Stratigraphy and Depositional History of the Middle–Upper Jurassic Platform Carbonate Succession in Kıraç Mountain (Western Central Taurides, S Turkey)

Abstract

This study covers a detailed stratigraphy, microfacies analysis and depositional history of the Middle–Upper Jurassic succession in the central part of the Taurides Carbonate Platform (TCP), southern Turkey (Kıraç Mountain, west of Central Taurides). The succession is subdivided into four units (Unit-1–Unit-4) and nine microfacies (MF1–MF9) are distinguished. Based on microfacies three depositional facies belts are determined and the depositional history of the platform part is explained. The Aalenian is represented by occasionally sandy, oolitic limestones (Unit-1), which indicate predominantly high-energy platform edge environmental conditions (shoal facies belt). The Bajocian–Kimmeridgian?/Tithonian? is represented by limestones with occasionally interlayered dolomite–dolomitic limestones (Unit-2–Unit-3), which are dominated by inner platform conditions (lagoon facies belt). During the Late Jurassic (Кimmeridgian?/Tithonian?)–Early Cretaceous (Berriasian) a significant environmental change occurred, recording a rapidly occurring platform drowning event. This period is represented by dolomite–dolomitic limestone–limestone (Unit-4) containing interlayers of ammonite, radiolarite, laminated limestone, mudstone, and limestone blocks that indicate an open shelf environment (open-marine facies belt). The Middle–Upper Jurassic carbonate succession in Kıraç Mountain has characteristics similar to other parts of the Taurides Carbonate Platform. However, it differs in that it contains Unit-4 characterizing the open shelf environment in the latest Jurassic–earliest Cretaceous.