Depositional evolution of lower permian Palaeoaplysina build-ups, Kapp duner formation, Bjørnøya, Arctic Norway

Abstract

The Lower Permian Kapp Duner Formation on Bjørnøya includes an approximately 45 m thick Palaeoaplysina build-up complex. This complex is composed of stacked cycles of thin (0–1 m thick) restricted shelf mudstones and thicker (< 10 m thick) build-ups of Palaeoaplysina wackestone to boundstone capped by subaerial exposure surfaces. In the lower part of the complex, the build-ups are tabular and laterally more widespread than the lenticular build-ups found in the upper part of the complex. The depositional cycles most likely formed in response to fourth-order glacio-eustatic fluctuations in sea level, while the history of the build-up complex is controlled by longer-term, third-order fluctuations in relative sea level. The position of the build-up complex is structurally controlled.