TAPHONOMY OF LOWER CARBONIFEROUS CRINOIDS FROM THE HOOK HEAD FORMATION, IRELAND

Lower Carboniferous strata at Hook Head, County Wexford, Ireland, record tempestite deposition on a mixed carbonate and siliciclastic shelf-ramp. Crinoidal remains occur in all facies, which allows for a comparative taphonomic analysis of crinoid preservation. Preservation of crinoid crowns was controlled by a balance between mean storm intensity and frequency. The best preservation occurs at moderate depths. Taphonomic resistance among Hook Head crinoids is interpreted as follows (from most to least resistant to disarticulation): monobathrid camerates - cladids - diplobathrid camerates - flexibles (with Platycrinites and Dichocrinus disarticulation more like cladids).