Toe-of-slope deposits of a Givetian reef-rimmed platform: provenance of calcareous density-flow deposits (Rabat-Tiflet-Zone, Morocco)

Abstract

Givetian subaqueous density-flow deposits reveal the existence of a peritidal carbonate platform in sedimentary basins preserved within the Rabat-Tiflet-Zone of Morocco. The calcareous component assemblage displays a photozoan carbonate production mode of the neritic source environments. Characteristic elements of the allochthonous faunal association are colonial tabulate corals, stromatoporoids, crinoids, bryozoans and thick-shelled brachiopods. Active growing reefs and cortoid sand shoals at the platform margin as well as periplatform carbonates at the uppermost slope settings contributed bioclastic and lithoclastic lime debris to the toe-of-slope of the carbonate apron. Bipartite cobble rudstone beds are interpreted as deposits of hyperconcentrated density flows, which cannot be maintained on very low-angle slopes for as long as more dilute flows and represent short run-out distances. Beds consisting of mostly well-organized pebbly grainstones, packstones and grainstone-wackestone couplets are deposits of surge-like concentrated flows and turbidity flows.