Commune: Zawoja (pow. suski, woj. małopolskie)
Framework element or context represented:
Sedimentary structures and stratigraphy of the Flysch Carpathians.
Primary geological/geomorphological interest:
Organic and mechanical hieroglyphs of the Magura Formation in the Flysch Carpathians.
Comparative assessment justification:
The discussed site has a high value as a typical locality of muscovite sandstones of the Magura Formation rich in mechanical hierogyphs trace fossils and different other sedimentary structures.
Protection status and accessibility:
The locality is proposed to protection as a documentary site.
Character of site: Natural and artificial outcrops.
Area: about 0.5 ha
Altitude: 570 m a.s.l.
Lithology: sandstones, shales, silstones, claystones
Discipline: Palaeoenvironment, Stratigraphy of Phanerozoic
Process Age: *all periods
Bedrock Age: Paleogene, *all periods
Description of primary interest:
The profile of the Magura Formation (Middle-Upper Eocene) typical of the Beskid Wysoki Range can be observed in 100 m long section along the valley of Skawica River in Zawoja Mosorne. This is the exposure of thick-bedded and coarse-grained sandstones with muscovite. The mentioned rocks represent deposits accumulated by high-density turbidity currents (fluxoturbidite). The intercalations of thin-bedded turbidite-type sandstones, shales and mudstones are noted as subordinate ones. Sandstones and shales were deposited on different parts of a submarine fan. Thick-bedded sandstones are typical for channels, while thin-bedded sequences are connected with depositional lobes. Different types of sedimentary structures are well visible. Thick-bedded sandstones are fractionally bedded and horizontally laminated. Convolutions, horizontal lamination and cross lamination occur commonly in thin-bedded intercalations. Current marks, crescent marks and other mechanical hieroglyphs can be observed on the bottom of many layers. The sequences of these structures are related to different types of gravity currents. Trace fossils are represented by several taxons, especially by Zoophycos, Taphrheminthopsis and Scolicia. They indicated the living conditions and colonization of sea floor by animals.
Literature:
DŻUŁYŃSKI S., SIMPSON F. 1966–Influence of bottom irregularities and transported tools upon experimental scour markings. Rocznik Pol. Tow. Geol. 36, 3: 285-294. DŻUŁYŃSKI S., WALTON E.K. 1965–Sedimentary features of flysch and greywackes. Elsevier Publ. Amsterdam, 274 pp. KSIĄŻKIEWICZ M. 1961–Life conditions in Flysch Basins. Rocznik Pol. Tow. Geol. 31, 1: 3-21. KSIĄŻKIEWICZ M. 1961–On some sedimentary structures of the Carpathian Flysch. Rocznik Pol. Tow. Geol. 31, 1: 37-46. RODZINKA J. 2003–Protection of sedimentary structures in the flysch of the Magura Unit in Zawoja (English sum.). Chrońmy Przyr. Ojcz. 59, 4: 39-52. UNRUG R. 1969–Przewodnik geologiczny po zachodnich Karpatach (Polish only). Wyd. Geol.