Geologic Frame of Palaeozoic Reefs in Austria with Special Emphasis on Devonian Reef-architecture of the Graz Palaeozoic
by Bernhard Hubmann, Thomas J. Suttner & Fritz Messner
Abstract: The recognition of Palaeozoic reefs and reef-related deposition within
Austria's borders has a long tradition. These developments are reviewed in stratigraphic schemes representing all non-metamorphic units of Austria. Generally all Palaeozoic strata suffered from various types of post-depositional loss, i. e. tectonic removal, dolomitization, metamorphic overprint, etc., during the Variscan and Alpidic orogenies, thus complicating or limiting their investigation.
Four phases in reefal development during the lower to middle/upper Devonian of
the Graz Palaeozoic are outlined: flat mounds constructed by branching stromatoporoids, coral-stromatoporoid biostromes, patch-reefs, and bioherms built up by compound rugose corals.
Key Words: Palaeozoic strata; Geologic frame; Development of reefs; Devonian of
Graz.
Joannea Geol. Paläont. 8: 47-72 (2006)
