Commune: Łabowa (pow. nowosądecki, woj. małopolskie)
Framework element or context represented:
The sequence with stratotype, very important in the framework of litho- and biostratigraphy of Carpathian flysch.
Primary geological/geomorphological interest:
The stratotype of the Łabowa Shale Formation, reference section of the Beloveza Formation within the Magura Unit, deep and narrow valley.
Comparative assessment justification:
Unique locality of Early Eocene stratotype of the Magura Unit-Bystrica Subunit.
Protection status and accessibility:
Proposed geological reserve.
Character of site: Natural outcrops.
Area: 36 ha
Altitude: 500 m a.s.l.
Lithology: shales, silstones, claystones
Discipline: Palaeobiology, Geomorphology, Palaeoenvironment, Stratigraphy of Phanerozoic
Process Age: Holocene, *all periods
Bedrock Age: Paleogene, *all periods
Description of primary interest:
The site is of a standard importance for litho- and biostratigraphy of a lower part of the Early Eocene deposits in the Bystrica Subunit of the Magura Unit. Both the type locality of Łabowa Shale Formation (rich in fossils — foraminifera, nannoplankton) and the reference section of the variegated argillo-silty deposits abundant in trace fossils and current markings of the Beloveza Formation are accessible in many spots in the floor and at the banks of the stream valley. The Łabowa Shale (about 50 m thick) are steeply folded. The sequence consists of alternated, differing in colour, layers of shales and marly mudstones. At the bottom of this sequence there are Inoceramus beds (with prevailing thick-bedded sandstones interlaminated with clayey shales) and at the top — deposits of the reference section of the Beloveza Formation. The Łabowa Shale Formation, abundant in foraminifera (the geotop of assemblage with Glomospira) and nannoplankton, is an important stratigraphic level of Early Eocene in the Outer Carpathians. The landscape of the deep, narrow and crooked valley additionally increases the value of this area. Fragments of slopes are destroyed by advanced erosional and sliding processes.
Literature:
ALEXANDROWICZ Z. (ed), MARGIELEWSKI W., URBAN J., GONERA M. 1996–Geoconservation of the Beskid Sądecki Mountains and the Sącz Basin, Polish Carpathians (English sum.). Stud. Naturae 42: 1-148. ALEXANDROWICZ Z., POPRAWA D., RĄCZKOWSKI W. 1999–Stratotypes and other important geosites of the Polish Carpathians. Pol. Geol. Inst., Spec. Papers, 2: 33-46. DUDZIAK J. 1991–Age of Paleogene deposits in the Bistrica Subunit (Magura Nappe, Polish Carpathians) based on calcareous nannoplankton. Bull. Pol. Acad. Sci., Earth Sci. 39: 331-341. OSZCZYPKO N. 1991– Stratigraphy of the Paleogene deposits of the Bystrica Subunit (Magura Nappe, Polish Outer Carpathians). Bull. Pol. Acad. Sci., Earth Sci. 39: 415-431. OSZCZYPKO N., WĘCŁAWIK S., UCHMAN A. 1992–Wycieczka B.1.2. Łabowa-Potok Uhryń (Polish only). In: W. Zuchiewicz, N. Oszczypko (Eds) – Przewod. 63 Zjazdu Pol. Tow. Geol. Wyd. Pol. Tow. Geol.: 113-115. Kraków. UCHMAN A. 1992–Trace fossils of the Eocene thin- and medium-bedded flysch of the Bystrica Zone of the Magura Nappe, in Poland (English sum.). Prz. Geol. 40, 7: 430-435.