Abstract
Algal oncolites are regarded as indicators of shallow-water environment and the size of oncolitic forms is often regarded as an indication of turbulence: the bigger the forms, the stronger the turbulence assumed. Similar environmental significance is also usually ascribed to foraminiferal-algal oncolites. The well-known example of foraminiferal-algal oncolite is Osagia, which was ascertained by Johnson (1946, p. 1103) as being composed of intergrown blue-green algae (Porostromata) and encrusting foraminifera. Osagia is often regarded as environmental index fossil and clear, shallow (0–10 feet), warm, gently agitated water is assumed. There is no doubt that such interpretation is an overgeneralization. This is shown by two other examples of foraminiferal-algal oncolites: soft delicate “tender” oncolites from the Zechstein Limestone (Upper Permian) and Sphaerocodium from the Alpine Triassic.
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Peryt, T.M. (1977). Environmental Significance of Foraminiferal-Algal Oncolites. In: Flügel, E. (eds) Fossil Algae. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-66516-5_5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-66516-5_5
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