Processes controlling eocene mid-latitude larger foraminifera accumulations: Modelling of the stratigraphic architecture of a fore-arc basin (PodhaleBasin, Poland)

A model for the stratigraphic architecture of the Eocene strata of the Podh ale Basin has been developed (Poland, Western Carpathians). Generally, the sedimentation of the basin was controlled by eustatic sea-level changes, an d fort-are spreading in a convergent regime related to the infratatric subd uction. During the studied stratigraphic interval the former factor dominat ed the tectonics. Sedimentation took place during three distinct intervals (composite sequences), which are correlated with the Upper Lutetian/Lower B artonian, the Middle/Upper Bartonian and the Lower/Upper Priabonian stages. The first two were studied in detail, the third was evaluated on the basis of published data. In the first composite sequence a TST was developed, in the second composite sequence we could distinguish LST, TST, HST and SMST' s. Surprisingly, a mass-occurrence of heterosteginids occurred during tempe rate conditions and higher trophic levels in the SMST. In contrast, a lower trophic level and warmer conditions are indicated in the third composite s equence by Nummulites fabianii. Our sequence-stratigraphic data correlate w ell with the corresponding implications from a recently published composite oxygen isotope record for the Cenozoic.