四川盆地西部中二叠统白云岩/石的主要结构类型——兼论其与川东北上二叠统—三叠系白云岩/石的差异

白云岩/石的结构在白云岩成因研究中具有重要意义。四川盆地西部中二叠统栖霞组的白云岩具有与盆地东北部上二叠统长兴组-三叠系不同的结构:盆地西部中二叠统栖霞组除存在一部分斑状晶白云岩以外,总体上缺乏原始结构保存的白云岩,白云石具有特征的非平直晶面他形晶和鞍形晶,且晶体较大;盆地东北部上二叠统长兴组-三叠系非常发育原始结构保存的白云岩,结晶白云岩也以晶体较小的平直晶面自形晶-半自形晶为主。对碳酸盐岩中白云石含量的分布模式而言,盆地西部中二叠统栖霞组出现频率最高的是白云石含量40%~60%的过渡岩石类型,这是一种非经典的分布模式,而盆地东北部上二叠统长兴组-三叠系则缺乏这样的过渡岩石类型,出现频率最高的是白云石含量大于90%和小于10%的端元岩石类型,这是一种经典的分布模式。白云岩/石的结构特征的差异反映盆地西部中二叠统栖霞组白云岩较高的结晶温度、较低的流体Mg/Ca比值、较短的白云化作用持续时间和不彻底的回头白云化作用;盆地东北部上二叠统长兴组-三叠系则主要是相对低温的,高Mg/Ca比值海源流体的彻底白云化作用。     

川西北中二叠统栖霞组白云岩储层特征及控制因素

本文以四川盆地西北部钻井岩心及露头剖面样品的镜下岩石学特征为基础,以微区多参数实验分析数据为依据,对四川盆地西北部中二叠统栖霞组白云岩储层进行了研究。认为栖霞组白云岩储层类型主要为结晶型白云岩及残余颗粒型白云岩。储集空间主要为晶间孔、晶间溶孔、粒间孔、溶蚀孔洞以及裂缝。白云岩储层的发育主要受到沉积微相、早期白云石化作用、晚期白云石化作用、溶蚀作用以及构造作用等因素控制。其中浅滩沉积微相是储层形成的环境基础;早期白云石化作用是储层保存的重要条件;溶蚀作用及构造裂缝是储层改善的关键因素;而晚期白云石的生成则对储集空间有一定的破坏作用。     

四川盆地西部中二叠统栖霞组晶洞充填物特征与热液活动记录

热液环境在碳酸盐岩成岩作用中十分重要,MVT铅锌矿床和热液白云岩储层都与之有关。四川盆地西部中二叠统栖霞组普遍发育厘米级大小的晶洞,其充填物主要为晶体粗大的非平直晶面鞍形白云石,这些鞍形白云石经历了广泛的溶解作用,次生方解石充填于鞍形白云石溶解空间及其晶间孔隙中。本文在碳酸盐岩岩石学特征研究的基础上,测试了晶洞充填物的碳氧同位素组成、元素构成和包裹体均一化温度,结合川西中二叠统埋藏历史和二叠纪以来的非地热增温热事件,研究了晶洞充填物中鞍形白云石的沉淀与溶解流体,以及充填于鞍形白云石溶解空间和晶间孔隙中次生方解石的沉淀流体。研究表明:在作为晶洞充填物的碳酸盐矿物中,鞍形白云石和沉淀于白云石晶间、晶内的次生方解石具有显著不同的氧同位素组成和包裹体均一化温度,前者δ18O值-5.94‰～-4.35‰,包裹体均一化温度主要为110～210℃,后者δ18O值-10.34‰～-8.75‰,包裹体均一化温度主要为70～110℃,据此反演的鞍形白云石沉淀流体的δ18O值为+4‰～+14‰(SMOW),方解石相应值为-4‰～+5‰(SMOW),显示白云石是在高盐度和高温流体中沉淀的,方解石是在相对低盐度和低温流体中沉淀的;晶洞充填物的碳同位素分析表明,鞍形白云石和沉淀于白云石晶间和晶内的次生方解石的δ13C值大致分布在0.7‰～2.6‰的范围内,显著低于同期海水的δ13C值,两种碳酸盐矿物中的碳具有同期海水和深部CO2混合碳源的特征;中二叠世末东吴运动期间峨眉山玄武岩喷发时岩浆活动的热效应导致了当时处于浅埋藏环境的栖霞组地层中鞍形白云石的沉淀,而热事件后流体温度和盐度的同时降低则使得鞍形白云石溶解,同时伴随方解石沉淀在鞍形白云石溶解后的孔隙和晶间孔隙中。     

四川盆地东部茅口组白云岩成因: 来自岩石学、矿物学和地球化学的证据*

四川盆地中二叠统茅口组白云岩中蕴藏丰富的天然气资源,但是这套白云岩的成因多年来一直存在争议。盆地东部茅口组白云岩储集层多发育在茅三段中下部,纵向上厚度介于3.0~46.8 m之间,平面上沿北西—南东向基底断裂呈带状展布。野外和钻井岩心观察发现,白云岩内发育交织状张性裂缝,将岩石切割呈角砾状,裂缝多被粗晶方解石、白云石充填或半充填。根据围岩和裂缝中白云石晶体形貌和产出状态,在显微镜下识别出4类不同组构的白云石: 第1类为灰泥基质中“星散状”自形粉晶—细晶白云石; 第2类为半自形面状组构细晶白云石,呈他形—半自形镶嵌状; 第3类为具“雾心亮边”的自形晶面状组构细晶—粗晶白云石,具糖粒状结构,晶间孔隙发育; 第4类为脉体充填的粗晶鞍状双晶白云石。背散射照片显示前3类白云石的“雾心”部分晶面混浊、表面分布方解石残斑及微孔, 而第3类白云石的“亮边”部分与第4类鞍状粗晶白云石脉则晶体明亮、洁净、致密,属新生矿物。上述4类白云石的成分均具有富Ca和贫Fe、Mn、Sr的特点,MgO含量变化较大,其中前两类白云石MgO含量总体低于白云石标准计量,而后两类白云石的MgO含量则接近或略高于标准计量。岩石学、矿物学和地球化学特征表明:茅口组白云岩主要经历了2期白云化作用,初次白云化作用形成第1类、第2类白云石及“雾心”白云石,二次白云化作用形成“亮边”白云石和粗晶白云石脉体; 2期白云化作用均发生得很早,可能始于同沉积期至浅埋藏期。白云石原位微量元素和原位锶同位素分析表明,白云化作用流体具有混源的特点,流体可能由富Ca地下水以及与火山活动有关的热液混合而成。推测中二叠世末期峨眉山地幔柱的喷发引起四川盆地内基底断裂再次活动,造成茅口组内张性构造裂缝发育,这为白云化流体混合及运移提供了通道。     

四川盆地东部茅口组白云岩成因: 来自岩石学、矿物学和地球化学的证据*

四川盆地中二叠统茅口组白云岩中蕴藏丰富的天然气资源,但是这套白云岩的成因多年来一直存在争议。盆地东部茅口组白云岩储集层多发育在茅三段中下部,纵向上厚度介于3.0~46.8 m之间,平面上沿北西—南东向基底断裂呈带状展布。野外和钻井岩心观察发现,白云岩内发育交织状张性裂缝,将岩石切割呈角砾状,裂缝多被粗晶方解石、白云石充填或半充填。根据围岩和裂缝中白云石晶体形貌和产出状态,在显微镜下识别出4类不同组构的白云石: 第1类为灰泥基质中“星散状”自形粉晶—细晶白云石; 第2类为半自形面状组构细晶白云石,呈他形—半自形镶嵌状; 第3类为具“雾心亮边”的自形晶面状组构细晶—粗晶白云石,具糖粒状结构,晶间孔隙发育; 第4类为脉体充填的粗晶鞍状双晶白云石。背散射照片显示前3类白云石的“雾心”部分晶面混浊、表面分布方解石残斑及微孔, 而第3类白云石的“亮边”部分与第4类鞍状粗晶白云石脉则晶体明亮、洁净、致密,属新生矿物。上述4类白云石的成分均具有富Ca和贫Fe、Mn、Sr的特点,MgO含量变化较大,其中前两类白云石MgO含量总体低于白云石标准计量,而后两类白云石的MgO含量则接近或略高于标准计量。岩石学、矿物学和地球化学特征表明:茅口组白云岩主要经历了2期白云化作用,初次白云化作用形成第1类、第2类白云石及“雾心”白云石,二次白云化作用形成“亮边”白云石和粗晶白云石脉体; 2期白云化作用均发生得很早,可能始于同沉积期至浅埋藏期。白云石原位微量元素和原位锶同位素分析表明,白云化作用流体具有混源的特点,流体可能由富Ca地下水以及与火山活动有关的热液混合而成。推测中二叠世末期峨眉山地幔柱的喷发引起四川盆地内基底断裂再次活动,造成茅口组内张性构造裂缝发育,这为白云化流体混合及运移提供了通道。     

四川盆地震旦系灯影组葡萄状白云岩成因

四川盆地震旦系灯影组发育巨厚的白云岩,其中灯影组二段和四段发育大量具有各种形态的葡萄状白云岩,其直径最长可达75cm,有的平行于层面,有的穿层。剖面资料表明,葡萄状白云岩发育多期等厚环边胶结物,中部残留大量未充填的不规则洞穴,这成为与岩溶喀斯特作用相关的地下溶蚀作用的证据。围岩泥晶白云石为早期海水中原生结晶的产物,后来的胶结物可划分为4期: (1)自泥晶化白云石(部分样品中可见)作为最早的一期胶结物,由于各种生物化学作用和生物作用的影响而紧贴着围岩发育;(2)第2期胶结物纤维状白云石可能为海水中直接沉淀的产物,经历后期成岩作用后,具有完全有序的结构,晶胞参数接近理想值;(3)细—中晶白云石为第3期胶结物,包含纤维状白云石溶蚀残余,形成于构造抬升之后的近地表大气淡水环境;(4)第4期胶结物中—粗晶白云石为埋藏环境下直接结晶的产物,充填了孔洞中心,残留部分未充填孔洞。灯影组受到了岩溶喀斯特作用、胶结作用以及白云石化作用等成岩作用的影响,其中与葡萄状白云岩有关的岩溶喀斯特作用对于灯影组储集层的发育至关重要。对灯影组葡萄状白云岩的研究,不仅有助于深入探讨灯影组储集层成因和演化及灯影组白云岩的成因,而且有助于指导四川盆地前寒武系油气勘探。     

川西中泥盆统观雾山组白云岩储层储集空间类型、成因及演化

川西地区观雾山组白云岩储层储集空间主要为孔洞和裂缝两类.为弄清观雾山组白云岩储层孔洞成因、孔洞充填期次及演化,首先,通过对孔洞型白云岩储层发育规律与沉积相、层序关系的分析,结合第一期白云石胶结物形成与围岩白云石化的先后顺序,认为川西地区观雾山组白云岩储层孔洞为相控准同生岩溶形成;针对孔洞内不同期次白云石和方解石胶结物的包裹体均一温度、碳氧同位素、激光原位U-Pb同位素定年、锶同位素、稀土元素等分析,认为孔洞内胶结物形成于封闭的成岩环境,成岩流体为受下伏碎屑岩地层水加入改造的中泥盆世海水.观雾山组白云岩储层储集空间经历了三个演化阶段:沉积期-白云石化之前的孔洞及裂缝形成阶段、白云石化期间的围岩白云石化及第一期白云石胶结物形成阶段和中—深埋藏成岩期的孔隙定型阶段,其中中—深埋藏阶段是孔隙减少的主要阶段,造成约250的孔隙损失.     

西沙群岛西科1井中新统-上新统白云岩微观特征及成因

西科1井白云岩主要分布于上中新统黄流组, 在上新统莺歌海组二段和中中新统梅山组有零星分布; 主要的白云岩层段一般发育在褐色铁质矿物浸染的古暴露面之下.根据岩石铸体薄片观察、阴极发光及扫描电镜测试分析, 西科1井白云岩中白云石总体上呈微晶及细粉晶双峰态结构, 微晶白云石为灰岩基质经选择性白云石化的结果, 呈平直晶面半自形晶, 主要为泥微晶基质白云石化的结果; 粉晶-细晶白云石呈平直晶面自形晶, 为胶结物白云石或过度白云化结果, 过度白云化雾心亮边白云石的"亮边"与胶结物白云石成分一致, 阴极发光下二者显示同样的光性特征.微量元素测试及碳氧同位素测试表明: 白云岩一般具有低铁、低锰含量, δ18O_PDB均为正值, 变化于2.293‰~5.072‰之间, δ13C_PDB变化于1.214‰~3.051‰之间; 西科1井白云岩与西琛1井白云岩具有相似的层位分布特征和碳、氧同位素特征, 可能反映着相同或相似的成因.回流渗透模式可能适用于西沙地区白云岩, 频繁的海平面升降、环礁内蒸发环境及与中新世末期构造运动有关的热流体上涌促进了西沙地区白云岩的形成, 高渗透性礁相碳酸盐岩沉积为高Mg/Ca比值的蒸发水回流渗透提供了运移通道.      

豫西南淅川震旦系灯影组白云岩特征及成因分析

晚前寒武纪扬子克拉通及其周缘保存了一套比较完整的白云岩地层（灯影组）。扬子北缘（南秦岭） 地区的灯影组白 云岩与典型灯影组白云岩在成岩组合和沉积序列有较大差别,有待进一步研究。该研究在野外剖面实测、镜下鉴定基础 上,运用阴极发光和X射线衍射有序度分析对扬子北缘（南秦岭） 淅川地区灯影组白云岩进行了岩石学分类及成因机制研 究。研究区灯影组白云岩类型主要为泥—粉晶他形白云岩、细晶自形—半自形白云岩、以中—粗晶白云石为主的细—粗晶 半自形—他形白云岩、鞍形白云岩和岩溶角砾白云岩。其中泥—粉晶他形白云石为准同生阶段蒸发海水白云石化作用产 物;细晶自形—半自形白云石形成于早成岩浅埋藏阶段,成岩过程与蒸发海水回流渗透白云石化作用有关;细—粗晶半自 形—他形白云石和鞍形白云石属晚成岩期中—深埋藏环境下由碳酸盐岩矿物经过热液白云石化或重结晶作用所形成;岩溶 角砾白云岩是通过白云岩层的溶蚀—垮塌和砾间胶结作用形成。因此,由于相对海平面升降、上覆地层沉积厚度增加引起 的成岩环境变化以及后期流体的改造作用促使了研究区不同类型白云岩的发育。     

豫西南淅川震旦系灯影组白云岩特征及成因分析

晚前寒武纪扬子克拉通及其周缘保存了一套比较完整的白云岩地层（灯影组）。扬子北缘（南秦岭） 地区的灯影组白 云岩与典型灯影组白云岩在成岩组合和沉积序列有较大差别，有待进一步研究。该研究在野外剖面实测、镜下鉴定基础 上，运用阴极发光和X射线衍射有序度分析对扬子北缘（南秦岭） 淅川地区灯影组白云岩进行了岩石学分类及成因机制研 究。研究区灯影组白云岩类型主要为泥—粉晶他形白云岩、细晶自形—半自形白云岩、以中—粗晶白云石为主的细—粗晶 半自形—他形白云岩、鞍形白云岩和岩溶角砾白云岩。其中泥—粉晶他形白云石为准同生阶段蒸发海水白云石化作用产 物；细晶自形—半自形白云石形成于早成岩浅埋藏阶段，成岩过程与蒸发海水回流渗透白云石化作用有关；细—粗晶半自 形—他形白云石和鞍形白云石属晚成岩期中—深埋藏环境下由碳酸盐岩矿物经过热液白云石化或重结晶作用所形成；岩溶 角砾白云岩是通过白云岩层的溶蚀—垮塌和砾间胶结作用形成。因此，由于相对海平面升降、上覆地层沉积厚度增加引起 的成岩环境变化以及后期流体的改造作用促使了研究区不同类型白云岩的发育。     

Dolomite textures in the Upper Cretaceous carbonate-hosted Pb–Zn deposits,Zakho, Northern Iraq

In the northeast of Zakho City, Northern Iraq, the host rocks of Pb–Zn deposits are composed predominantly of dolomites with subordinate dolomitic limestone intervals. This study is focused on the dolomites of the Bekhme Formation (Upper Campanian) carbonate-hosted Pb–Zn deposits. The amount of dolomites, however, increases toward the mineralized zone. Dolomites are dominated by replacement dolomite with minor dolomite cements. Petrography study allowed identification of six different dolomite textures. These are (1) fine crystalline, planar-s (subhedral) dolomite, RD1; (2) medium to coarse crystalline, planar-e (euhedral) to planar-s (subhedral) dolomites, RD2; (3) medium crystalline, planar-s (subhedral) to nonplanar-a (anhedral) dolomites, RD3; (4) coarse crystalline, planar-s (subhedral) to nonplanar-a (anhedral) dolomites, RD4; (5) planar (subhedral) void-filling dolomite cements, CD1; and (6) nonplanar (saddle) void-filling dolomite, CD2. The RD1, RD2, RD3, and RD4 dolomite textures are replacive in origin and are volumetrically the most important types, whereas CD1 and CD2 dolomites with sparry calcite are commonly cements that fill the open spaces. Although the dolomites of the Bekhme Formation are not macroscopically observed in the field, their different types are easily distinguished by petrographic examination and scanning electron microscopy. It was observed that the dolomites of the Bekhme Formation are formed in two different diagenetic stages: the early diagenetic from mixing zone fluids at the tidal–subtidal (reef) environments and the late diagenetic from basinal brines which partially mixed with hydrothermal fluids at the shallow-deep burial depths. The latter occurs often with sphalerite, galena, and pyrite within mineralized zone. These dolomite types are associated base-metal mineralization (Mississippi Valley type).     

Origin of dolomite in the Late Jurassic platform carbonates,Bolkar Mountains,Central Taurides,Turkey: Petrographic and geochemical evidence

The Late Jurassic-early Senonian Cehennemdere Formation extending in an E-W direction in a wide area at the south of the Bolkar Mountains (Central Taurides, Turkey) is composed of platform carbonates. The formation was deposited in an environment that was being transformed from a shallow carbonate platform to an open shelf and a continental slope, and was buried until late Paleocene uplift. The formation, with a thickness of about 360 m, was chiefly developed as textures consisting of mudstone and wackestone and has been commonly dolomitized. Based on petrographic and geochemical properties, four types of replacement dolomites and two types of dolomite cements were distinguished. Replacement dolomite (RD), which is cut by low-amplitude stylolites developed as (1) fine crystalline planar-s dolomite (RD1); (2) medium crystalline planar-s dolomite (RD2); (3) medium-coarse crystalline planar-e dolomite (RD3) and; (4) coarse crystalline planar-s (e) dolomite (RD4). Two types of dolomite cements (CD) observed in low abundance and overlie low-amplitude stylolites: (1) coarse crystalline dolomite cement (CD1) filling dissolution voids and fractures in RD1 dolomites, and; (2) rim dolomite cement (CD2) that commonly develops on the space-facing surfaces of RD4 dolomite. Replacement dolomites are non-stoichiometric (Ca_54–59Mg_41–46), have similar geochemical properties, and are generally dull red/non luminescent in appearance. Replacement dolomite is represented by δ¹⁸O values from −4.5 to −0.5‰ VPDB, δ¹³C values of −0.7 to 2.7‰ VPDB, and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios ranging from 0.707178 to 0.707692. Petrographic and geochemical data indicate that replacement dolomite (particularly RD2, RD3, and RD4 dolomite) was formed at shallow-intermediate burial depths during the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous, from seawater and/or from slightly modified seawater. The replacement dolomite (RD) was then recrystallized at increased burial depths and temperatures. Dolomite cements are similar to replacement dolomites in that they are non-stoichiometric (Ca₅₅Mg₄₅) and have similar trace element compositions. CD1 dolomite, which cuts low-amplitude stylolites, was formed during intermediate to deep burial following stylolite development. CD2 dolomite was precipitated in intercrystal pores in association with RD4 dolomite. Remaining pore space was filled with bitumen.     

塔里木盆地中央隆起区寒武-奥陶系白云岩结构特征及成因探讨

白云岩研究的关键在于对白云石化作用的理解,而岩石结构作为白云石化作用分析的基础,不仅对白云岩的成因具有指示意义还深刻地影响着白云岩储层的质量。通过岩芯、薄片、扫描电镜、阴极发光以及碳、氧、锶同位素等测试手段,结合国际上常用的分类术语,对塔里木盆地中央隆起区寒武-奥陶系白云岩按结构进行了分类,并探讨了不同结构类型与其成因之间的关系。研究表明,白云岩结构与其形成环境和形成过程密切相关,其中保留原始结构的白云岩（包括泥-粉晶白云岩和颗粒白云岩）属于同生或准同生阶段、与蒸发海水有关的拟晶白云石化作用的产物,大量过饱和白云石化流体的通过有利于原始结构的保存;晶粒白云岩中,具有平直晶面结构的细晶、自形白云岩和细晶、半自形白云岩与浅埋藏成岩阶段的低温白云石化作用有关,云化流体以轻微蒸发的海源流体为主,浅埋藏晚期的过度白云石化作用导致晶体由平面-自形向平面-半自形转化;中-粗晶、他形白云岩是中或深埋藏成岩阶段的高温/热液白云石化或重结晶作用的结果,较高的形成温度导致晶体发生曲面化。     

白云石成因研究新方法--白云石晶体结构分析

传统的白云石研究方法对于白云石成因分析具有多解性,对于已有白云石成因模式的套用或重新建立新的白云石成因模式将白云石的形成机理过于简单化、模式化。白云石的晶体结构保存了晶体的形成环境、结晶速度、晶体生长与变化特征、流体特征的证据,白云石晶体结构分析是进行白云石成因分析的有效手段,之前很少有研究者从晶体结构角度进行白云石成因分析。在岩石学和地球化学研究的基础上,本文对四川盆地灯影组-寒武系鞍状白云石、纤状白云石、残余颗粒细晶白云石、孔洞充填粗晶白云石和泥晶白云石五种白云石进行了微组构取样,并利用X衍射仪、透射电镜等晶体结构研究手段,从晶体结构角度对五种白云石组构的有序度、晶胞参数、晶格条纹、晶面间距、晶格缺陷等晶体结构参数进行了差异性研究,分析了它们不同的形成环境和成岩演化特征,初步建立了不同类型白云石晶体结构判识标志。     

塔里木盆地北部丘里塔格群(寒武系至奥陶系)白云岩的成因

本文通过详细岩石学及地球化学研究,探讨了塔里木盆地丘里塔格群(寒武至奥陶系)白云岩的成因。研究表明藻纹层白云岩、微晶白云岩及颗粒白云岩中的颗粒为近地表准同生白云化的产物。结晶白云岩(细晶以上)及颗粒白云岩中的中粗晶白云岩胶结物是深埋藏成岩环境的产物。并对埋藏白云化的镁离子来源及搬运机理进行了探讨。     

Dolomite-rock textures and secondary porosity development in Ellenburger Group carbonates (Lower Ordovician), west Texas and southeastern New Mexico

Pervasive early- to late-stage dolomitization of Lower Ordovician Ellenburger Group carbonates in the deep Permian Basin of west Texas and southeastern New Mexico is recorded in core samples having present-day burial depths of 1.5–7.0 km. Seven dolomite-rock textures are recognized and classified according to crystal-size distribution and crystal-boundary shape. Unimodal and polymodal planar-s (subhedral) mosaic dolomite is the most widespread type, and it replaced allochems and matrix or occurs as void-filling cement. Planar-e (euhedral) dolomite crystals line pore spaces and/or fractures, or form mosaics of medium to coarse euhedral crystals. This kind of occurrence relates to significant intercrystalline porosity. Non-planar-a (anhedral) dolomite replaced a precursor limestone/dolostone only in zones that are characterized by original high porosity and permeability. Non-planar dolomite cement (saddle dolomite) is the latest generation and is responsible for occlusion of fractures and pore space. Dolomitization is closely associated with the development of secondary porosity; dolomitization pre-and post-dates dissolution and corrosion and no secondary porosity generation is present in the associated limestones. The most common porosity types are non-fabric selective moldic and vuggy porosity and intercrystalline porosity. Up to 12% effective porosity is recorded in the deep (6477 m) Delaware basin. These porous zones are characterized by late-diagenetic coarse-crystalline dolomite, whereas the non-porous intervals are composed of dense mosaics of early-diagenetic dolomites. The distribution of dolomite rock textures indicates that porous zones were preserved as limestone until late in the diagenetic history, and were then subjected to late-stage dolomitization in a deep burial environment, resulting in coarse-crystalline porous dolomites. In addition to karst horizons at the top of the Ellenburger Group, exploration for Ellenburger Group reservoirs should consider the presence of such porous zones within other Ellenburger Group dolomites.     

Multistage hydrothermal dolomites in the Middle Devonian (Givetian) carbonates from the Guilin area, South China

Pervasive dolomites occur preferentially in the stromatoporoid biostromal (or reefal) facies in the basal Devonian (Givetian) carbonate rocks in the Guilin area, South China. The amount of dolomites, however, decreases sharply in the overlying Frasnian carbonate rocks. Dolostones are dominated by replacement dolomites with minor dolomite cements. Replacement dolomites include: (1) fine to medium, planar‐e floating dolomite rhombs (Rd1); (2) medium to coarse, planar‐s patchy/mosaic dolomites (Rd2); and (3) medium to very coarse non‐planar anhedral mosaic dolomites (Rd3). They post‐date early submarine cements and overlap with stylolites. Two types of dolomite cements were identified: planar coarse euhedral dolomite cements (Cd1) and non‐planar (saddle) dolomite cements (Cd2); they post‐date replacement dolomites and predate late‐stage calcite cements that line mouldic vugs and fractures. The replacement dolomites have δ¹⁸O values from ?13·7 to ?9·7‰ VPDB, δ¹³C values from ?2·7 to + 1·5‰ VPDB and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios from 0·7082 to 0·7114. Fluid inclusion data of Rd3 dolomites yield homogenization temperatures (T_h) of 136–149 °C and salinities of 7·2–11·2 wt% NaCl equivalent. These data suggest that the replacive dolomitization could have occurred from slightly modified sea water and/or saline basinal fluids at relatively high temperatures, probably related to hydrothermal activities during the latest Givetian–middle Fammenian and Early Carboniferous times. Compared with replacement dolomites, Cd2 cements yield lower δ¹⁸O values (?14·2 to ?9·3‰ VPDB), lower δ¹³C values (?3·0 to ?0·7‰ VPDB), higher ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (≈ 0·7100) and higher T_h values (171–209 °C), which correspond to trapping temperatures (T_r) between 260 and 300 °C after pressure corrections. These data suggest that the dolomite cements precipitated from higher temperature hydrothermal fluids, derived from underlying siliciclastic deposits, and were associated with more intense hydrothermal events during Permian–Early Triassic time, when the host dolostones were deeply buried. The petrographic similarities between some replacement dolomites and Cd2 dolomite cements and the partial overlap in ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and δ¹⁸O values suggest neomorphism of early formed replacement dolomites that were exposed to later dolomitizing fluids. However, the dolomitization was finally stopped through invasion of meteoric water as a result of basin uplift induced by the Indosinian Orogeny from the early Middle Triassic, as indicated by the decrease in salinities in the dolomite cements in veins (5·1–0·4 wt% NaCl equivalent). Calcite cements generally yield the lowest δ¹⁸O values (?18·5 to ?14·3‰ VPDB), variable δ¹³C values (?11·3 to ?1·2‰ VPDB) and high T_h values (145–170 °C) and low salinities (0–0·2 wt% NaCl equivalent), indicating an origin of high‐temperature, dilute fluids recharged by meteoric water in the course of basin uplift during the Indosinian Orogeny. Faults were probably important conduits that channelled dolomitizing fluids from the deeply buried siliciclastic sediments into the basal carbonates, leading to intense dolomitization (i.e. Rd3, Cd1 and Cd2).     

Origin and modification of Cambrian dolomites (Red Heart Dolomite and Arthur Creek Formation), Georgina Basin, central Australia

The Early to Middle Cambrian Red Heart Dolomite and lower Arthur Creek Formation of the southern portion of the Georgina Basin, Australia, is an entirely dolomitized succession of shallow-water evaporitic mudflat and deeper-water subtidal lithologies. Three types of dolomite have been identified and are interpreted as: (1) syndepositional dolomite; (2) regional replacement dolomite; and (3) void-filling dolomite (cement). Syndepositional dolomite, derived from saline pore fluids developed in a sabkha environment, is a minor dolomite type with very fine crystal mosaics and has a mottled, non-zoned cathodoluminescence. The widespread regional replacement dolomite ranges from fine- to medium-crystalline forming mainly planar-s and non-planar-a crystal mosaics, and displays blotchy, mottled, non-zoned cathodoluminescence. Void-filling dolomite commonly forms planar-s to planar-e, medium to very coarse crystal mosaics. Rare non-planar-c, very coarsely crystalline saddle dolomite also exists. Void-filling dolomite has a successively zoned cathodoluminescence pattern from non-, to brightly, to dully luminescent. Geochemically, the syndepositional dolomite has δ¹⁸O (PDB) values ranging between ? 5.3 and ? 8.6%_o. Regional replacement dolomites exhibit a wide range of δ¹⁸O values from ? 3.3 to ? 10.9%_o whereas void-filling dolomite has δ¹⁸O values ranging from ? 10.8 to ? 14.3%_o. All three dolomite types have similar δ¹³C (PDB) values, in the range between +1.7 and ?1.7%_o. Three initial dolomitization episodes are interpreted: (1) a sabkha stage, forming the syndepositional dolomite and dolomitizing the evaporitic mudflat lithologies; (2) a brine-reflux stage, replacing the subtidal lithologies; and (3) a burial stage, forming the void-filling dolomite type. Final dolomite stabilization occurred during burial, at elevated temperatures, in the presence of basinal fluids, resulting in progressive recrystallization and stabilization of the earlier-formed syndepositional and replacement dolomites. Both textural and geochemical evolution should be taken into account when studying the origin of dolomites, based on their present geochemical composition. Sulphates are represented by very fine-crystalline syndepositional anhydrite in association with the syndepositional dolomite, and coarse to very coarse anhydrite cement. Evaportic mudflat (sabkha) and burial environments are inferred for the origin of the former and the latter anhydrite types, respectively. Evaporite dissolution breccias, indicative of the former presence of evaporites, are common throughout the succession.     

Rare earth element geochemistry of dolomites in the Middle Devonian Presqu'ile barrier, Western Canada Sedimentary Basin: implications for fluid-rock ratios during dolomitization

Rare earth elements (REE) were determined in fine, medium and coarse crystalline replacement dolomites, and for saddle dolomite cements from the Middle Devonian Presqu'ile barrier from Pine Point and the subsurface of the Northwest Territories and north-eastern British Columbia. REE patterns of the fine crystalline dolomite are similar to those of Middle Devonian limestones from the Presqu'ile barrier. Fine crystalline dolomite occurs in the back-barrier facies and may represent penecontemporaneous dolomitization at, or just below, the sea floor. Medium crystalline dolomite is widespread in the lower southern and lower central barrier. Medium crystalline dolomite is slightly depleted in heavy REE compared with Devonian marine limestones and fine crystalline dolomite, and has negative Ce and Eu anomalies. Medium crystalline dolomites replaced pre-existing limestones or were recrystallized from earlier fine crystalline dolomites. During these processes, the REE patterns of their precursors were modified. Late stage, coarse crystalline replacement dolomite and saddle dolomite cements occur together in the upper barrier and have similar geochemical signatures. Coarse crystalline dolomites have negative Eu anomalies, and those from the Pine Point area also have positive La anomalies. Saddle dolomites are enriched in light REE and have positive La anomalies. The REE patterns of coarse crystalline dolomite and saddle dolomite differ from those of marine limestones and fine and medium crystalline dolomites, suggesting that different diagenetic fluids were responsible for these later dolomites. Although massive dolomitization requires relatively large volumes of fluids in order to provide the necessary amounts of Mg^2-. dolomitization and subsequent recrystallization may not necessarily modify the REE signatures of the precursor limestones because of the low concentrations of REE in most natural fluids. Thus, relative fluid-rock ratios during diagenesis may be estimated from REE patterns in the diagenetic and precursor minerals. Fine crystalline dolomites retain the REE patterns of their limestone precursors. In the medium and coarse crystalline dolomites the precursor REE patterns were apparently altered by large volumes of fluids involved during dolomitization. This study suggests that REE compositions of dolomites and their limestone precursors may provide important information about the relative amounts of fluids involved during diagenetic processes, such as dolomitization.     

Late Pleistocene mixing zone dolomitization, southeastern Barbados, West Indies

ABSTRACT Field, geochemical, and petrographic data for late Pleistocene dolomites from southeastern Barbados suggest that the dolomite precipitated in the zone of mixing between a coastal meteoric phreatic lens and normal marine waters. The dolomite is localized in packstones and wackestones from the algalAmphistegina fore-reef calcarenite facies. Stable isotopic evidence suggests that meteoric water dominated the diagenetic fluids responsible for dolomitization. Carbon isotopes in pure dolomite phases average about -15%₀ PDB. This light carbon is attributed to the influence of soil gas CO₂, and precludes substantial mixing with seawater. A narrow range of oxygen isotopic compositions coupled with a wide range of carbon compositions attest to the meteoric diagenetic overprint. Dolomitization likely occurred with as little as a five per cent admixture of seawater. Strontium compositions of the dolomites indicate probable replacement dolomitization of original unstable mineralogy. The dolomite is characterized by low sodium values. Low concentrations of divalent manganese and iron suggest oxidizing conditions at the time of dolomitization. A sequence of petrographic features suggests a progression of diagenetic fluids from more marine to more meteoric. Early marine diagenesis was followed by replacement dolomitization of skeletal grains and matrix. Limpid, euhedral dolomite cements precipitated in primary intra- and interparticle porosity subsequent to replacement dolomitization. As waters became progressively less saline, dolomite cements alternated with thin bands of syntaxial calcite cement. The final diagenetic phase precipitated was a blocky calcite spar cement, representing diagenesis in a fresh-water lens. This sequence of diagenetic features arose as the result of a single fall in eustatic sea-level following deposition. A stratigraphic-eustatic-diagenetic model constrains both the timing and rate of dolomitization in southeastern Barbados. Dolomitization initiated as sea-level began to fall immediately following the oxygen isotope stage 7–3 high stand, some 216 000 yr bp . Due to the rapidity of late Pleistocene glacio-eustasy, dolomitization (locally complete) is constrained to have occurred within about 5000 yr.