Latest Ladinian–Early Carnian radiolarian assemblages from the Zlošnica section (Zlatar Mt., SW Serbia): biostratigraphic implications

Abstract

The upper part of the Nova Varoš Formation (Late Longobardian) and the Zlošnica Formation (Late Longobardian to Early Carnian) are exposed in the valley of the Zlošnica River (Zlatar Mt. area) as a radiolarite‐carbonate succession more than 50 m thick. The lower part of the section (uppermost part of the Nova Varoš Formation) is characterized by a radiolarian assemblage containing Muelleritortis cochleata (NAKASEKO & NISHIMURA) and Tritortis kretaensis (KOZUR & KRAHL). Their co‐occurence indicates the upper part of the Muelleritortis cochleata Zone (Latest Ladinian). The upper part of section (Zlošnica Formation) is characterized by an assemblage belonging to the Early Carnian Tritortis kretaensis Zone. The Early Carnian succession of the Zlošnica section was deposited in a basin situated between the Wetterstein Carbonate Platform of the Drina–Ivanjica Unit to the east and the Wetterstein Carbonate Platform of the East–Bosnian Durmitor Megaunit to the west. This succession records a short‐lived, newly formed intraplatform basin that developed between rapidly prograding carbonate platforms during the Early Carnian.