Sedimentology, carbon isotope stratigraphy and micropalaeontology of the Rhaetian Zlambach Formation– Implications for the Dachstein carbonate platform development (Northern Calcareous Alps, Austria)

A groundbreaking study reveals that the Dachstein carbonate platform in Austria's Northern Calcareous Alps experienced continuous growth and progradation until the late Rhaetian period, contradicting earlier assumptions. The research, utilizing high-resolution stable isotope measurements, X-ray fluorescence, microfacies analysis, and micropalaeontology, identified significant environmental perturbations during the late C. marshi ammonoid zone, marked by notable carbon isotope excursions and fluctuations in benthic microfossil abundance and diversity. These findings suggest that the termination of the Dachstein platform margin growth was more complex than previously understood, with potential implications for understanding regional ecological changes during this period.

Mette, W., Clemence, M.-E., Thibault, N., Korte, C., Konrad, B., & Ullmann, C. V. (2019). Sedimentology, carbon isotope stratigraphy and micropalaeontology of the Rhaetian Zlambach Formation– Implications for the Dachstein carbonate platform development (Northern Calcareous Alps, Austria). Sedimentary Geology, 382, 47–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sedgeo.2018.12.009