Ostracods, organic matter and anoxic events associated with the Frasnian/Famennian boundary in the Schmidt quarry (Germany)

Abstract

The distribution of ostracods across the Frasnian/Famennian boundary in the Schmidt quarry is documented and all the benthonic species figured. Eighty per cent of the Frasnian ostracods disappeared close to this boundary, and all myodocopid species (Entomozoacea and Cypridinacea) were exterminated. The recovery in the Famennian seems to have been slow and gradual, and twelve lazarus species have been identified. These benthonic ostracods probably survived the Late Frasnian anoxic event sheltered in shallower marine environments. A strong relationship exists in the Schmidt quarry between fluctuations of the oxygen content of the bottom waters as displayed by the ostracod distribution, and the total organic carbon contents measured by the Rock-Eval Pyrolysis. Two new species are erected: Ampuloides kellerwaldensis nov. sp. and Acratia badwildungensis nov. sp.