Integrated stratigraphic study of the Rhuddanian-Aeronian (Llandovery, Silurian) boundary succession at Rheidol Gorge, Wales : a preliminary report

Melchin, M.J.; Davies, J.R.; De Weirdt, J.; Russell, C.; Vandenbroucke, T.R.A.; Zalasiewicz, J.A.. 2018 Integrated stratigraphic study of the Rhuddanian-Aeronian (Llandovery, Silurian) boundary succession at Rheidol Gorge, Wales : a preliminary report. Nottingham, UK, British Geological Survey, 16pp. (OR/18/139) (Unpublished)

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Abstract/Summary

Rheidol Gorge, approximately 17 km west of Aberystwyth, mid Wales, exposes a continuous succession of strata from the middle part of the upper Rhuddanian Coronograptus Cyphus Biozone through the lower Aeronian Demirastrites triangulatus (= Monograptus triangulatus) Biozone. Parts of the Aeronian succession are well known for their beautiful lower Aeronian graptolites preserved as pyrite internal moulds. We measured this section and sampled for graptolites, palynomorphs, and for lithological and geochemical analyses. One of our objectives was to assess the section for its suitability as a candidate for a new Global Stratotype Section and Point for the base of the mid-Llandovery Aeronian Stage. The succession alternates between bioturbated grey mudstones lacking in graptolites and laminated, graptolitic black shales. The black shales commonly show thin, interbedded siltstones. The grey mudstones are interpreted to represent deposition under oxic to dysoxic conditions, the black shales an anoxic seafloor environment. The strata have undergone low-grade metamorphism, commonly with a weakly to moderately developed cleavage, and the graptolites often show ductile and/or brittle deformation. Strate of the middle to upper cyphus Biozone are c 10.2 m thick and yield graptolite faunas of varying diversity and preservation quality. 0.8 m below the base of the D. triangulatus Biozone there is a change from predominantly organic-poor mudrocks with interbeds of darker shales with sparse graptolites to an interval of predominantly black shales with a relatively rich graptolite fauna. The graptolites in the black shale interval, which spans the zonal boundary, are flattened or in partial relief, commonly deformed, and the strata tend to break along cleavage rather than bedding planes. Nevertheless, a distinctive graptolite fauna occurs through the boundary interval that allows good correlation with successions in other parts of the world. The base of the D. triangulatus Biozone is marked by the first appearance of D. triangulatus. Other species first appearing just below the base of the D. triangulatus Biozone that are useful for international correlation include Pristiograptus concinnus and Pseudorthograptus finneyi. Strata rich in well-preserved, pyritic graptolites become common about 2.3 m above the base of the triangulatus Biozone. Chitinozoans are poorly to moderately well preserved in the section and indicate the Spinachitina maennili Biozone through the boundary interval, without any significant faunal changes, as is the case in many other parts of the world.

Item Type:	Publication - Report
Funders/Sponsors:	British Geological Survey, St. Francis Xavier University, University of Wales Aberystwyth, Ghent University, University of Leeds, University of Leicester
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	This item has been internally reviewed, but not externally peer-reviewed.
Date made live:	17 Jul 2018 13:13 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/520553

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