SEQUENCE-STRATIGRAPHIC FRAMEWORK OF THE GERMAN TRIASSIC

The sequence stratigraphic methodology can be readily applied to the cratonic basin-fill of the classic German Triassic. consisting of shallow-marine to terrestrial mixed carbonate/siliclastic rocks. The whole Triassic succession represents a second-order transgression/regression cycle, built by third-order depositional sequences, systems tracts, and parasequences. Many bounding surfaces represent widely used marker beds, long used in classical lithostratigraphy. Using a synthesis of outcrop, well-log and literature data on stratal geometry, facies, cycle stacking patterns and paleogeography, a regional chart of coastal onlap was constructed. Within the limitations of the presently available biostratigraphic data, the observed cycles appear to correlate fairly well with those in other areas, but include a number of additional sequences not included in the Haq et al. (1988) chart. Comparative analysis of regional onlap curves from different, globally spread Triassic basins, together with an improved biostratigraphy will be necessary to relate the accommodation changes to eustatic versus tectonic and climatic controls and to produce a refined eustatic chart. The German Basin could provide a favourable reference point for such an analysis.