Basin evolution of the Anisian Peri-Tethys: implications from conodont assemblages of Lower Muschelkalk key sections (Central Europe)

Abstract

Lower Muschelkalk carbonates of the Peri-Tethys Basin are considered as poor in age-diagnostic index fossils, thus unequivocal basin-wide correlations remain difficult. Additionally, the lack of a bed-by-bed analysis and documentation of the fossil content of complete key sections hinders high-resolution biostratigraphy and therefore the discussion on the stratigraphic use of different fossil groups is controversial. The present study focuses on the microfossils of the German Lower Muschelkalk (Jena Formation) type section Jena-Steudnitz, representing deposits of the central part of the basin. The microfaunal assemblage is analysed with respect to eustatic signals as documented in the stratal and lateral facies architecture and distribution, and compared with recently obtained micropalaeontological data from other key sections of the Peri-Tethys gate areas, both in the SW (Switzerland) and SE (Poland). Finally, the particular significance of conodonts to decipher the palaeogeographic and eustatic basin evolution is pointed out in the context of over-regional geodynamic processes, highlighting migration and distribution patterns during the Early Anisian.