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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 55 (1971)

Issue: 2. (February)

First Page: 362

Last Page: 362

Title: Algal Mudstone Mounds in Morrowan Stage (Lower Pennsylvanian) in Northeastern Oklahoma: ABSTRACT

Author(s): T. L. Rowland

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

The middle of the Morrowan Stage is marked by the development of an algal carbonate mudstone. The area of exposure covers 700 sq mi in northeastern Oklahoma with a maximum development of 60 ft in the southwestern 30 sq mi of the outcrop. A broad algal bank and smaller algal mounds developed within the area of maximum thickness, on the southwestern margin of the Ozark uplift. This area has high faunal diversity and the bank is cut irregularly by channels of skeletal sandstone. Northeastward, the faunal diversity of the unit is low, and the mudstone thins owing to replacement by skeletal grainstones and shale.

The algal mounds are up to 6 ft high and 10 ft across. The core material consists of Archaeolithophylum and Cuneiphycus mudstone and boundstone, whereas the flank and intermound material consists of coarse skeletal packstone and wackestone. Influx of fine terrigenous clastics occurred during formation of this unit, as shale is present in small thin streaks and pockets. Locally, oolitic packstones and beds of algal oncoliths are found in the top. The mudstone is encompassed between skeletal grainstone throughout the areas of exposure.

The overall dearth of skeletal debris, abundance of algae, occurrence of stromatolite-type boundstone, burrowing, and occurrence of dolomite indicate that the mudstone was formed in a shallow subtidal or tidal-flat environment. Abundant recrystallization of matrix mud to microspar and pseudospar has taken place, and dolomite, ferroan dolomite, and siderite are present locally as replacement of skeletal debris and mud matrix.

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