Abstract:

The Neoproterozoic Zhaowei Formation in Xuzhou consists of 4 units, i.e., oolitic unit, tempestite unit，stromatolitic
unit and dolomite unit. The stromatolitic unit was subdivided into A and B parts. The tempestites, which abate from early to later
stages, alternate with non-tempestites in the vertical section. Some typical sedimentary symbols of tempestite sediments were
developed in this zone such as hummocky cross stratification(HCS), flush-filling structure, cut structure, organic reef-cutting
structures, calcrudites, graded bed and so on. Four kinds of tempestites sequences were summarized according to the vertical
sequence types, structures and sediment characteristics. The distribution of tempestites was also summarized. The discovery of
tempestites is helpful to interpret the sedimentary environment. According to the distribution of tempestites and the lithologic
characteristics, the authors suggest that the sedimentary environments the Zhaowei Formation were successively shoals- landward
shallow subtidal zone- open carbonate platform- restricted carbonate platform- tidal flat or lagoon and the climate during the
deposition was warm and arid. Frequent storms occurred due to the relatively low palaeolatitude during the deposition.

Key words: Neoproterozoic Era, Zhaowei Formation, tempestites, Jiangsu Province