TURBIDITES IN FLYSCH OF THE POLISH CARPATHIAN MOUNTAINS

Abstract

The Polish Carpathian Mountains are occupied for the greater part by rocks of the flysch type; in which graded bedding with the usual accompanying sole markings and other features of turbidites are ubiquitous. For several years Polish geologists have successfully applied the concept of turbidity flow to explain features formerly thought to be conflicting. This paper deals with paleogeographic problems and summarizes results so far attained by numerous measurements of current direction. A few separated troughs persisted throughout the Cretaceous and Paleogene sedimentary history. Each of these oblong basins had its separate history in which location and direction of supply varied greatly with time. Most units show a consistent system of transport. Dominantly lateral supply is obvious in some cases. In others the measurements indicate a distant supply and from thence longitudinal transport in the flysch trough with or without local coarse supply from the sides. However, evidence, mainly paleogeographic, strongly suggests that local cordilleras between or flanking these troughs acted as the main source. Continued field work may throw light on this controversial topic which occurs in many other geosynclines that contain turbidite formations. A number of sedimentological problems are examined on the basis of evidence mainly from Poland: upper margins of graded beds, suspended currents, convolute lamination, doubtful turbidites, glauconite in turbidites. A few new sole markings are named and described.