The Oxfordian carbonate platform of Lorraine: evidences for an opening toward the Germanic Sea

The study of sedimentary facies in the quarry of Dompcevrin (Middle Oxfordian) located northwestward of St-Mihiel (Meuse department) provides evidences of high-energy depositional conditions. The occurrence of beaches associated with hurricane coral breccias containing megaclasts is characteristic of platform edge environments. The open sea was located northeastward, in the direction of Germany, as it is indicated by the direction of progradation of beaches. It is concluded that the Oxfordian carbonate platform of Lorraine was opened to the northeast toward the Germanic Sea during the Middle Oxfordian. To cite this article: C. Carpentier et al., C. R. Geoscience 336 (2004). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]