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Microhermal nodules of Renalcis-like calcimicrobes from Oxfordian limestones of the Sierra Madre Oriental (Novillo Formation, Mexico)

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Abstract

Microhermal nodules very similar to those from the Oxfordian Smackover Formation are volumetrically important constituents of the Novillo Formation exposed in eastern Central Mexico. The nodules occur within a micritic limestone succession (Novillo Limestone). Coalescence of adjacent nodules leads to a delicate self-supported frame. Microhermal nodules consist of both microbial carbonate and clustered digitate and branching chambered microfossils. The latter occur in the form of crust-like agglomerations or bushy growth habit in small growth-framework cavities created by accretionary microbialites. Main growth patterns are branching upward, downward facing and pendant. Like Renalcis, the microfossils apparently resulted from the activity of calcimicrobes. Terebella, encrusting foraminifers, and Tubiphytes form part of the microhermal biota and occur as subordinate faunal components. The association developed on the floor of a calm, shallow-marine lagoon with restricted water interchange and reduced oxygenation at the sediment–water interface.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Felix Schlagintweit (Munich) for his opinion on the similarities between tubular microorganisms and Sgrossoella as well as Cretacicladus. Reinhold Leinfelder (Berlin) provided copies of rare literature. Special thanks to the reviewers Oliver Weidlich (Al-Khod, Sultanate of Oman) and Daniel Kopaska-Merkel (Alabama University, Tuscaloosa, USA) for their valuable comments which helped to improve the paper.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Elbinger Weg 39, 30938, Burgwedel, Germany

    Rudolf Fischer

  2. Institut für Geologie, Mineralogie und Geophysik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany

    Dieter Michalzik

  3. Schillstraße 19, 31141, Hildesheim, Germany

    Carsten Helm

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  1. Rudolf Fischer
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  2. Dieter Michalzik
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  3. Carsten Helm
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Correspondence to Carsten Helm.

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Fischer, R., Michalzik, D. & Helm, C. Microhermal nodules of Renalcis-like calcimicrobes from Oxfordian limestones of the Sierra Madre Oriental (Novillo Formation, Mexico). Facies 53, 239–248 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10347-006-0099-4

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