Lithostratigraphy and depositional environments of the Pyeongan Supergroup (Carboniferous–Permian) in the Taebaek area, mid-east Korea

Abstract

The Pyeongan Supergroup (Carboniferous–Permian) consists of a thick siliciclastic sequence (1700 m thick). Recent sedimentological work in the Taebaek area has refined the lithostratigraphic units: Manhang, Geumcheon-Jangseong, Hambaeksan, Dosagok, Gohan and Donggo formations in ascending order. The entire sequence is represented by thirteen sedimentary facies, which can be organized into seven facies associations (FA). The lower part of the Manhang Formation (FA 1) (Moscovian) consists of crudely cross-stratified conglomerate, massive sandstone and gray homogeneous siltstone, formed in shoreface off river mouth, whereas purple siltstone and grainstone of the upper part (FA 2) probably formed in a coastal plain environment. The Geumcheon-Jangseong Formation (Moscovian-Artinskian) consists of dark gray sandstone, dark gray shale, coal and bioturbated wackestone (FA 3) formed in a lagoonal environment. The Hambaeksan Formation (Kungurian) comprises milky white, crudely stratified, conglomerate, gray coarse sandstone and partly laminated black shale (FA 4), representing a shoreface progradation. The Dosagok Formation (Late Permian) is characterized by an alternation of purple fine sandstone and conglomerate (FA 5), formed in a bedload-dominated fluvial system. The Gohan Formation (Late Permian) is mostly composed of upward-fining units (massive sandstone to dark gray siltstone) (FA 6), suggesting a restricted inter-distributary bay environment. The Donggo Formation (?Late Permian) consists of cross-stratified coarse sandstone and purple sandstone (FA 7), interpreted as deposits of perennial, sandy braided river system.