Abstract:

As the result of “punctuated aggradational cycle” mechanism of sedimentary processes, the integrated define of “meter-scale cycle” indicates that cyclostratigraphy has entered the main stream of stratigraphic practice, since the formation of meter-scale cycle can be interpreted as the product of the Milankovitch cycles. As a typical example of peritidal carbonate meter-scale cycle, the “Wumishan cyclothem” is famous for its approximately symmetrical lithofacies succession, which can replace the “Lofer cyclothem”, and can characterize the cyclic carbonate sedimentation. Ultimately, the “Wumishan cyclothem” becomes an important mark of stratigraphic texture for the very thick stromatolite carbonate succession of the Precambrian. Therefore, the “Wumishan cyclothem” not only is a typical example of carbonate meter-scale cycle, but also implies very clear Milankovitch cycle properties, and it further illustrates that meter-scale cycle can replace parasequence, because parasequence is an incomplete concept within the concept system on sequence stratigraphy.