Low-Energy, Muddy Platform-Interior Depositional Environments

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

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 Halimedia.

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

Rock Types

The common rock types from this environment are wackestones and packstones showing bioturbation. The fauna commonly reflect the level of restriction within the platform interior.

Click on the 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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