Facies analysis and genetic interpretation of travertine, Buda Vár-hegy, Hungary

The Pleistocene travertine of Buda Var-hegy (Castle Hill) has been studied in subsurface galleries and cellars. Lithological variations, sedimentary features of the travertine and the underlying friable chalky carbonates and calcareous clays were described in the field. Four lithotypes and several microfacies types of travertine have been identified. The stratal pattern of travertine, distribution of lithotypes, the macrofauna, and the presence of microbial sediments suggests that the travertine was deposited in a shallow lake environment. The lake was fed by lukewarm springs from the central part (probably from Szentharomsag-ter [Szentharomsag Square] area), where the thickest travertine deposits are found. Direct evidence of cascade deposits or terraced tetarata deposits have not been found in the studied sections. The intense cementation and recrystallisation appear in the form of at least four, mostly phreatic, cement generations, including micrite envelopes, thin fibrous rims, thick radiaxial spars a...