Les constructions coralliennes du Badénien (Miocène moyen) de la bordure occidentale de la dépression de Transylvanie (Roumanie)

Abstract

The Badenian (Middle Miocene) Gîrbova de Sus Formation rests upon the basement in a transgressive trend (West of the Transylvanian depression). For the first time, an algal-rich carbonate platform with coral build-ups is described in this area. These build-ups underline clearly a retrograding sequence. The coral assemblage is dominated by Faviidae and Porites colonies. Five types of coral build-ups without any zonation are distinguished. Their unusual width and their palaeogeographical situation testify to the generalization of subtropical conditions and the complexity of the marine connections in the Paratethian area.