Lithofacies variability and facies analysis of a Givetian reef in the southwestern Lahn Syncline (Rhenish Massif, Germany)

Abstract A 200 m thick drill core penetrating the Givetian Hahnstätten Reef in southwestern Lahn Syncline (Rhenish Massif) was investigated. range of different depositional environments is described based on lithofacies and microfacies analysis. All all, nine types (FTs) are distinguished, which can include subfacies types. The majority these ultrapure carbonates represented by lime mudstone fenestral microbialites, all pointing to shallow subtidal, intertidal even supratidal low-energy palaeoenvironments. In contrast, more high-energy parts reef were dominated bioclastic rubble deposits (e.g. rudstone). Autochthonous, reef-building bafflestone framestone. Diversity building organisms (stromatoporoids corals) low Stachyodes , Actinostroma Stromatopora Thamnopora alveolitids, respectively. Other bioclasts brachiopods, gastropods, ostracods, foraminifera, echinoderms, trilobites, conodonts descending order. Development interpreted as having been controlled mainly synsedimentary tectonics volcanism with contributions from eustasy. occurrence Stringocephalus burtini entire section conodont findings, provide precise biostratigraphic data confirm an early middle age ( Polygnathus rhenanus/varcus Zone ansatus Zone) succession. average quality lies at 97.68% CaO (excl. loss ignition), 70% ranging between 98% 99% CaO. This extremely high purity makes it difficult identify correlations geochemical data.