Trace fossils and ichnofabrics on the Lower Muschelkalk carbonate ramp (Triassic) of Germany: tool for high-resolution sequence stratigraphy

In the German Triassic of Thuringia, the Lower Muschelkalk sequence can be subdivided by application of ichnological methods. Three ichnofacies with five ichnofabrics are described. In accordance with the lithological features, trace fossils are found to defining parasequences on the basis of a regular change of bioturbation. Furthermore, it is possible to establish deepening-upward cycles. The reconstruction of parasequences allows the establishment of a high-resolution sequence stratigraphy. The position of the maximum flooding surface can be identified in the Terebratula Member and is developed in a condensed interval. The most significant of the additional major marine flooding surfaces is found at the top of the Upper Oolith Bed, characterized by lithostratigraphy, ichnology, biostratigraphy and parasequence thickness trends.