STANDARDIZED CHARACTERIZATION OF ORGANOGENIC ECO‑MORPHOSTRUCTURES: A CASE STUDY OF THE MIDDLE MIOCENE ECO‑MORPHODYNAMIC SYSTEM OF THE MEDOBORY- TOUTRAS RIDGE (PODILLYA, WESTERN UKRAINE)

Abstract

This paper presents a standardized approach to the characterization of organogenic eco‑morphostructures based on the analysis of the Middle Miocene eco‑morphodynamic system of the Medobory-Toutras ridge, a unique segment of the Upper Badenian-Lower Sarmatian barrier reef of the Central Paratethys. The reef complex, composed of organogenic and organo-detrital limestones, formed in a shallow‑marine coastal environment 13–14 Ma and has been preserved due to the differential resistance of its constituent rocks to erosion. Its modern morphostructure includes the main ridge – massive reef, lateral and isolated biotherm masssve, as well as fore‑reef and back‑reef facies elements that reflect the genetic conditions of reef development. The integration of stratigraphic, paleogeographic, and morphodynamic characteristics of the reef system enables the identification of key criteria for the standardized description of organogenic eco‑morphostructures, including their internal architecture, age constraints, facies-ecological zoning, and degree of preservation. The Medobory-Toutras system is considered a model natural object combining high geomorphological integrity, ecosystem diversity, and significant scientific and geotouristic value. The proposed standardized framework can be applied to the typification of organogenic reef morphostructures in other regions and to the unification of their geological and geomorphological evaluation.