Muschelkalk-Synopsis Completed

Volume 1 describes methods and terminology, the present-day Muschelkalk outcrop, palaeogeographic structures and climate of the Middle Triassic depositional area, duration and time correlation of the Muschelkalk, and palaeobiogeographic relations with the Tethys. Historical aspects of Muschelkalk stratigraphy and palaeontology, fossil communities, trace fossils and reptile tracks have chapters of their own. In ten chapters, the biostratigraphically useful fossils are described, in the first line cephalopods, conodonts, and palynomorphs, but also other invertebrates and vertebrates. A special focus is on the formalised descriptions of the lithostratigraphic units of the Muschelkalk Group and its three subgroups with 19 formations and 45 members, and marker beds. The chapters about cycle types and cycle hierarchies and their relevance for the time calibration of the Muschelkalk and on regional facies delineate a clear idea of the dynamic of the Central European Basin and its changing sediment fillings during the Middle Triassic. Further chapters deal with geochemistry, mineralogy, isotopes, and log stratigraphy.

Volume 2 comprises 15 plus 5 chapters about the regional peculiarities of stratigraphy, facies and fossil content in the surface and subsurface Muschelkalk areas in Germany and the neighbouring countries. Series of sections, and maps, countless outcrop and facies pictures illustrate the texts. In sections and tables, the new lithostratigraphic units are correlated with the traditional units, thus facilitating the use of earlier literature. One chapter is on the Middle Triassic Tethyan stratigraphy of the Northern Calcareous Alps in Bavaria. Eventually, the Muschelkalk mineral raw materials limestone, gypsum, anhydrite, and rock salt and the building stones with their regional distribution and peculiarities are presented. The volume is finished by tables correlating the lithostratigraphic acronyms with the traditional codes used by the geological surveys, and by a comprehensive outcrop and deep boring list that provides geographic coordinates and stratigraphic data.