Badenian and Sarmatian beds in excavation pit for the hydroelectric power plant Brežice, Slovenia

Abstract

Geological prospection of partly accessible constructional pit for the hydroelectric power plant (HPP) Brežice was performed. Paleontological content and sediment-petrographic characteristics of rocks were investigated. Neogene part of the succession consists of carbonate silt and siltstone with intercalations of carbonate and silicate sandstone, and polymict sandstone to conglomerate. Based on foraminifera, ostracods, molluscs and marine mammals, the Upper Badenian and Lower Sarmatian age of beds and boundary between them have been determined. The transition is characterized by a shorter break in sedimentation and environmental change. Fossil fids indicate that salinity and depth of sedimentary basin were oscilating in Sarmatian, but in general decreasing. Quaternary cover beds consist of gravelly, sandy and silty deposits of the Sava River.

Keywords

• foraminifera
• ostracoda
• mollusca
• clastic sediments
• Badenian
• Sarmatian
• Central Paratethys
• HPP Brežice
• Slovenia