Bryoherms from the lower Sarmatian (upper Serravallian, Middle Miocene) of the Central Paratethys

Abstract

Bryozoan–serpulid–algal–thrombolite bioherms of up to 50 cm size are described from the Sarmatian (upper Middle Miocene) of the Central Paratethys. They occur on top of lower Sarmatian carbonate sediments of high-energy conditions and the individual bioherms settle on crests of ripples. The buildups are overlain and partly truncated by cross-bedded oolites of late Sarmatian age. Buildup growth starts with a Cryptosula/Hydroides (bryozoan/serpulid) pioneer community, followed by nodular Schizoporella (bryozoan) colonies overgrown by coralline algae/microbial mats and a thrombolite with calcareous algal filaments. All these constituents form a framestone fabric which is overall dominated by bryozoans labeling them as bryoherms. Inside the bioherms ecological successions of higher frequencies occur which are interpreted to reflect short-time environmental fluctuations such as nutrient availability, oxygenation (possible anoxia), salinity (possible brackish water), temperature and water level. The internal succession in individual bioherms is related to long-term environmental changes including general shallowing, increasing nutrient supply and decreasing water circulation and oxygenation. The described bioherms are most similar to modern bryostromatolites of the Coorong lagoon in S Australia and also similar to structures in the Netherlands. The widespread occurrence of bryoherms/bryostromatolites in the Central Paratethys suggests a phase of considerable eutrophication during the early Sarmatian.