Microfacies characteristics of the Lower Jurassic lithiotid limestone from northern Adriatic Carbonate Platform (central Slovenia)

Abstract

The lithiotid limestone is characteristic for many Late Sinemurian - Pliensbachian tropical and subtropical carbonate platforms of the Neotethys and the Piemont-Liguria Oceans. On the northern edge of the ancient Adriatic Carbonate Platform (present NW External Dinarides) the lithiotid limestone forms a few hundred kilometres long belt. Sedimentological characteristics of the lithiotid limestone have been recorded in samples taken from three sections located in central Slovenia. Peloids, ooids, aggregate (lump) grains, benthic foraminifera, and micritised bivalve shells (cortoids) are the dominant grains. The microfacies association suggests restricted to open marine interior of a carbonate platform bordered by marginal sand shoals, or an inner ramp setting. Subtidal conditions were occasionally interrupted by emersions.