Low-Energy, Muddy Platform-Interior Depositional Environments

Enos (1983) defined the low-energy platform-interior environment in the modern record as restricted shelf, bay, or lagoon. He noted, however, that in the ancient record, these terms are used loosely for any low-energy, shallow-water carbonates, if a barrier can be shown seaward. Sediments are dominated by burrowed skeletal muds and muddy sands, with common peloids and skeletal grains.

In modern carbonate environments, sea grass is very common.

. Aerial view of platform-interior, low-energy, muddy subtidal environment in Florida Bay. Dark areas are clumps of sea grass.

Burrowing organisms destroy any hydrodynamic sedimentary structures.

Subtidal, low-energy, muddy sand with sea grass and mud shrimp burrows.

Green algae are major sediment producers in this environment.

Subtidal, low-energy, muddy sand with the green algae Penicillus and Halimeda.

Subtidal, low-energy, muddy sand with sea grass and the green algae  Penicillus.

Rock Types

Common rock types from this environment are wackestones and packstones, showing bioturbation. Fauna commonly reflect level of restriction within the platform interior.

Click on thumbnails below for a detailed photo example with caption.

Tuscasid rudist packstone   Burrowed lime packstone   Burrowed skeletal lime packstone   Crinoid lime wackestone

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