Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Sedimentary development of a continuous Middle Devonian to Mississippian section from the fore-reef fringe of the Brilon Reef Complex (Rheinisches Schiefergebirge, Germany)

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Facies Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The Brilon-reef complex is one of the biggest Devonian carbonate buildups (~80 km2) of the Rheinisches Schiefergebirge. The Burgberg section is located in the southeastern fore-reef area of the Brilon Reef Complex and exposes a succession of strata (117 m thick), which extends from the Middle Givetian (middle varcus conodont Zone) to the Viséan (bilineatus conodont Zone). Field and microfacies observations led to the definition of nine microfacies that are integrated into a sedimentary model divided into off-reef, intermediate fore-reef, and proximal fore-reef sedimentary domains (SD). The off-reef domain (SD1) is the most distal setting observed and is characterized by fine-grained sediments, dominated by pelagic biota and the local occurrence of gravity-flow deposits. The intermediate fore-reef (SD2) is characterized by a mixture of biota and sediments coming from both deeper-water and shallow-water sources and is influenced by storm and gravity-flow currents. In this domain, Renalcis mound-like structures developed locally. Finally, the proximal fore-reef (SD3) corresponds to the most proximal setting that is strongly influenced by gravity-flow currents derived from the Brilon Reef Complex. The temporal evolution of microfacies in the fore-reef setting of the Burgberg section show five main paleoenvironmental trends influenced by the onset, general development, and demise/drowning of the Brilon Reef Complex. Fore-reef to off-reef lithologies and their temporal changes are from the base to the top of the section: (U1)—fine-grained sediments with large reef debris, corresponding to the initial development of the reef building upon submarine volcaniclastic deposits during the Middle Givetian (middle varcus Zone) and first export of reef debris in the fore-reef setting; (U2)—high increase of reef-derived material in the fore-reef area, corresponding to a significant progradation of the reef from the Middle Givetian to the Early Frasnian (maximum extension of the Brilon Reef Complex to the south, disparilis to the falsiovalis conodont biozones); (U3)—progressive decrease of shallow-water derived material and increase of fine-grained sediments and deep-water biota into the fore-reef setting, corresponding to the stepwise withdrawal of the reef influence; from the Middle to the Late Frasnian (jamieae conodont Zone); (U4)—development of a submarine rise characterized by nodular and cephalopod-bearing limestones extending from the Late Frasnian to the Late Famennian corresponding to the demise and drowning of the Brilon Reef Complex as a result of the Late Frasnian Kellwasser events (upper rhenana and triangularis conodont biozones); (U5)—significant deepening of the Burgberg area starting in the Late Famennian, directly followed by an aggrading trend marked by pelagic shales overlying the nodular limestone deposits.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aboussalam ZS (2003) Das” Taghanic-Event” im höheren Mitteldevon von West-Europa und Marokko. Münstersche Forsch Geol Paläont 97:1–332

    Google Scholar 

  • Aboussalam ZS, Becker RT (2011) The global Taghanic biocrisis (Givetian) in the eastern Anti-Atlas, Morocco. Palaeogeogr Palaeoclimatol Palaeoecol 304:136–164

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alekseev AS, Kononova LI, Nikishin AM (1996) The Devonian and Carboniferous of the Moscow Syneclise (Russian Platform): stratigraphy and sea level changes. Tectonophysics 268:149–168

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Antoshkina AI (2006) Palaeoenvironmental implications of Palaeomicrocodium in Upper Devonian microbial mounds of the Chernyshev Swell, Timan-northern Ural region. Facies 52:611–625

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bacelle L, Bosellini A (1965) Diagrammi per la stima visiva della composizione percentuale nelle rocce sedimentarie. Ann Univ Ferrara Sez 9 Sci Geol Paleont 1:59–62

    Google Scholar 

  • Bandel K (1974) Deep-water limestones from the Devonian-Carboniferous of the Carnic Alps, Austria. Spec Publ Int Assoc Sediment 1:93–115

    Google Scholar 

  • Bär P (1968) Die ober-devonisch/unter-karbonische Schichtlücke über dem Massenkalk des Briloner und Messinghäuser Sattels (Ost-Sauerland). N Jb Geol Paläont Abh 131:263–288

    Google Scholar 

  • Bathurst RGC (1987) Diagenetically enhanced bedding in argillaceous platform limestones: stratified cementation and selective compaction. Sedimentology 34:749–778

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bond DPG, Wignall PB (2008) The role of sea-level change and marine anoxia in the Frasnian–Famennian (Late Devonian) mass extinction. Palaeogeogr Palaeoclimatol Palaeoecol 263:107–118

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bond DPG, Wignall PB, Racki G (2004) Extent and duration of marine anoxia during the Frasnian-Famennian (Late Devonian) mass extinction in Poland, Germany, Austria and France. Geol Mag 141:173–193

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boulvain F, Cornet P, da Silva AC, Delaite G, Demany B, Humblet M, Renard M, Coen-Aubert M (2004) Reconstructing atoll-like mounds from the Frasnian of Belgium. Facies 50:313–326

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Braun R, Oetken S, Königshof P, Kornder L, Wehrmann A (1994) Development and biofacies of reef-influenced carbonates (Lahn-syncline, Rheinisches Schiefergebirge). Cour Forschungsinst. Senckenberg 169:351–386

    Google Scholar 

  • Brinckmann J (1981) Projekt Rhenoherzynikum: Untersuchung der Metallverteilung in geosynklinalen Sedimenten des Rhenoherzynikums in stratiformen Konzentrationen; Bericht über das Kernbohrprogramm im Briloner Riffkalk-Komplex. Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe

  • Buggisch W, Flügel E (1992) Mittel- bis oberdevonische Karbonate auf Blatt Weilburg (Rheinisches Schiefergebirge) und in Randgebieten: Initialstadien der Riffentwick-lung auf Vulkanschwellen. Geol Jb Hessen 120:77–97

    Google Scholar 

  • Buggisch W, Joachimski MM (2006) Carbon isotope stratigraphy of the Devonian of central and southern Europe. Palaeogeogr Palaeoclimatol Palaeoecol 240:68–88

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Casier J, Preat A (2007) Ostracodes et lithofacies du stratotype de la limite Devonien moyen/Devonien superieur (Puech de la Suque, Montagne Noire, France). Bull Soc Geol France 178:293–304

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen D, Tucker M (2004) Palaeokarst and its implication for the extinction event at the Frasnian–Famennian boundary (Guilin, South China). J Geol Soc Lond 161:895–898

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen D, Tuker M, Shen Y, Yans J, Preat A (2002) Carbon isotope excursions and sea-level change: implications for the Frasnian–Famennian biotic crisis. J Geol Soc Lond 159:623–626

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Clari P, Martire L (1996) Interplay of cementation, mechanical compaction, and chemical compaction in nodular limestones of the Rosso Ammonitico Veronese (Middle-Upper Jurassic, northeastern Italy). J Sediment Res 66:447–458

    Google Scholar 

  • Clausen CD, Korn D (2008) Höheres Mitteldevon und Oberdevon des nördlichen Rheinischen Schiefergebirges (mit Velberter Sattel und Kellerwald). In: Deutsche Stratigraphische Kommission (eds) Stratigraphie von Deutschland VIII. Devon. Schriftenreihe dtsch Ges Geowiss Heft 52:439–481

    Google Scholar 

  • Copper P (2002) Silurian and Devonian reefs: 800 million years of global greenhouse between two ice ages. In: Kiessling W, Flügel E, Golonka J (eds) Phanerozoic reef patterns. SEPM Spec Publ, vol 72, pp 181–238

  • Dickson J (1965) A modified staining technique for carbonates in thin section. Nature 205:587

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dunham RJ (1962) Classification of carbonate rocks according to depositional texture. Mem Am Assoc Petrol Geol 1:108–121

    Google Scholar 

  • Eder W, Franke W (1982) Death of Devonian reefs. N Jb Geol Paläont Abh 163:241–243

    Google Scholar 

  • Embry AF, Klovan JE (1972) Absolute water depth limits of Late Devonian paleoecological zones. Geol Rundsch 61:672–686

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Erben HK (1962) Zur Analyse und Interpretation der rheinischen und hercynischen Magnafazies im Devon. In: Erben HK (ed) International Arbeitstagung über die Silur/Devon Grenze und die Stratigraphie von Silur und Devon. Symposium Band, Schweizerbart, Stuttgart, pp 42–61

    Google Scholar 

  • Flügel E (2004) Microfacies analysis of carbonate rocks. Analysis, interpretation and application. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Franke W (1973) Fazies, Bau und Entwicklungsgeschichte des Iberger Riffes (Mitteldevon bis Unterkarbon III NW-Harz, W-Deutschland). Geol Jb A 11:27–31

    Google Scholar 

  • Geldsetzer HHJ, Goodfellow WD, McLaren DJ (1993) The Frasnian-Famennian extinction event in a stable cratonic shelf setting: Trout River, Northwest Territories, Canada. Palaeogeogr Palaeoclimatol Palaeoecol 104:81–89

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • George AD, Powell CMA (1997) Paleokarst in an Upper Devonian reef complex of the Canning basin, western Australia. J Sediment Res 67:935–944

    Google Scholar 

  • Gingras MK, Pemberton SG, Muelenbachs K, Machel H (2004) Conceptual models for burrow-related, selective dolomitization with textural and isotopic evidence from the Tyndall Stone, Canada. Geobiology 2:21–30

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gischler E (1995) Current and wind induced facies patterns in a Devonian atoll: Iberg Reef, Harz Mts. Germany. Palaios 10:180–189

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gischler E (1996) Late Devonian-early Carboniferous deep-water coral assemblages and sedimentation on a Devonian seamount: Iberg Reef, Harz Mts. Germany. Palaeogeogr Palaeoclimatol Palaeoecol 123:297–322

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haq BU, Schutter SR (2008) A chronology of Paleozoic sea-level changes. Science 322:64–68

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • House MR (1985) Correlation of Mid-Palaeozoic ammonoid evolutionary events with global sedimentary perturbations. Nature 313:17–22

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson JG (1970) Taghanic onlap and the end of North American Provinciality. Geol Soc Am Bull 81:2077–2106

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson JG, Klapper G, Sandberg CA (1985) Devonian eustatic fluctuations in Euramerica. Geol Soc Am Bull 96:567–587

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jux U (1960) Die devonischen Riffe im Rheinischen Schiefergebirge. N Jb Geol Paläont Abh 110:186–258

    Google Scholar 

  • Königshof P, Gewehr B, Kornder L, Wehrmann A, Braun R, Zankl H (1991) Stromatoporen-Morphotypen aus einem zentralen Riffbereich (Mitteldevon) in der südwestlichen Lahnmulde. Geol Palaeont 25:19–35

    Google Scholar 

  • Königshof P, Nesbor HD, Flick H (2010) Volcanism and reef development in the Devonian: a case study from the Lahn syncline, Rheinisches Schiefergebirge (Germany). Gondwana Res 17:264–280

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Königshof P, Savage N, Lutat P, Sardsu A, Dopieralska J, Belka Z, Racki G (2012) Late Devonian sedimentary record of the Palaeotethys Ocean—the Mae Sariang succession, northwestern Thailand. J Asian Earth Sci 52:146–157. doi:10.1016/j.jseaes.2012.03.006

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Korn D (1996) Revision of the Late Visean goniatite stratigraphy. Ann Soc Geol Belg 117:205–212

    Google Scholar 

  • Korn D, Horn K (1997) The Late Visean (early Carboniferous) goniatite stratigraphy in the South Portuguese Zone, a comparison with the Rhenish Massif. Newsl Stratigr 35:97–113

    Google Scholar 

  • Korn D, Kaufmann B (2009) A high-resolution relative time scale for the Viséan Stage (Carboniferous) of the Kulm Basin (Rhenish Mountains, Germany). Geoll J 44:306–321

    Google Scholar 

  • Krebs W (1967) Reef development in the Devonian of the eastern Rhenish Slate Mountains, Germany. In: Oswald DH (ed) International symposium on the Devonian system, vol 1. Alberta Society of Petroleum Geologists, Calgary, pp 295–306

    Google Scholar 

  • Krebs W (1971) Devonian reef limestones in the eastern Rhenish Schiefergebirge. Sedimentology of parts of Central Europe guidebook, 8th international sedimentology congress, Heidelberg, pp 45–81

  • Krebs W (1974) Devonian carbonate complexes of central Europe. In: Laporte LF (ed) Reefs in time and space. SEPM Spec Publ, vol 18, pp 155–208

  • Kroner U, Hahn T, Romer RL, Linnemann U (2007) The Variscan orogeny in the Saxo-Thuringian zone—heterogenous overprint of Cadomian/Palaeozoic peri-Gondwana crust. In: Linnemann U, Nance RD, Kraft P, Zulauf G (eds) The evolution of the Rheic Ocean: From Avalonian-Cadomian active margin to Alleghenian-Variscan collision. Geol Soc Am Spec Pap 423:153–172

    Google Scholar 

  • Logan BV, Semenuik V (1976) Dynamic metamorphism: processes and products in Devonian carbonate rocks, Canning Basin, Western Australia. Geol Soc Australia Spec Publ 138

  • Machel H-G (1990) Faziesinterpretation des Briloner Riffs mit Hilfe eines Faziesmodells für devonische Riffkarbonate. Geol Jb D 95:43–83

    Google Scholar 

  • Maletz J (2006) Middle Devonian dendroid graptolites from the Brilon Reef area (Rheinisches Schiefergebirge, Germany). Paläont Z 80:221–229

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Malmsheimer KW, Mensink H, Stritzke R (1990) Beginn der Riffschutt-Produktion und Knollenkalk-Sedimentation in Südosten des Briloner Riffes/Ostsauerland. Geol Jb D 95:177–182

    Google Scholar 

  • Mamet B, Préat A (1985) Sur la présence de Palaeomicrocodium (Algue?, Incertae sedis?) dans le Givétien inférieur de Belgique. Geobios 18:389–395

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • May A (1993) Stratigraphie, Stromatoporen-Fauna und Palökologie von Korallenkalken aus dem Ober-Eifelium und Unter-Givetium (Devon) des nordwestlichen Sauerlandes (Rheinisches Schiefergebirge). Geol Paläont Westfalen 24:1–93

    Google Scholar 

  • May A (1994) Microfacies controls on weathering of carbonate building stones: Devonian (northern Sauerland, Germany). Facies 30:193–208

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McKerrow WS, Scotese CR (1990) Palaeozoic palaeogeography and biogeography. Geol Soc Lond Mem 12:1–433

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meischner KD (1964) Allodapische Kalke. Turbidite in riff-nahen Sedimentations-Becken. Developm Sediment 3:156–191

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Möller NK, Kvingan K (1988) The genesis of nodular limestones in the Ordovician and Silurian of the Oslo Region (Norway). Sedimentology 35:405–420

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nesbor HD (2004) Paläozoischer Intraplattenvulkanismus im östlichen Rheinischen Schiefergebirge—Magmenentwicklung und zeitlicher Ablauf. Geol Jb Hessen 131:145–182

    Google Scholar 

  • Nicolaus HJ (1963) Zur Stratigraphie und Fauna der crenistria-Zone im Kulm des Rheinischen Schiefergebirges. Beih Geol Jahrb 53:1–246

    Google Scholar 

  • Paeckelmann W (1922) Der mitteldevonische Massenkalk des Bergischen Landes. Preuss Geol Landesanst Abh 91:1–112

    Google Scholar 

  • Paeckelmann W (1936) Geologische Karte von Preussen 1: 25000. Blatt Brilon (2659)

  • Pettijohn FJ, Potter PE, Siever R (1972) Sand and sandstone. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Piecha M (1993) Stratigraphie, Fazies und Sedimentpetrographie der rhythmisch und zyklisch abgelagerten, tiefoberdevonischen Beckensedimente im Rechtsrheinischen Schiefergebirge (Adorf Bänderschiefer). Cour Forsch Inst Senckenberg 163:1–153

    Google Scholar 

  • Playford PE (1980) Devonian “Great Barrier Reef” of Canning Basin, Western Australia. Am Assoc Petrol Geol Bull 64:814–840

    Google Scholar 

  • Rabien A (1956) Zur Stratigraphie und Fazies des Ober-Devons in der Waldecker Hauptmulde. Abh Hess LA Bodenforsch 16:1–83

    Google Scholar 

  • Ribbert K-H, Skupin K, Oesterreich B (2006) Geologische Karte von Preussen und benachbarten Gebieten, von Nordrhein-Westfalen, 1:25000. Blatt Madfeld (4518)

  • Riding R (1991) Calcareous algae and stromatolites. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Salamon M, Königshof P (2010) Middle Devonian olistostromes in the Rheno-Hercynian (Rheinisches Schiefergebirge)—an indication of back arc rifting on the passive margin of Laurussia? Gondwana Res 17:281–291. doi:10.1016/j.gr.2009.10.004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sepkoski JJ Jr (1995) Patterns of Phanerozoic extinctions: a perspective from global data bases. In: Walliser OH (ed) Global events and event stratigraphy. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York, pp 35–51

    Google Scholar 

  • Städter T, Koch R (1987) Mikrofazielle und diagenetische Entwicklung einer devonischen Karbonatfolge (Givet) am SW-Rand des Briloner Sattels. Facies 17:215–229

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stow DAV, Piper DJW (1984) Fine-grained sediments: deep water processes and facies. Geol Soc Lond Spec Publ 15:1–659

    Google Scholar 

  • Stritzke R (1990) Die Karbonatsedimentation im Briloner Vorriffbereich. Geol Jb D 95:253–315

    Google Scholar 

  • Sunkel G (1990) Devonischer submariner Vulkanismus im Ostsauerland (Rheinisches Schiefergebirge): Vulkanaufbau, Magmenzusammensetzung und Alteration. Bochumer geol geotechn Arb 34:1–250

    Google Scholar 

  • Tucker ME (1973) Sedimentology and diagenesis of Devonian pelagic limestones (Cephalopodenkalk) and associated sediments of the Rhenohercynian Geosyncline, West Germany. N Jb Geol Paläont Abh 142:320–350

    Google Scholar 

  • Tucker ME (1974) Sedimentology of Palaeozoic pelagic limestones: the Devonian Griotte (Southern France) and Cephalopodenkalk (Germany). Spec Publ Int Assoc Sediment 1:71–92

    Google Scholar 

  • Tucker ME, Wright VP (1990) Carbonate sedimentology. Blackwell, London

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • von Dechen H (1858) Geologische Karte der Rheinprovinz und der Provinz Westfalen 1: 80.000. (Hrsg.) Kgl Minist Handel Gewerbe öff Arbeit, Sect 18, Berleburg, Berlin

  • Warnke K (1997) Microbial carbonate production in a starved basin: the crenistria Limestone of the upper Viséan German Kulm facies. Palaeogeogr Palaeoclimatol Palaeoecol 130:209–225

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wehrmann A, Blieck A, Brocke R, Hertweck G, Jansen U, Königshof P, Plodowski G, Schindler E, Schultka S, Wilde V (2005) Palaeoenvironment and palaeoecology of intertidal deposits in a Lower Devonian siliciclastic sequence of the Mosel Region, Germany. Palaios 20:101–120

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wendt J, Aigner T (1985) Facies patterns and depositional environments of Palaeozoic cephalopod limestones. Sediment Geol 44:263–300

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wendt J, Belka Z (1991) Age and depositional environment of Upper Devonian (early Frasnian to early Famennian) black shales and limestones (Kellwasser facies) in the eastern Anti-Atlas, Morocco. Facies 25:51–89

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ziegler AP (1982) Geological atlas of western and central Europe. Shell, Den Haag

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

Financial support for this project from the sedimentary laboratory of the University of Liège is gratefully acknowledged. The authors would like to thank Philippe Claeys and David De Vleeschouwer (Earth System Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel) for the instrumental help provided for the stable isotope measurements. Many thanks to Rüdiger Stritzke for all the information and comments provided for conodont investigation. This paper is a contribution to IGCP 580 “Application of magnetic susceptibility in paleoenvironmental reconstruction” and to IGCP 596 “Climate change and biodiversity patterns in the Mid-Palaeozoic”. Helpful comments from Dr. Thomas Suttner (Karl-Franzens University of Graz, Austria) and an anonymous journal reviewer are gratefully acknowledged.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sedimentary Petrology, B20, University of Liège (ULg), Sart-Tilman, 4000, Liège, Belgium

    Damien Pas, Anne-Christine Da Silva, Pierre Cornet & Frédéric Boulvain

  2. Department of Paleontology, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, rue Vautier 29, 1000, Brussels, Belgium

    Pierre Bultynck

  3. Senckenberg, Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt, Germany

    Peter Königshof

Authors
  1. Damien Pas
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Anne-Christine Da Silva
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Pierre Cornet
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Pierre Bultynck
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Peter Königshof
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Frédéric Boulvain
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Damien Pas.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Pas, D., Da Silva, AC., Cornet, P. et al. Sedimentary development of a continuous Middle Devonian to Mississippian section from the fore-reef fringe of the Brilon Reef Complex (Rheinisches Schiefergebirge, Germany). Facies 59, 969–990 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10347-012-0351-z

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10347-012-0351-z

Keywords

Search

Navigation