A New Interpretation of the Corallian (Upper Jurassic) Cycles of the Dorset Coast,Southern England

The Corallian Group of the Dorset coast is reinterpreted as representing four regressive–transgressive cycles in contrast to previous interpretations which recognized four asymmetric regressive cycles. Each regressive sequence is separated at its top from each transgressive sequence by a sharp erosional contact. Overall, the regressive, coarsening-up sequences are characterized by relatively low faunal diversity, dominantly vertical burrows, relatively coarse sediments with cross-bedding and swaley cross-stratification, and the diagenesis predominantly influenced by meteoric water. In comparison, the transgressive, fining-up sequences are generally characterized by relatively high faunal diversity, dominantly horizontal burrows, basal lag deposits (1–2m in thickness) overlying a sharp, erosional surface, followed by clay or nodular wackestone and dominantly deep burial diagenesis. The consistence of the four regressive-transgressive cycles with the eustatic sea-level curve suggests that the sedimentary cycles of the Corallian outcrops may have been mainly produced by the eustatic sea-level changes. Tectonic movements may have been important in generating localized unconformity, relatively coarse clastic sediment influxes and rapid lateral facies variations. The recognition of storm- and tidally-related sedimentary features suggests that the Corallian Group of the Dorset coast may have been deposited in a storm- and tidally-influenced shallow epicontinental shelf.