Undications of current action in late Jurassic limestones,radiolarian limestones,saccocoma limestones and associated rocks from the subbetic of SE Spain

In the Vélez Blanco region (province of Almeia), filament limestones occur associated with pellet limestones, crinoidal limestones, radiolarian limestones, Saccocoma limestones and tintinnid limestones. These predominantly Late Jurassic rocks are underlain by Middle Jurassic oolitic limestones and overlain by Cretaceous pelagic limestones and marls.A distinction can be made between long and short filaments. The former are interpreted as undamaged valves, the latter as shell fragments of the pelagic pelecypod Bositra buchi. Bositra valves and fragments have been sorted by weak current (and/or wave) action.In the Saccocoma limestones, evidence for similar sorting of Saccocoma debris has been found.The radiolarian limestones represent a low-energy basin environment, but are not comparable with recent deep-sea radiolarian oozes.Nodular limestone intercalations and hiatuses represent a current- (and/or wave-) swept environment.The occurrence of filament-rich and Radiolaria-bearing, but benthos-poor, intervals within the oolitic limestone indicates that the deposition of such rocks can take place at moderate sea depths.     

The facies properties and depositional environments of nodular limestones and red marly limestones (Ammonitico Rosso) in the Ankara Jurassic sequence, central Turkey

The nodular limestones and red marls of the Ankara region, deposited during the early to middle Jurassic, show similar palaeontological and sedimentological characteristics to those of the red nodular limestones form the Northern Alps (Adnet limestones) and from the Southern Alps (Ammonitico Rosso).
The nodular limestones appear to be hardground breccias drowned into the red marly limestones due to the instability of the bottom. The association of sponge spicules, crinoid fragments, small ostracods, benthic foraminifers, shell debris and common micrite matrix suggests a subtidal environment. The subsequent formation of red marly limestones consists of the partial dissolution of the shells; this suggests that a low sedimentation rate and/or sedimentological breaks took place during the precipitation of the ammonite-bearing marls.
The nodular limestones (hardground breccias) and the Ammonitico Rosso-type facies of the Ankara Jurassic succession were formed in a deeper subtidal environment and/or deeper shelf extending into the basin. The hardground layers drowned into the Ammonitico rosso were likely formed on a local carbonate shelf, that deepened increasingly through the early to middle Jurassic. Development of a local submarine clastic fan within the carbonate succession of the Ankara Jurassic basin indicates an irregular bottom topography induced by the syn-sedimentary faults.     

Early marine lithification of the nodular limestones in the Silurian of New Brunswick

A sequence of irregular nodular limestones in the Silurian of northern New Brunswick appear to have undergone early marine lithification. Nodules and crusts formed soon after deposition in the argillaceous lime sediments by sporadic diagenetic precipitation of calcium carbonate and were subsequently modified by differential compaction and minor flowage. While lack of both borings and encrusting organisms on the nodules indicates they were not ‘hard grounds’, computed porosities at the time of lithification based on the ratio of carbonate to insoluble residues suggest lithification depths within a few tens of feet of the sediment-water interface. Consideration of the availability of calcium carbonate suggests lithification very close to the sediment surface.     

新疆柯坪中奥陶统结核状灰岩的沉积环境及成因

对新疆柯坪地区中奥陶统灰岩和泥岩交互沉积地层中的结核状灰岩的沉积环境和形成机制进行了研究。根据野外观察并结合室内偏光显微镜下阴极发光和染色等方法分析其结构和构造特征，发现有团块状、网纹状、透镜状3种结核状灰岩。运用X光衍射仪和质谱仪等化学分析手段对其常量元素、微量元素、碳氧同位素、酸不溶物等进行了测定。综合分析矿物、岩石、生物和地球化学特征，认为它们形成于陆棚中水体较深的沉积环境，灰岩和泥岩交互韵律层是在表层洋流、大洋底流和物源供给的周期变化作用下形成的。结核状灰岩形成于沉积-成岩早期阶段，它们的形成机制分别是：团块状灰岩是在洋流活动后的平静期因水体中碳酸钙沿凝结核凝结、增大、胶结而形成；网纹状灰岩是在盐度不饱和的深海底流的周期作用下冲刷同生期沉积的碳酸盐灰泥而形成；透镜状灰岩是通过上覆水体与沉积物的差异压实作用而形成的。     

Upper Triassic (Norian) cephalopod limestones of the Hallstatt-type, Oman

Norian crinoidal/brachiopod limestones and cephalopod limestones of the Hallstatt-type occur as blocks in a Hettangian(?) calcareous breccia of the Haliw Formation in the Oman Mountains. Crinoidal and brachiopod packstones, up to 12 m thick, prevail in the lower part of the sequence and were deposited on a substrate of Norian forereef breccia. The overlying cephalopod wackestones, up to 4.9 m thick, have a basal white bed followed by red limestones with abundant planar and scalloped, corroded surfaces and local stromatolites. Upward, red, nodular wackestones and, finally, slumped grey wackestones follow. The analysis of geopetal fabrics in orientated samples shows that bedding of these facies is, in fact, inclined bedding. Inclinations varied between 15 and 29°. In addition, the restored dip directions demonstrate rotation, indicating deposition on a gliding block. The preferred orientation of orthoconic cephalopods and imbrication of discoidal ammonoids coincide with the dip direction measured from geopetal fabrics. Such features, generally interpreted as current-induced, are here interpreted as gravity-induced. The overall mud-supported rock fabric thus indicates deposition under very low-energy conditions. The common mud-supported texture of the rocks contrasts with evidence for current activity found in the scalloped surfaces and shell lags, particularly in the crinoidal/brachiopod facies and the lower, stratigraphically condensed, cephalopod limestones. This indicates that deposition of lime mud alternated with periods of elevated current strength. A comparison of the Hallstatt-type limestones and current-influenced sediments on the northern slope of the Little Bahama Bank suggests that condensed sequences of the Hallstatt-type are restricted to relatively shallow depths with strong fluctuation of contour-following currents undersaturated with respect to aragonite along carbonate shelf margins facing the open ocean. On steep slopes, sediment bypassing may be an additional factor for stratigraphic condensation.     

Diagenetically enhanced bedding in argillaceous platform limestones: stratified cementation and selective compaction

A field and petrographic study has been made of 34 massive beds in argillaceous limestones of open marine platform facies in the U.K. Lithologies include grainstones, packstones, wackestones and lime mudstones. The rocks are of Silurian, Carboniferous and Jurassic ages. Additional information was obtained from other limestones in the U.K., the U.S.A., Canada and continental Europe. The beds are parts of sequences composed of couplets of strata, fissile limestones alternating with hard limestones. In the fissile limestones the effects of mechanical compaction and pressure-dissolution have been concentrated, whereas in the hard limestones they are minimal or absent. Bedding planes visible in outcrop are diagenetic in origin and lie in the middle parts of the fissile limestones where compaction has been most severe. The features produced by pressure-dissolution are dissolution seams and fitted fabric: there are no stylolites. The original carbonate sediments were bioturbated and any structures produced by flowing water were destroyed. The vertical distribution of the bedding planes bears no relation to primary depositional bedding planes which are rare or absent. It is inferred that the strata which were to become the hard limestones were selectively cemented before mechanical compaction had been completed. Thenceforth, mechanical compaction and then pressure-dissolution were concentrated in the less cemented strata: these became the fissile limestones. Pressure-dissolution acted late in the diagenetic history and provided only an insignificant part, if any, of the carbonate for cementation. It is concluded that the orientation of beds (couplets) is parallel to successive sea floors and that the sediments that eventually became single beds accumulated synchronously. Similar couplets in platform limestones of the Mississippian and Pennsylvanian of the U.S.A. extend over thousands of square kilometres. The signal that controlled the initial selective cementation must have been widespread and synchronous and also syndepositional in its timing but otherwise cannot be further defined on the basis of the data so far collected. The presumed order of events was (1) accumulation of carbonate sediment, terrigenous clay and organic matter, (2) hydrodynamic reworking and bioturbation. the latter finally overprinting the former, (3) selective cementation of the more carbonate-rich strata yielding couplets, each consisting of a relatively well-cemented stratum and a poorly cemented stratum, (4) mechanical compaction concentrated in the less cemented strata, (5) pressure-dissolution concentrated in the same strata.     

Milankovitch cyclicity in Purbeck peritidal limestones of the Prebetic (Berriasian, southern Spain)

Peritidal carbonate rocks (Purbeck facies) of the uppermost Portlandian to Berriasian in the type section of the Sierra del Pozo Formation in the Prebetic Zone, southern Spain, are divisible into 141 shallowing upward cycles averaging 2 m in thickness. The subtidal facies in these cycles consist of micritic or marly limestones with dasycladacean algae and lituolids; the intertidal facies are micritic limestones containing birdseyes and miliolids; the supratidal facies comprise laminated algal limestones, the tops of which display desiccation cracks and rhizocretions, or more locally palaeosols, calcretes, or palaeokarst surfaces. A statistical study, using power spectra of the Fast Fourier Transform, demonstrates that the periodicity of these cycles is in the Milankovitch frequency band. Most sedimentary cycles correspond to the obliquity cycles; eccentricity and precession cycles have also been recognized. Using a Fischer plot, third-order tectono-eustatic cycles are recognized, which can be correlated with the eustatic curve of the Exxon chart. The shallowing upward sequences are characterized by a distinctive pattern of geochemical parameters. Carbon and oxygen isotopic (δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O) variations, calcium and magnesium carbonate contents and the abundance of organic matter and trace elements (Mn and Sr) all have predictable patterns of distribution within the sequences. The Sr content of the subtidal facies is relatively high whereas the δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O ratios are quite low; in the intertidal facies the Sr and Mn levels fall concomitantly with a rise in δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O. The highest δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O values occur in the lower part of the supratidal facies, whereas in the upper part of δ values and Sr contents drop sharply. Cyclic variations in evaporation and in meteoric water influence, determined from oxygen isotopic composition, reveal that the cyclicity of the beds containing the most limestones (supratidal) and those with the most marls (subtidal) is related to climatic changes. The coldest periods are those represented by supratidal deposits, when the sea level was at its lowest. During the warmest periods, when the overall sea level was higher, subtidal deposits accumulated in the region. A genetic model is proposed, according to which the asymmetrical sedimentary cycles occur in response to glacio-eustatic changes with a periodicity similar to that of Plio-Pleistocene sea-level variations, but with a much lower range due to the smaller extent of polar ice caps during the Early Cretaceous. The glacio-eustatic changes involved a rapid sea-level rise and a slow sea-level fall.     

The distribution of strontium in limestones on Barbuda, West Indies

The Sr²⁺ content of Barbudan limestones is proportional to the aragonite content. The Sr²⁺ content of calcite which has replaced aragonite varies from 3000 p.p.m. in the youngest limestones to 50 p.p.m., average values are approximately 300 p.p.m. The (mSr²⁺/mCa²⁺)_L ratios from well waters within the limestone fall within the predicted values assuming K^Sr_C～0·1. The high (mSr²⁺/mCa)²⁺_L ratios expected by a lower value of K^Sr_C do not occur. The build up of (mSr²⁺/mCa²⁺)_L ratios seen in waters from Barbados is not seen in the well waters from Barbuda. The Sr²⁺ content of calcite is generally lower than is seen in Barbados, but similar to that seen in parts of the Miami Oolite. Diagenesis of aragonite in Barbudan limestones is probably occurring in a more open system than in Barbados.     

Cyanobacterially generated peloids in laminated,organic-matter rich,limestones: an unobtrusive presence

The late-Kimmeridgian Southern Jura (France) is a carbonate platform where laminated limestones accumulated locally (notably at Orbagnoux). The two types of laminations encountered result either from particle settling in a very quiet environment or from bacterial mat growth. In the latter case, as revealed by acid etching, the dark-coloured laminae result from filamentous cyanobacteria developments, whereas the light-coloured laminae appear, surprisingly, to comprise packed peloids. These peloids are interpreted as originating from the in vivo or shortly post mortem calcification of sheaths of coccoid cyanobacteria in an environment loaded by temporary excess alkalinity (and possible H₂S emissions). Thus, a simple etching treatment reveals the unsuspected, albeit prominent, role of cyanobacteria in the genesis of the limestones from Orbagnoux. As such facies are widespread in Late Jurassic records, the role of cyanobacteria in their formation deserves re-evaluation.     

Le domaine Tariquide (arc de Gibraltar,Espagne et Maroc) : succession et hiatus de la sédimentation du Jurassique supérieur au Paléocène

The originality of the Malm–Cretaceous series of the Tariquides (Gibraltar arc), as compared to those of the Rifian–Betic ‘Dorsale’ (Alboran domain), and especially with the Penibetic (Iberia) domain, is emphasized. In the Los Pastores Group, near Algeciras, Upper Tithonian nodular limestones directly lie on the Dogger and are followed by Aptychus-bearing limestones (Late Berriasian to Barremian). In the Musa Group, Rif, radiolarites are followed by siliceous limestones (Kimmeridgian–Tithonian), then by karst and massflow breccias connected to a Berriasian tectonics, by Aptychus-bearing marly limestones, then by karst filled by Turonian limestones, and finally by Maastrichtian–Palaeocene polychrome pelites, whose micropalaeontological and mineral compositions (clay minerals, FeMn nodules) refer to a deep-sea, probably infra-CCD, sedimentation. To cite this article: M. Durand-Delga et al., C. R. Geoscience 337 (2005).     

山东省唐王寨上寒武统崮山组沉积环境及竹叶状灰岩的多成因分析

华北地台上寒武统崮山组出现了大量的竹叶状灰岩。通过对山东唐王寨剖面崮山组的系统研究,识别出页岩、疙瘩状泥晶灰岩、泥质条带泥晶灰岩、薄层状泥晶灰岩、生物扰动泥晶灰岩、颗粒质（生物碎屑）泥岩-泥质颗粒岩、含交错层理鲕粒灰岩及竹叶状灰岩8种岩石类型,这些岩石类型组成了页岩盆地、深潮下带及浅潮下带岩石组合。竹叶状灰岩中砾屑和基质的特征及其沉积序列,表明砾屑和基质的来源多样并且在不同的沉积环境中其成因具有多样性。据此总结出崮山组竹叶状灰岩具有4种可能的成因类型：1）竹叶状灰岩中砾屑和基质可能均为原地形成或者仅有短距离的搬运过程;2）竹叶状灰岩中砾屑和基质可能均为近岸形成并经历了长距离的搬运过程,或者竹叶状灰岩的沉积环境经历了海平面的突然升高;3）竹叶状灰岩中基质可能来源于近岸未固结的鲕粒和生物碎屑及原地的灰泥,与原地破碎生成的砾屑和灰泥等混合沉积;4）竹叶状灰岩中砾屑可能来源于远岸的固结的泥晶灰岩,并经搬运作用与原地未固结的灰泥及骨架颗粒等基质混合沉积。     

Graded limestones and limestone-quartzite couplets: Possible storm-deposits from the Moroccan Carboniferous

The Lower Carboniferous (Visean) successions of the Meseta region of central Morocco are dominated by mixed marine carbonate and terrigenous facies bearing the biological and sedimentological hallmarks of deposition in a neritic environment. This study concerns two inter-related types of sedimentary unit, relatively uncommon but displaying features not readily compatible with the depositional mechanisms conventionally envisaged for such an environment. They are described with reference to three sections in which they are well represented.Graded limestones are texturally immature, broadly lenticular or channel-fill units of calcarenite and calcirudite of variable thickness, exhibiting a general upwards diminution in modal or maximum grain size and a somewhat irregular sequence of internal structures, often including large-scale cross-stratification. The compound units, here termed limestone-quartzite couplets, generally comprise a lower calcarenite member, frequently graded, succeeded by more quartzose arenite, often but not invariably finer in grain size. Six main types of couplet are distinguished primarily on the nature of the contact between the carbonate and terrigenous members.From a review of published data on modern and ancient shelf deposits it is concluded that periodic storm-generated mechanisms of transportation and deposition are of considerable geological importance. Two main categories of storm-induced modification of “normal” sedimentation processes are recognised: (1) storm-stirring and erosion; and (2) lateral transfer of storm-mobilised sediment. A process-response model is developed which involves the introduction of coarse sediment by storms on to a substrate of finer indigenous sediment. Comparison of the theoretical sequences produced with the types of couplets and graded limestones commonly encountered in the field strongly indicates that these anomalous associations result from rapid, storm-induced addition of coarse carbonate detritus (from local elevations such as reefs and shell-banks) to slightly deeper environments in which muds and quartzose sands were being deposited by more protracted processes.     

A comparative study of the Rare Earth Element (REE) distributions within the Lower Cretaceous dolomites and limestones of Central Tunisia

REE distribution, strontium content and oxygen isotopic composition have been studied in the Lower Cretaceous dolomites and their interbedded and/or parental limestones of Central Tunisia. Dolomites, as indicated by previous sedimentologic, geochemical and isotopic study, are different in origin. Environments of dolomite formation include: evaporitic sabkha, deep phreatic, karst and lacustrine. With the exception of the sabkha environment, dolomitizing fluids presumably have been essentially meteoric. The comparison between REE distributions in dolomites and limestones clearly suggests that the general shapes of the REE patterns are preserved during dolomitization. Nevertheless, the total REE amounts are somewhat lowered in dolomites comparatively to parental limestones. Moreover, within the dolomites, the total REE contents are positively correlated to the Sr and δ¹⁸O contents; thus indicating that the decrease in REE, Sr, and δ¹⁸O contents is related to a decrease in the salinity of dolomitizing fluids. In addition, dolomites associated with emergence surfaces (karst) are the most impoverished in REE. Furthermore, they are relatively enriched in light REE, indicating a more or less important fractionation with the REE distributions. This enrichment has been related to the influence of the inorganic complexes which favours the greatest solubility of the heavy REE in basic solution with respect to the lightest members of the REE group.     

Geochemistry of the Eocene limestones of the Jaisalmer basin,Rajasthan, India: Implications on depositional conditions and sources of rare earth elements

Major, trace and rare earth elements (REE) concentration of the Eocene limestones, Jaisalmer Basin, Rajasthan, India are analysed to reconstruct the depositional conditions and to identify sources of REEs. Among the major oxides, CaO is the dominant oxide followed by SiO₂ in the studied limestones. Trace element Ba dominates over the other trace elements and it shows negative correlation with CaO. The Sr, occurring in small concentration, shows positive correlation with CaO. Other trace elements such as V, Zr, Sc, Y, Rb, Ni, Pb Co, Cu, U occur in small concentrations. The studied limestones show a positive correlation of ΣREE with Fe₂O₃, Ni, Th, Sc, and Y. These limestones possess sea-water like shale-normalized REE + Y pattern with light REE depletion, slight Gd enrichment, slightly positive La anomaly, positive Y anomaly, positive Eu anomaly, negative Ce anomaly and superchondritic Y/Ho ratio from 23.12 to 28.57. The dominance of CaO and low percentage of MgO suggest that mineral phase is calcite and there is absence of dolomitization. The occurrence of SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ in appreciable percentages may be because of the siliciclastic input during the limestone precipiatetion. The low concentration of Uranium (0.4-3.7) and authigenic Uranium (Average Total U-Th/3 value = 0.74) indicate that the studied limestones were precipitated in oxic condition from seawater. The depletion of LREE suggests that the limestones were precipitated from the seawater. The positive correlation of ΣREE with Al₂O₃ Fe₂O₃, Ni, Th, Sc, and Y and negative correlation with CaO suggest an input of siliciclastic sediments from the land during limestone precipitation. The negative Ce anomaly, slightly positive La anomaly, slight Gd enrichment, positive Y anomaly, and positive Eu anomaly also suggest that the limestone was precipitated from the seawater with some siliciclastic input from continent. The low values of the Y/Ho ratio (23.12 to 28.57) in the studied limestones suggest some modification of the seawater by the input of freshwater in a coastal environment. The REEs of the studied limestones are correlable with the shallow sea water REEs with exception of a few elements. We envisage a coastal/shallow marine depositional environment where mixing of the continental material in sea water appears feasible.     

Accelerated weathering tests on two highly porous limestones

A major cause of weathering of building and historic monuments constructed using limestones is associated with the salt crystallization. This may typically occur at the surface (due to efflorescence) or in subsurface layers while limestones are drying. Due to this reason structural damage or material loss (granular disintegration, flaking, contour scaling) may occur. In this paper, imbibition-drying cycles are carried out with pure water and solutions of NaCl with different concentrations to simulate the weathering effect on two limestones with similar total porosity values. The imbibition kinetics of these limestones was significantly influenced by the number of applied imbibition-drying cycles. In addition, imbibition kinetics was also dependent on the concentration of salt solutions, the mineralogical composition as well as on the pore-size distribution of these two stones. The structural and textural modifications that arise in the limestones due to the influence of imbibition characteristics of drying cycles are qualitatively confirmed by scanning electronic microscope (SEM) and quantitatively with helium pycnometry measurements.     

Evaluation of bulk carbonate δ13C data from Triassic hemipelagites and the initial composition of carbonate mud

Bulk carbonate samples of hemipelagic limestone–marl alternations from the Middle and Upper Triassic of Italy are analysed for their isotopic compositions. Middle Triassic samples are representative of the Livinallongo Formation of the Dolomites, while Upper Triassic hemipelagites were sampled in the Pignola 2 section, within the Calcari con Selce Formation of the Southern Apennines in Southern Italy. Triassic hemipelagites occur either as nodular limestones with chert nodules or as plane‐bedded limestone–marl alternations which are locally silicified. In the Middle Triassic Livinallongo Formation, diagenetic alteration primarily affected the stable isotopic composition of sediment surrounding carbonate nodules, whereas the latter show almost pristine compositions. Diagenesis lowered the carbon and oxygen isotope values of bulk carbonate and introduced a strong correlation between δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O values. In the Middle Triassic successions of the Dolomites, bulk carbonate of nodular limestone facies is most commonly unaltered, whereas carbonate of the plane‐bedded facies is uniformly affected by diagenetic alteration. In contrast to carbonate nodules, plane‐bedded facies often show compaction features. Although both types of pelagic carbonate rocks show very similar petrographic characteristics, scanning electron microscopy studies reveal that nodular limestone consists of micrite (< 5 μm in diameter), whereas samples of the plane‐bedded facies are composed of calcite crystals ca 10 μm in size showing pitted, polished surfaces. These observations suggest that nodular and plane‐bedded facies underwent different diagenetic pathways determined by the prevailing mineralogy of the precursor sediment, i.e. probably high‐Mg calcite in the nodular facies and aragonite in the case of the plane‐bedded facies. Similar to Middle Triassic nodular facies, Upper Triassic nodular limestones of the Lagonegro Basin are also characterized by uncorrelated δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O values and exhibit small, less than 5 μm size, crystals. The alternation of calcitic and aragonitic precursors in the Middle Triassic of the Dolomites is thought to mirror rapid changes in the type of carbonate production of adjacent platforms. Bioturbation and dissolution of metastable carbonate grains played a key role during early lithification of nodular limestone beds, whereby early stabilization recorded the carbon isotopic composition of sea water. The bulk carbonate δ¹³C values of Middle and Upper Triassic hemipelagites from Italy agree with those of Tethyan low‐Mg calcite shells of articulate brachiopods, confirming that Triassic hemipelagites retained the primary carbon isotopic composition of the bottom sea water. A trend of increasing δ¹³C from the Late Anisian to the Early Carnian, partly seen in the data set presented here, is also recognized in successions from tropical palaeolatitudes elsewhere. The carbon isotopic composition of Middle and Upper Triassic nodular hemipelagic limestones can thus be used for chemostratigraphic correlation and palaeoenvironmental studies.     

A sedimentological and stable isotopic study of travertines and associated sediments within Upper Triassic lacustrine limestones, South Wales, UK

The Upper Triassic in South Wales is composed of up to 100 m of red, dolomitic mudstones of the Mercia Mudstone Group which overlie and are laterally equivalent to basin margin coarse clastic deposits. In the Sully Island and Dinas Powys areas, a series of carbonate deposits was laid down within small basins adjacent to the main Bristol Channel Basin. The rocks consist of dolomites containing replaced evaporites, overlain by perilittoral freshwater limestones. The limestones are fenestral intrasparites and contain abundant pedogenic and stromatolitic horizons, as well as locally developed travertines. Evidence for vadose diagenesis within the limestones is common. The travertines consist of sheets of fibrous calcite (flowstone) associated with pisoids and flöe calcite. Most of the travertines consist of single sheets several millimetres in thickness although ‘mounds’up to 1 m in height and 5 m in diameter are also present. The topmost metre of the limestones, which has been dolomitized, is deformed into tepee and megapolygonal structures. The carbon and oxygen stable isotopic composition of the limestones suggests that they were precipitated in low salinity waters. Successive samples from individual bands of flowstone show a covariance of δ¹⁸C and δ¹³C which is consistent with the mixing of resurgent groundwaters with pools of more evolved waters at the surface. The sedimentological and geochemical evidence suggests that the limestones were deposited in a small, enclosed basin fed by upwelling meteoric groundwaters in an environment distinct from that in which the laterally equivalent gypsiferous red mudstones were formed.     

The structure and genesis of limestones at the boundary between the Abalak and Bazhenov formations in Central West Siberia

In the central West-Siberian basin, fractured and cavernous carbonate rocks that are often oilbearing, which are referred to as correlation layer 1 (CL1), are frequently present at the top of the Abalak formation and/or at the bottom of the Bazhenov formation. They are sporadically distributed over the profile and the area; their genesis is still not completely clear. The structural features and oil-bearing capacity of carbonate rocks have been studied, as well at the distributions of carbon and oxygen stable isotopes from bulk rocks and calcite filling fractures in the CL1 layer that was penetrated by six wells. The spherolitic microstructure of limestones together with the carbon and oxygen isotope distributions (δ¹³C =–14 to–26‰ VPDB; δ¹⁸O = 0 to–5‰ VPDB) indicate the precipitation of carbonate material due to microbial activity on the surface and/or in the upper part of sediments at high methane concentrations. The fractures and caverns in limestones are frequently oil-bearing; they contain coarse crystals of calcite, pyrite, quartz, and, more rarely, barite. This degree of mineralization and the isotope composition of calcite oxygen (up to–18‰ VPDB) indicate that calcite precipitates at elevated temperature (up to 120°C) from the hydrothermal fluids that could migrate from underlying strata.     

A study of the serpentinisation in the Vempalle dolomitic limestones near Pulivendala,Cuddapah District

The calcite-dolomite ratio of the Vempalle dolomitic limestones, serpentinised dolomitic limestones, and serpentines from the mineralised zone of the asbestos is determined by infrared spectroscopy. The ratio varies between 2 and 5·4 in the dolomitic limestones, between 1 and 1·5 in the serpentinised dolomitic limestones and it is taken as zero in the serpentines as both calcite and dolomite bands are absent in their infrared absorption spectra. The release of calcite during the serpentinisation is identified, which confirms the formation of serpentine.