ABSTRACT
The Permian red bed succession (Oberrotliegend = Michelbach formation) of the Baden-Baden basin in SW-Germany is interpreted here as the sedimentary record of an ancient inland sabkha within an intermontane setting. The palaeoclimate is thought to have been of a (semi)-arid nature. However, periodic to episodic flooding of the sabkha floor must be assumed, based on fossiliferous layers (argillites with conchostracans among other organic remains). Certain lithological intercalations (dolomites and quartz) along with distinct mineralogical constituents (chlorite, newly formed K-feldspar) of the sandstones suggest a complex interaction of mineral solution and precipitation by means of terrestrial groundwater movement. A qualitative model of the diagenetic history of the rock suite is presented.
