Gypsum facies in the Badenian (Middle Miocene) of southern Poland

Abstract

Middle Miocene sulfate sediments south of the Holy Cross Mountains, southern Poland, comprise deep- and shallow-water as well as subaerial facies, accompanied by carbonates and siliciclastics. In the gypsum section, 18 lithostratigraphic units have been distinguished. The facies variety reflects distinct sedimentary conditions in the peripheral area of the evaporitic basin, where the maximum water depth never exceeded some tens of meters. The succession of facies is regressive and comprises six sedimentary cycles that reflect relative changes in sea level and in the physicochemical regime of the basin, both of which were controlled by tectonic and climatic factors. Sea level fell five times during sulfate sedimentation; the last sea-level drop led to the almost total desiccation of the sea in the peripheral part of the basin.