Carbonate factory of Pietra di Finale coastal wedge (Miocene): the unusual abundance of stylasterids (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa)

Abstract This work focuses on the carbonate factories constituting Pietra di Finale Fm cropping out in Ligurian Alps. unit constituted a mixed carbonate–siliciclastic coastal wedge developed during Middle Miocene. The characterizing of clearly differ from those systems and platforms developing Miocene elsewhere Mediterranean area. Here, Alps, euphotic factory does not show any evidence seagrass meadows coral bioconstructions. Zooxanthellate corals are present only as skeletal debris associated with abundant stylasterids. In mesophotic oligophotic zones, typical biota red algae larger benthic foraminifers strongly reduced. shows an unusual abundance stylasterids, classically interpreted deep-water biota. However, this example, absence low-energy textures other components suggest shallow-water origin, probably eu- or zone. stylasterids colonized hard substrates available were successively removed resedimented to form fraction Finale. is restricted particular limited situations Mediterranean, thus suggesting that their abnormal development controlled by local rather than global factors.