The cryogenian balcanoona reef complexes of the northern flinders ranges: Implications for neoproterozoic ocean chemistry

Abstract

The Cryogenian Balcanoona reef complexes of South Australia consist of several dolomite platforms with well-defined backreef, reef margin and slope/basinal facies. The mature platforms have prograded large distances into the basin (>. 15. km) and have high relief margins (over 1. km of relief at the platform margin). Backreef facies are dominantly ooidal-peloidal grainstones with abundant tepees and marine cemented sheet cavities. The reef margin facies consists of upper stromatolitic boundstones and, where present, deeper water non-stromatolitic chambered and clotted boundstones. The deepwater chambered and clotted boundstones grew on near vertical escarpments below 150. m paleo-water depth..