Commune: Czarny Dunajec (pow. nowotarski, woj. małopolskie)
Framework element or context represented:
Stratigraphy and sedimentology of Neogene molasse formation.
Primary geological/geomorphological interest:
Gravels with plant remains, alluvial fan.
Comparative assessment justification:
Unique sequence of Neogene deposits with plants.
Protection status and accessibility:
Projected documentary site of inanimate nature.
Character of site: Natural outcrop.
Area: 2 ha
Altitude: 620-735 m a.s.l.
Lithology: sandstones, conglomerates, breccias, gravels, silts, clays
Discipline: Palaeobiology, Geomorphology, Stratigraphy of Phanerozoic
Process Age: *all periods
Bedrock Age: Pleistocene, Quaternary, Neogene, *all periods
Description of primary interest:
Conglomerates and gravels intercalated by muds and clays with plant remains are outcropped in gorge at south-eastern slope of Domański Wierch. The whole profile is composed of twelve complexes. Two main types of sediments can be distinguished. Gravels and conglomeratesbelong to the first one. Pebbles of Podhale Flysch sandstones are the main components of these conglomerates. Fragments of other sedimentary and crystalline rocks occur rarely. The gravels are sometimes cementated by carbonate sandstones. Sedimentary structures connected with flowing water are commonly noted. Complexes of gravels and conglomerates are intercalated by muddy and clayey layers. Single pebbles of sandstones can be observed in these horizons. Plant remains are commonly found in muds and clays. The taxonomical composition indicates the occurrence of the shallow lakes. The composition of gravels changes in the uppermost part of the Domański Wierch series. In the lower part the pebbles of sandstones of Podhale Flysch prevail. Higher up they are gradually replaced by Tatra granite and quartzite.
Literature:
BAUMGARD-KOTARBA M. 1992–The geomorphological evolution of the intramontane Orawa Basin associated with neotectonic movements (Polish Carpathians). Stud. Geomorph. Carp-Balc. 25-26: 3-28. OSZAST J. 1973–The Pliocene profile of Domański Wierch near Czarny Dunajec in the light of palynological investigations (Western Carpathians, Poland). Acta Palaeobotanica 14, 1: 1-42.