Microfacies, foraminifers and carbon and oxygen isotopes in a basinal section of the Zechstein Limestone (Wuchiapingian): Bonikowo 2 borehole, western Poland

The Zechstein Limestone of the Bonikowo 2 borehole is composed of limestone with varied dolomite content and is slightly thicker (3.4 m) than other supposed condensed sections in SW Poland. The microfacies (mostly bioclastic wackestones-packstones) are characteristic of open marine limestone deposited in deep shelf environments. The common occurrence of echinoids in all parts of the section, except close to its top, indicates no essential change in sea water salinity. However, the palaeotemperature interpretation of the highest δ18O value of calcite recorded in the Bonikowo 2 borehole (+0.32‰) indicates a temperature of 22.9°C when a δ18O of water = 2‰ is assumed. The δ13C and δ18O curves for calcite and dolomite are similar in shape, and their mean values are similar: +1.8 ±1.5‰ for calcite, respectively, and +1.9 ±2.3‰ and –4.3 ±2.4‰, –3.8 ±4.3‰ for dolomite. There is a recrystallized interval in the lower part of the section with both δ13C and δ18O values reduced. This may be regarded as an aerobic equivalent of the Kupferschiefer. The diversity and abundance of foraminifers is significant throughout the section studied; lagenids prevail, and this is considered to be due to the dysaerobic conditions throughout the duration of deposition of the Zechstein Limestone.