New biostratigraphic data on the Ropianka Formation in the Przemy?l area (Skole Nappe, Polish Outer Carpathians) - a clue to understanding the timing of exotic material redeposition

The geology of the Carpathian orogen in the Przemy & sacute;l area presents a diverse array of rock ages and tectonics. However, due to complicated tectonic settings and limited outcrops, establishing the precise ages of selected sections and their structural arrangement is challenging. A particularly contentious aspect is the uncertain age of the exotic-bearing layers in the region, with previous age dates ranging from Neocomian to Miocene, leading to significant age discrepancies even for the same sections. Therefore, the need for well-defined age determinations is crucial. To address this issue this study aimed to establish the exact biostratigraphic position of selected sections in the northern part of the Skole Nappe, specifically within the Ropianka Formation developed as marly and silty deposits with carbonate sandstones and exotic material including large olistoliths. Plankton and calcareous benthic foraminifera from studied outcrops indicate the lower upper Maastrichtian, embracing the interval of the Racemiguembelina fructicosa and lower part of the Abathomphalus mayaroensis zones. Additionally, a re-evaluation of data of Bukowy and Geroch (1956) from the Iwanowa Hill section pointed to its late Maastrichtian age, not as previously noted the early Maastrichtian. Based on new biostratigraphic data the deposits of the Zielonka section are here reclassified to belong to the Leszczyny Member, debunking their previous affiliation to the Paleocene Wola Korzeniecka Member, as proposed by Gucik (in Geroch et al., 1988). The studied sections seem to mark the lower age limit of the redeposition of exotic material cropping out in the marginal part of the Gruszowa-Pra & lstrok;kowce Thrust Sheet.