The Devonian–Carboniferous boundary in the stratotype area (SE Montagne Noire, France)

Abstract

Sections with continuous sedimentation across the Devonian–Carboniferous (D-C) boundary in the Montagne Noire allow to build a virtual transect from shoreline to deep basin. Nearshore facies characterise the D-C boundary stratotype and neighbouring sections at La Serre in the Cabrières klippen domain, and offshore facies are present at the Col de Tribes and Puech de la Suque sections in the Mont Peyroux nappe domain. Both domains exhibit equivalents of the Hangenberg Black Shale (HBS). At La Serre, an initial regressive trend is indicated by the presence of oculated trilobites in the topmost pre-HBS Wocklumeria Limestones. Above the HBS level, regressive depositional conditions characterise oolitic deposits that comprise lithic erosional flows with an admixture of transported shallow-water biotas. Maximum regression is recognised with the deposition of coarse breccias and local features of emergence prior to the first appearance of Protognathodus kockeli. The oolites are superseded by the transgression of outer shelf deposits. In the nappe domain, the HBS is intercalated in outer ramp nodular limestones, and it exhibits detrital elements pointing to its regressive nature. The regressive trend culminates than reverses when post-HBS carbonate sedimentation resumes. Protognathodus kockeli appears in the post-HBS carbonates. Associated oculated trilobites indicate shallower bathymetric conditions then those of the pre-HBS Wocklumeria Limestones. Thereafter, replacement of sighted trilobites by blind ones and the protognathodid biofacies by facies dominated by siphonodellids indicate a deepening trend. The near- and offshore sites of the D-C transition permit correlation of short-term bathymetric fluctuations with faunal turnovers and entries of biostratigraphic markers.