Scythian and Upper Carnian rocks from the Kočevje region

Abstract

The Lower and Upper Triassic layers of the Kočevje region are very much alike from the lithological point of view. Besides, they are devoid of all diagnostic fossils. Therefrom incorrect interpretations of their stratigraphic position have been supposed in earlier years. The question is of an association of clastic and carbonate rocks. In the Lower Triassic succession dolomite predominates, partly oolitic and intercalated with clastic rocks. The latter exhibit a high content of tourmaline among heavy minerals. On the other hand in the Upper Triassic sequence dolomitic marl prevails, intercalated with dolomite, shale, and sandstone. A high content of zircon is characteristic of the Upper Triassic clastic rocks. A correlation is made between the Triassic sedimentary rocks of the Kočevje and adjacent Gorski Kotar regions showing similar lithological properties, except of apatite that occurs in Gorski Kotar only. The Gorski Kotar beds are believed to be of Scythian and Upper Carnian age. This results from their fossil contents. The same is supposed concerning the classification of the Kočevje Triassic formation.