanne B p~q~e pa3pemamT onpe;~eJmwb a6co~mwnym r~y6nHy no~Li
B Tpex BaH~HBIX BepxHe~eBOHCHHX 8oHax. l~opaaaH HBJIHJIHCb rocno~cTnyiou~efr
qbaHne~ Ha r~y@He 5oaee 21 M; cTepmnenbm cTpOMaTO~trITbI pocJtH Ha raySnue
21--9 M; MaCenBH~e cTpoMaTonopn~l~i rocno~icTeoBa~n OT r~ySnHI)t 9 M XO noBepxnocTn BO;~BL Ba~negrmn~t qba~TOpOM, o~]pe3ean~outHM ray6nny rpannq~ OTnX 3OH,
~Bnnac~ ~ e p r r ~ Bo~noxo~a (O~bIqHbte BOJIHt,I 7~OCTHra~OT r5tySHHb~ 9 M., a HpH
mTop~e - - 21 M).

Introduction
Devonian organic buildups 1) are present in m a n y parts of the world and the
Canadian Arctic Archipelago is no exception. Numerous Late Devonian organic
buildups are magnificently exposed in an area of 1500 square miles (3900 square
kilometres) en northeastern Banks Island (Fig. 1). Organic buildups, along with
inter-organic buildup strata, constitute a 200 foot (61 metre) limestone unit
within a thick (3600 feet [1100 metres]) sequence of U p p e r Devonian elastic
rocks. The stratigraphic nomenclature assigned to the strata (KLOvAN & EMBnY,
1971) is shown in Fig. 2. The sequence represents the development of a clastic
wedge which built southward during Late Devonian time. U p p e r Devonian
strata of Banks Island record the gradual change from marine shelf strata
(Weatherall Formation) to near-shore strata (Hecla Bay Formation) culminating in
coastal plane strata (Griper Bay Formation). The limestone unit, of Late Frasnian
age, has been termed the Mercy Bay Member of the Weatherall Forrr~ation
(EMBer & KLOVAN, 1971). It represents the development of a reef tract during
a transgressive episode. Fig. 3 depicts the interpreted paleogeography at the time
of deposition of the Mercy Bay Member.
The Mercy Bay Member contains a multitude of organic buildups which display a marked variation in character in an east-west direction. Organic buildups
along the eastern (seaward) margin of the reef tract are narrow, linear bioherms
trending north-south. They are encased in younger quartz sandstones and shales
which filled in the inter-reef areas after cessation of reef growth. To the west,
organic buildups are more numerous, and consist of lower bioherms and upper
biostromes. The lower bioherms trend east-west, and the inter-bioherm strata
are penecontemporaneous, argillaceous limestones. The organic buildups along
the western outcrop edge of the Mercy Bay Member are large bioherms oriented
in a north-south direction. These bioherms exhibit a marked asymmetry representing lateral eastward growth. All of the organic buildups show a vertical
faunal zonation with corals and tabular stromatoporoids in the lower portion
and massive stromatoporoids e) in the u p p e r portion. Fig. 4 is a schematic east~) The term organic buildup is applied to any carbonate rock body which is composed predominantly of mega-fossils, regardless of the shape or origin of the rock
body. Organic buildups are classified according to shape (bioherm or biostrome) and
mode of origin (reef or bank).
2) The dividing line between tabular stromatoporoids and massive stromatoporoids
was arbitrarily drawn at one inch (2.5 cm.) in thickness.
673

Aufs~itze
M~CL URE
MERCY

BANKS

STI~AI T

I~

::":'::"

ISLAN/
]

UPPER DEVONIAN
BEDROCK
| OUTCROPOF MERCY

,E.R

STUDY LOCALITY

MILES

Fig. 1. A. Canadiarl Arctic Archipelago. B. Banks Island showing location of Upper

Devonian outcrop and study locality.
PERIOD
CRET ACEDUS

STAGE = STRATIGRAPHIC
ALBIAN
?

ISACHSEN

E
N

N
I

E
V

MELVILLE

F
R

A
N

75 METRES

GRIPER

A
O

FORMATION

250 FEET

NOMENCLATURE

HECLA
150 FEET

MERCY
LIMESTONE
BAY MBR. REEF TRACl
20Oft
61M.

WEATHERALL

FORMATION

GIVE-'
T~AN

INTERBEDDED

BAY
F M . SANDSTONE,MED.GRAINED;
45 METRES NEARSHORE DEPOSIT

UNcoNsoLIDATED
COARSE-GRAINED
SAN D.

SANDSTONE ,SILTSTONE
FORMATION
SHALE COAL;
COASTAL PLAIN
900 FEET
2TSMETRES DEPOSIT

ISLAND

GROUP

BAY

LITHOLOGY

INTERBEDDED
SANDSTONE, SILTSTONE
AND SHALE ;
MARINE SHELF

2600 FEET 793 METRES DEPOSIT

NOT

EXPOSED

Fig. 2. Stratigraphic Nomenclature -- northeastern Banks Island, N.W.T.

674

A. F. EMB~Y, J. E. KLOVAN- - Absolute Water Depth Limits of Late Devonian

HIG ~

~"
,oo ' ~

' ~'
,~"

~REEF
~-~.--~'~

4,

TRACT

Fig. 3. Schematic pa]eogeography of the western Canadian Arctic Archipe]ago during

the deposition of the Mercy Bay Member (Late Frasnian).
W

: : ~ , -- ,'--~

40MILES

~-~
~~-.<"
3lt;ti
~

( 64 KM.)

E1

'q r~-~ -' r - - 4 ~ " '~-,~.:.'~?:

i l
t;.-~-'-:":~::~
:.~~,~::::--~,il ".

'~--~FINE -GRAINED
- S K E L E T A L LIMESTONE

CORAL-TABULAR
STROMATOPOROID
LIMESTONE - SUBMERGENT
BtOGENIC BANK.

TERRIGENOUS
-CLASTIC
ROCKS,
NOT TO SCALE

Fig. 4. Diagrammatic E - - W cross section across the Mercy Bay Member illustrating
regional variations within the member.
west cross section across the Mercy Bay Member illustrating some of the above
mentioned variations.
EMBRY & KLOVAN(1971) have described the facies distributions and sequences
within the Mercy Bay Member. Rather than repeat that material, we will concentrate on one outcrop locality of the Mercy Bay Member. The facies relationships within the Mercy Bay Member at this locality have led to the determination of absolute water depth limits of the major Late Devonian paleoecological zones, and it is this concept which is the main theme of this paper.

675

Aufs~itze
Reefal limestone classification
Before proceeding with the description and interpretation of the Mercy Bay
Member outcrop, we must digress slightly and briefly describe a new scheme of
nomenclature for reefal limestones. The classification was devised because it
became apparent that other limestone classifications were inadequate for describing the diverse lithologies which occur in organic buildups. The proposed classification, illustrated in Fig. 5, is an expanded version of the excellent classification
of DUNttAM (1962). Essentially all that has been done is to place more emphasis
on the carbonate conglomerates and to subdivide the so-called boundstones.

ALLOCHTHONOUS
ORIGINAL

BOUND

NOT

DURING

THAN

10% >2MM

BOUND DURING

DEPOSITION

COMPONENTS

THAN

BY

ORGANISMS

ORGANISMS

ORGANISMS

WHICH

WHICH

WHICH

BUILD

ENCRUST

ACT

AND

AS

BI ND

BAFFLES

LIME
MUD

(<.05 MM)

:>2 MM

MATRIX

MUD SUPPORTED
GREATER
-ESS THAI~ THAN
I0 % GRAIN~
10%

BY

NO

CONTAINS
MUD

BY

ORGANICALLY

DEPOSITION

I 0 %:>2MM
COMPONENTS

LIME

LIMESTONE

ORIGINAL COMPONENTS

ORGANICALLY

GREATER
LESS

AUTOCHTHONOUS

LIMESTONE

COMPONENTS

COMPONEN'I"
GRAIN

SUPPORTED

RIGID

SUPPORTED
sUPPORTED

FRAMEWORK

>.O:SMM
'r

GRAINS

MUD-

WACKE-

PACK-

GRAIN-

FLOAT-

RUD-

FRAME-

BIND

STONE

STONE

STONE

STONE

STONE

STONE

STONE

STONE

BAFFLESTONE

Fig. 5. Classification of limestones according to depositional texture.

Division into organically bound and non-bound rocks is still the primary basis
of subdivision of limestones. In the non-bound group we have added one level
in the hierarchy by using the ~ 2ram. component, that is the conglomeratic
fraction, as a basis of subdivision. This results in six rock types: mudstone,
wackestone, packstone, grainstone, floatstone, and rudstone. The first four are
used exactly as defined by DtrNHAM(1962).
The terms floatstcne and rudstone have been coined for limestones which
contain greater than ten per cent ~ 2 turn. component, that is the carbonate
conglomerates. The need to recognize these two rock types is obvious because
2 mm. particles are the most important constituents for describing and interpreting rocks of organic buildups. The difference between the two rock types
is that the ~ 2 mm. particles form the supporting framework in a rudstone
whereas in a floatstone the ~ 2 mm particles "float" in a finer grained matrix.
Thus floatstone is the conglomeratic analogue of wackestone while rudstone
corresponds to packstone and grainstone.
676

A. F.

EMBRu

J. E. KLOVAN- - Absolute Water Depth Limits of Late Devonian

Limestones which were organically b o u n d at the time of deposition have been

subdivided on the basis of the nature of the organic binding. Three rock types
have been recognized: framestone, bindstone and bafflestone. Framestone contains in situ massive fossils which built a rigid, three dimensional framework at
the time of deposition. Bindstone contains in situ laminar fossils which enerusted
and bound the sediment during deposition. In bindstone the in situ fossils do not
form a three dimensional framework as they do in framestone. Bafflestone contains in situ, stalk-shaped fossils which acted as sediment baffles. To identify one
of these rock types, the geologist must decide if the fossil organisms b o u n d the.
sediment during deposition and if so, in what manner. If, for some reason, this
latter decision cannot b e made, we recommend that the term boundstone be
used.
Modifiers such as particle type, further grain size qualification (Wentworth
Scale), impurities and color can easily be a d d e d to the temainolo.gy of the basic
classification.
The proposed limestone classification can be used in two ways. The different
classes can b e used both as rock names as well as textural modifiers for describing the matrix of a rock type. An example of the use of the classification is:
thamnoporid floatstone with a fine-grained, skeletal, wackestone matrix. In this
case floatstone is used as the rock name whereas wackestone is a textural modifier. Another example is: tabular stromatoporoid bindstone with a thamnoporid
floatstone matrix with a fine-grained, skeletal waekestone matrix. In this case,
where a boundstone is being described, the matrix of the rock has to b e described on two scales: the > 2 m m . particle size scale and the < 2ram. particle
scale. This results in "the matrix having a matrix".
The proposed classification has been specifically designed to adequately describe what are normally coarse textured rocks. W h e n the size of the rock
specimen or exposure is not sufficient to show this texture, then it will be difficult, if not impossible to properly identify the rock. Bit cuttings, for example,
would not show the necessary criteria to permit identification of most of the
new classes proposed here. It should be noted, however, that within the boundstones, there is no stipulation as to the size of the binding, baffling or framebuilding organisms.
The classification m a y seem complicated at first but it has been found that
it conveys a much more complete picture of the rock type than do other limestone classifications.

Outcrop, description
One of the best exposures of the Mercy Bay Member occurs on the valley walls
of an unnamed river which flows northward into M'Glure Strait 10 miles (16 km.)
east of Mercy Bay (Fig. 6). The locality is marked by a star on Fig. 1. The organic
buildup consists of a lower bioherm, 110 feet (88 m.) thick, c a p p e d b y two layers
of biostrome, 100 feet (80 m.) thick. The inter-organic buildup strata are poorly
exposed and outcrops are sparse.
The Mercy Bay Member is underlain b y a fine-grained, argillaceous, quartz
sandstone which contains scattered corals, brachiopods and crinoids. T h e initial
biohelmal buildup is 15 feet (4.5 m.) thick and consists predominantly of A l v e o 677

Au~e
lites bindstone and disphyllid coral bafflestone both with a wackestone or mudstone
matrix (Fig. 7, A). Tabular stromatoporoids,
thamnoporid corals, braehiopods, crinoids
and gastropods are also present within this
unit. The central core is massive whereas
the flanks are cludely bedded bindstone.
Only in the lateral extension of the unit,
which forms an extensive 2 foot (6m.) bed,
is coral floatstone the dominant lithology.
The next unit in the bioherm consists of
40 feet (12 m.) of tabular stromatoporoid
bindstone with a tharnnoporid floatstone
matrix with a skeletal wackestone matrix
(Fig. 7, B). The core again is massive. The
flanks, which also consist of bindstone, are
bedded with depositional dips up to 20 ~
This unit differs from the preceding one in
that tabular stromatoporoids have replaced
corals as the predominant fauna and the
unit is more extensive having overstepped
the coral unit a considerable distance, to the

SOUth.
The upper portion of the bioherm consists of two units separated by a distinct
break. The first unit is 30 feet (9 m.) thick,
and has a massive core and bedded flank
beds. The core consists of massive stromatoporoid frarnestone intermixed with stromatoporoid rudstone, both with a medium-grained, skeletal grainstone or packstene matrix
(Fig. 7, C). In situ stromatoporoids are often
laterally and vertically continuous over large
Fig. 6. O~ttcrop of the Mercy Bay Member. The
organic buildup is well exposed, and consists of
a lower bioherm overlain by two layers of biostrome. Inter-bioherm strata are exposed to the
left of the organic buildup. The size of the organic buildup can be appreciated by noting the
man standing at the base of it (the black dot to
which the arrow points). View looking east.
Fig. 7. Major lithologies of the organic buildup.
A. Alveolites bindstone and disphyllid coral
bafflestone. One division on the pole is 1 foot
(8 m.) B. Tabular stromatoporoid bindstone.
C. Massive stromatoporoid framestone (pencil
is 6 inches [15 cm.] long). D. Stromatoporoid
rudstone. Bar is 1 era. E. Stromatoporoid floatstone. Bar is 1 cm.
~78

A. F. EMBRY, J , E. KLOVAN - - Absolute Water Depth Limits of Late Devonian

Fig. 7

679

Aufs/itze
areas (50 square feet [4.5 square, metres]). Flank beds consist of stromatoporoid
rudstone and floatstone both with a fine-grained skeletal packstone matrix
(Fig. 7, D, E). The large stromatoporoid fragments become less abundant down
dip, and the beds become argillaceous and contain thin shale partings. The
flank beds eventually grade into argillaceous, skeletal wackestone and packstone
of the inter-bioherm strata.
A one foot (.3 m.) thick recessive interval consisting of argillaceous, stromatoporoid and coral rudstone occurs at the top of the unit.
The next massive stromatoporoid unit, which is 25 feet (7.5 m.) thick, is lithologically and faunally very similar to the underlying unit. However, this unit
consists of two laterally separate buildups of massive stromatoporoids.
In summary, the lower, essentially continuous bioherm is 110 feet (33 m.) thick,
600 feet (183 m.) wide and of unknown length. It shows a marked, vertical faunal
zonation beginning with corals, passing through tabular stromatoporoids and
ending with massive stromatoporoids. The bioherm is asymmetrical; the north side
is linear and slopes steeply upward to the south, the south side is irregular with
the various units overstepping each other to the south.
Inter-bioherm strata, stratigraphically equivalent to the above described bioherin, consist of horizontal beds of dark grey, argillaceous, very fine-grained,
skeletal packstone and wackestone. Braehiopods and ostracods are the only megafossils in these strata. These strata are: for the most part contemporaneous with
the bioherm but the uppermost strata are subsequent.
Above the bioherm is an areally extensive biostrome which lies on top
of both the bioherm and inter-bioherm strata. The unit is 30 feet (9 m.) thick over
the underlying bioherm compared with only 20 feet (6 m.) over the inter-bioherm
strata. It is massive and consists of massive stromatoporoid framestone and stromatoporoid rudstone both with a skeletal grainstone or packstone matrix.
Overlying the biostrome is a 35 foot (10 m.) covered interval. The lithology of
this interval is inferred to be similar to that of the inter-bioherm strata.
The capping unit of the organic buildup is a 40 foot (12 m.) thick biostrome.
The unit is well bedded with massive stromatoporoid framestone and rudstone
being the dominant lithologies. However, beds of coral and tabular stromatoporoid bindstone do occur in the middle portion of the unit. The Mercy Bay
Member is overlain by a dark grey, marine shale.
Fig. 8 summarizes the distribution of the various lithologies which compose the
Mercy Bay Member at this locality.

Depositional history
Interpretation of the depositional history of the Mercy Bay Member is based
on the distribution and sequence of lithologies and faunas which have been
described above. The interpretation has relied heavily on the well-established
Late Devonian paleoecology model (LEcOMPTE,1958; KLOVAN,1964). This model
is reviewed and discussed in the next section.
The following sequence of events summarizes the depositional history of the
Mercy Bay Member at the described locality and is schematically illustrated in
Fig. 9.

680

C~
>

>

~1

X~

~"~" '

'-r--

--..c.

--," - -

s.~

"eL

-.r---c

.-'--

-r--

_-__-_

'

~o.~aDi

-,-,-

-r- c

__-

-'r-

_-

ate1 u!~[l!~

Z.L~VR~)

_-

~"

=_

s--r

--L

"

-IVJ'~I-I':I>IS

_-

.u..r

3NOIS(]NVS

-,.--,

~ ":INOIS)~DVcl

'

._c_

__--_-_

9. ~ a q t ~ a l A I ~ e . ~

~NO'LS~J>I3VM

N OI .LV~I3~)~)VX-4 "lV3 I.L~I3A

~"

"--," ~

- ~-' ~ -

-..s_.
-r'--

.--------=------:-------:----------

'

_..,.~..-,

[~-~I

t:.:::':~l

uo!lnq!.qsz.p

_..:

-__ - - _

"-r'-~"--r

sa.~ae~I 'g '$!d

3NOs

QIO~OdOs162

__

aVqQavZ

3AISSVR

[--'-~1

~:~

__

-__-_

o"'.J'~'~

-_=__-__-_-

"r'-

I='~1

.,__

"~

-_-2=-_

Z N O ~ S ~ v e ~ZNOZSON~e waoo

--,--

...a.

I~ q

-=

~-...v

~ ' ~ o /

'~.3~'-"---'-

~
.rE

_s_

~NO~S~vo~ w~oo

3NOXSGNIO GIO~OdOXVWOaXS

.-L r

-~_-"~::,

._

-_

-r'-

-_

SL

SL

~- _,. ~- ~ - ~ . ~ . c ~ . ' ,

~ , . ~ ~ _ ~

CORAL
BAFFLESTONE I~ BINDSTONE

~']

TABULAR STROMATOPOROID

QUARTZ

BINDSTONE
MASSIVE STROMATOPOROID
FRAMESTONE
STROMATOPOROID
RUDSTONE I~ FLOATSTONE

SKELETAL
PACKSTONE~ WACKESTONE
SANDSTONE

SHALE
SL

SEA LEVEL

Fig. 9. Depositional History of the Mercy Bay Member.

682

A. F. EMBRY,J. E. KLOVAN- - Absolute Water Depth Limits of Late Devonian

1. During a transgressive episode in the development of a clastic wedge, influx
of terrigenous sediment onto a portion of the marine shelf became negligible.
Coral growth became prolific and corals built a small biogenie bank in the
relatively deep, quiet water (Fig. 9, A). The m u d d y nature of the matrix and bound
aspect of the flank beds both suggest a relatively quiet water environment.
2. Rapid organic growth raised the coral bank into shallower, more agitated
water where tabular stromatoporoids became the predominant fauna. The lack
of detrital flank beds suggests, however, that turbulence was not high. Tabular
stromatoporoids continued to build the biogenic bank both vertically and laterally
(Fig. 9, B).
3. The biogenic bank continued its upward growth into shallower water until
wave base was reached. At this point massive stromatoporoids colonized the
upper surface of the biogenic bank and began building a wave-resistant reef.
The reef grew upward until sea level was reached and a reef flat developed on
the top of the reef. (The thin, recessive interval at the top of the first massive
stromatoporoid unit is interpreted to be a reef fiat deposit.) Continual erosion
and regeneration of the reef contributed skeletal detritus to the inter-reef area
(Fig. 9, C).
4. A relative rise in sea level occurred, and massive stromatoporoids colonized
the reef flat. Two separate centres of stromatoporoid growth were established
and the two reefs grew up to sea level. Reef flats formed when the reefs reached
the surface (Fig. 9, D).
5. Inter-reef areas continued to fill with skeletal detritus. Eventually the interreef areas became so shallow that reef growth ceased. The inter-reef areas continued to receive detritus until they were completely infilled resulting in an
extensive, level surface mar, fled by skeletal debris. This conclusion is supported
by the fact the next massive stromatoporoid unit extends laterally over the bioherin and the inter-reef areas, thus illustrating the lack of topographic relief at
the end of this depositional event (Fig. 9, E).
6. A rise in sea level created a high energy environment over the area.
An areally extensive massive stromatoporoid reef formed and grew up to sea level
(first biostrome) (Fig. 9, F).
7. Sea level rose again but massive stromatoporoids did not colonize the area.
Instead the area received inter-reef sediment (covered interval). Eventually massive stromatoporoids colonized the area and built an extensive reef up to sea level
(second biostrome) (Fig. 9, G).
8. An influx of terrigenous sediment, due to the seaward migration of the
northern shoreline, occurred, and reef growth ceased despite any relative rise in
sea level (Fig. 9, H).
The interpretation of the lower 85 feet of the Mercy Bay Member is based on
the assumption that reef growth commenced in fairly deep water mad developed
upward to the water surface. This implies a static sea level situation - - neither
subsidence nor up-lift of the sea floor being invoked. The position of the Mercy
Bay Member in the over-all stratigraphic sequence and other stratigraphie
evidence indicate that this is a plausible assumption (KLovAN 8~: EMBRY, 1971).

683

Au~e

Absolute depth limits of Late Devonian

paleoecologieal zones
Paleoecological studies of Late Devonian organic buildups (LEcOMPTE, 1958;
KLOVAN, 1964) have established a fatmal zonation model. This model forms the
basis of the interpreted depositional history presented above.
Three major paleoecological zones are recognized in the model:
1. An underturbulent or quiet water zone which receives a minimum amount
of wave agitation and is located well below wave base. This zone is characterized
by corals (Alveolites, disphyllids and thanmoporids).
2. A sub-turbulent or semi-rough zone, below average wave base but still
within the reach of storm waves. This zone is characterized by tabular stromatoporoid s.
8. A turbulent or rough water zone which receives the maximum amount of
wave agitation, is above wave base and is characterized by massive stromatoporoids.
Previous authors (LEcoMPTE,1958; KLOVAN,1964) established the relative water
.depths of the paleoecological zones, but they did not relate the zones to absolute
water depths. The interpreted depositional history of the 85 foot thick, biohermal
portion of the Mercy Bay Member (Events 1--8; Fig. 9, A--C) leads to an interpretation of the absolute water depths of the three paleoecological zones. If, as
icostulated, this biohermal part of the organic buildup was built upward from the
sea floor to the water surface during a time of static sea level, it is possible to
calculate water depth limits for the three paleoecological zones from the thicknesses of the lithological and faur.al units. The coral baffiestone and bindstone unit
is 15 feet (4.5 m.) thick, the tabular stromatoporo~d bindstone unit is 40 feet
(12 m.) thick, and the first massive stromatoporoid unit is 80 feet (9 m.) thick,
for an aggregate thickness of 85 feet (26 m.)
From these thickness it is postulated that coral biogenic bank began to grow
:in a water depth of 85 feet (26 m.) with the tabular stromatoporoids becoming
the predominant fauna at a water depth of 70 feet (21 m.). Massive stromatoporoids replaced the tabular stromatoporoids at a depth of 80 feet (9 m.) and were
predominant up to sea level.
It is interesting to compare these depth limits postulated for the Late Devonian
fatmal communities with the depth limits established for the modem Caribbean
reef building communities. LOaAN (1969) has recognized the following ecological
zones for the Recent organic buildups on the Yucatan shelf.
1. A quiet-low energy zone occurring at a depth of water below 70 feet (21 m.)
and characterized by an Agaricia-Montastrea community,
2. An agitated to quiet - - intermediate energy zone occurring between 70
(21 m.) and 80 feet (9m.) of water depth and characterized by a Diploria-Montastrea-Porites community.
8. A wave agitated - - high energy zone occurring between 80 feet (9 m.) and
sea level and characterized by an Acropora palmata community.
Logan demonstrated that the depth limits of the zones correlate with two
thresholds of wave action; one at 80 feet (9 m.) (normal wave base) and the other
at 70 feet (21 m.) (storm wave base).
684

A. F.
O
E
P
l
H
~L

EMBItY,

ECOLOGICAL

J. E. KLOVAN - -

Absolute Water Depth Limits of Late Devonian

ZONES

STRUCTURE

RECENT
ORGANIC
YUCATAN
ILOGAN

ACROPORA

BUILDUPS

LATE
ENVIRONMENT

BUILDING
POTENTIAL

SHELF
19691

PALMATA

PALEOECOLOGICALZONES
DEVONIAN

ORGANIC

BUILDUPS

BANKS ISLAND

O
E
P
T
H

SL
WAVE

AGITATED

MASSIVE
WAVE

RESISTANT
STROMATOPOROID

COMMUNITY

HIGH

ENERGY

REEF
COMMUNITY

'50'

NORMAL

(~z)

WAVE BASE

30'
19.2
M.

DIPLORIA AGITATED TO QUIET

TABULAR
BIOGENIC

MONTASTREAINTERMEDIATE

STROMATOPOROID

PORITES

BANK
ENERGY

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY
STORM
AGARICIAMONTASTREACOMMUNITY

WAVE

BASE

QUIET
LOW

70"
21.4
M.
BIOGENIC

ENERGY

BANK

CORAL
COMMUNITY

Fig. 10. Comparison of Recent and Late Devonian Ecological Zones.

Fig. 10 compares the Recent and Late Devonian faunal communities. The
similarities between the two are remarkable giving added strength to the proposed
depth limits for the Late Devonian faunal communities.
Conclusions

A refined scheme of reefal limestone classification, which places more emphasis

on the > 2 mm components (conglomeratic fraction) and on the mode of organic
binding, has been designed. Rudstone and floatstone are limestones which contain
more than 10yo > 2 mm component (limestone conglomerates). Organically bound
limestones have been subdivided on the basis of the nature of the organic binding.
Three rock types are recognized: framestone, bindstone and bafflestone.
The classification has been applied to a Late Devonian organic buildup outcropping on northeastern Banks Island, Canadian Arctic Archipelago. The organic
buildup consists of a lower bioherm, 110 feet (88 m.) thick, overlain by two
layers of biostrome, 100 feet (80 m.) thick. The lower 85 feet (26 m.) of the bioherm record the vertical change from coral bindstone and bafflestone (15 feet
[5 m.]), through tabular stromatoporoid bindstone (40 feet [2 m.]), to massive
stromatoporoid framestone mad rudstone (80 feet [10 m.]). This facies sequence
is interpreted to represent the upward growth of an organic buildup from the
sea floor to sea level during a time of static sea level. This interpretation leads
to the determination of absolute water depth limits of the three major Late
Devonian paleoecological zones. Corals were the dominant fauna below 70 feet
(21m.); tabular stromatoporoids flourished between 70 feet (21 m.) and 80 feet
(9m.); massive stromatoporoids were the dominant fauna between 80 feet (9 m.)
and sea level. The main controlling factor on the depth limits probably was wave
44 Geologische Rundschau, Bd. 61

61}5

Aufs~itze
energy (normal wave base - - 80 feet [ g i n . l ; storm wave base - - 70 feet [21 re.l).
A comparison of these postulated depth limits with the established depth limits
of m o d e m Caribbean reef building communities supports the above conclusions.

Bibliography
DUNItAM,R. J.: Classification of Carbonate Rocks according to Depositional Texture. - In: Ham, W.E., ed., Classification of Carbonate Rocks - - a symposium: Am.
Assoc. Petroleum Geologists Mem. 1, 108--121, Tulsa 1962.
EMBrtY, A.F., & KLOVAN, J.E.: A Late Devonian Reef Tract on Northeastern Banks
Island, N.W.T. - - Bull. Can. Petroleum Geology, 19, 4, Calgary 1971.
KLOVAN, J.E.: Facies analysis of Redwater reef complex, Alberta, Canada. - - Bull.
Can. Petroleum Geology, 12, 1, 1--1O0, Calgary 1964.
KLOVAN, J.E., & EMBRY, A.F.: Upper Devonian Stratigraphy No~heastern Banks Island, N.W.T. - - Bull. Can. Petroleum Geology, 19, 4, Calgary 1971.
LECOMPTE, M.: Los recifs Paleozoiques en Belgique. - - Geol. Rdsch., 47, 1, 884--401,
Stuttgart 1958.
LOGAN, B.W.: Carbonate Sediments and Reefs, Yucatan Shelf, Mexico. - - In: Logan,
B.W., and MeBirney, A., eds. Y u c a t a n - Bonaeca: Am. Assoc. Petroleum Geologists Mere. 11, 129--198, Tulsa 1969.

Burial of Reefs by Shallow-water Carbonates, Silurian Gower

Formation, Iowa, U.S.A.
By M. E. PmLcox, Liverpool *)
With 9 figures, 9. tables

Zusammenfassung
Die Sedimente der silurischen Gower-Formation im Staate Iowa wurden in zwei Phasen
abgelagert. W~ihrend der ersten entwickelte sich in Krinoiden-CoelenteratenRiffkomplexe
aus vielen nab benachbarten Kuppen ein Relief in urspriinglich 80 m Wassertiefe. Die
Riffkomplexe sind asymmetrisch: die gut definierte Randzone in Windrichtung hat ein
ausgepr~igtes Detailrelief; hinter einer zentralen Erhebung erstrecken sich die weniger
steilen und ausgedehnteren Hicher der Lee-Zone. Soweit korreherbar, bestehen die
riflemen Sedimente aus relativ feinem skeletalem Dolomit.
Die Ablagerungen der zweiten Phase repdisentieren eine Senkung des Meeresspiegels; die topographisch tieferen Teile des vorhandenen Reliefs werden mit Sedimenten
aus immer geringerer Wassertiefe gefiillt, haupts~ichlich mit laminierten Karbonatschlammen und Feinsanden (Brady/Anamosa-Fazies-Gruppe). In der Randzone wurden
sie zun~ichst als steile keilf6rmige Schichten auf Kuppenh~ingen abgelagert (Brady/Fazies); diese enthalten eine charakteristische Fauna und einzelne Stromatolithe. Die Kuppen verbreiterten sich entsprechen zu Plateaus. Fossilarme, flacher liegende Schichten
(laminierte Anamosa-Fazies) ffillten dann die Restsenken zwischen den Kuppen. Die
entsprechenden Ablagerungen der Lee-Zone gehSren fast ausschlieBlich zur letzteren
Fazies, und rifferne Sedimente sind wahrscheinlich im allgemeinen ~ihnlich.
*) Author's address: M.E. PHILCOX, Geology Department, University of Liverpool,
Great Britain.

686