Aspects of the depositional environment and palaeoecology of crinoidal limestones

Synopsis The paper summarises the limited literature on crinoid ecology and palaeoecology and attempts to interpret the depositional environment of certain British crinoidal sediments in the light of experimental observations. Three types of crinoidal limestone are recognised: muddy limestones deposited in shallow, sheltered waters; poorly washed limestones formed in deeper, open conditions; and clean-washed limestones which may derive in part from the reworking of one or other of the first two types.