The Zechstein basin with emphasis on carbonate sequences

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The Upper Permian Zechstein basin of Central and North-Western Europe has long served as a classic model for the chemical precipitation of evaporites. Initially, the focus on chemical processes overshadowed sedimentary aspects, similar to trends in other ancient carbonate/evaporite basins. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of viewing evaporites as sediments, leading to a surge in sedimentological research. Notably, the Miocene Mediterranean basin and the Upper Silurian Michigan basin have garnered significant attention. This volume discusses a third ancient carbonate/evaporite basin often referenced alongside the others. The Zechstein evaporite series, which can exceed 1500 m in thickness, is situated between red clastic deposits from the Upper Rotliegendes and Buntsandstein deposits. Its cyclic nature allows for easy correlation of Zechstein members across the basin, suggesting that findings from specific sites may have broader implications. While limited well-exposed outcrops exist, most data comes from subsurface studies, facilitating sedimentary modeling. Initially, a synthesis of Zechstein sedimentology was planned, but despite advancements in understanding sedimentary evolution, diagenesis, and depositional environments, many significant issues remain unresolved, prompting new questions.