Zurich Formation

Code
SLDZ
Status
Formal (Van Adrichem Boogaert & Kouwe 1993).
Lithological description

Predominantly fine-grained interval of grey, sandy to silty mudstones with thin intercalated sand, carbonate and coal beds, occasionally fossiliferous and/or sideritic. Intercalated carbonate beds are rarely encountered. In the Central Netherlands Basin, the formation appears to be slightly sandier, but also developed in a more calcareous lower part and a coaly upper part. In the Vlieland Basin, the formation also contains volcanclastic deposits.

Depositional setting

Muddy coastal-plain, by settling from suspension during floodings. Thin sand sheets formed by crevasses, washovers, short transgressions and small-scale fluvial channels.

Definition of lower boundary

Often unconformably overlies the Lower Buntsandstein Formation or the Zechstein Group.

Definition of upper boundary

Often conformable underlies the Scruff Greensand Formation or Kimmeridge Clay Formation, Wadden Volcaniclastic Member; or unconformable underlies the Vlieland Sandstone Formation.

Thickness indication
Up to 456 m (VHZ-01).
Geographical distribution
Regional correlation
UK: Cromer Knoll Group; GER: ?; BEL: -.
Age
late Kimmeridgian - Valanginian.
Holostratotype
Well:
Depth (thickness) AH:
1773 - 2054 m (281 m)
Parastratotype
Well:
Depth (thickness) AH:
2504 - 2512 m (8 m)
Origin of name
Named after the village Zurich near the coast of the province of Friesland.
Previous name(s)
None.
Reviewed by (date)
Sander Houben (2017).
References
Van Adrichem Boogaert, H.A. & Kouwe, W.F.P. 1993. Stratigraphic nomenclature of The Netherlands; revision and update by RGD and NOGEPA, Section G, Upper Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous. Mededelingen Rijks Geologische Dienst, 50, 1-80..
Cite as
TNO-GDN ([YEAR]). Zurich Formation. In: Stratigraphic Nomenclature of the Netherlands, TNO – Geological Survey of the Netherlands. Accessed on [DATE] from https://www.dinoloket.nl/en/stratigraphic-nomenclature/zurich-formation.