Regional setting and role of meteoric water in dolomite formation and diagenesis in an evaporite basin: studies in the Zechstein (Permian) deposits of Poland

The Zechstein Basin of Poland was an area of widespread cyclical deposition of carbonates and evaporites during Late Permian time. The Zechstein shelves, along both the northern and the southern margins of the basin, were sites of shallow-water sedimentation during the formation of the Main Dolomite and Platy Dolomite, two widespread carbonate units. These units consist of oolitic, peloidal, skeletal, micritic and evaporitic carbonates formed in depositional settings ranging from open marine to coastal (lagoonal, sabkha and salina). Although originally deposited as limestones, the Main Dolomite and Platy Dolomite are inferred to have been completely replaced by dolomite through very early stage (essentially penecontemporaneous) reflux of hypersaline brines. The dolomites of the two basin margins, however, have very different petrographic and isotopic characteristics. Many northern shelf dolomites show early stage calcitization (dedolomitization) and even, in some cases, evidence of a subsequent redolomitization event. These northern shelf samples also have a broad range of carbon and oxygen isotopic ratios (up to 12%⁰ for oxygen). Samples from the southern shelf, on the other hand, are petrographically much simpler; they do not show complex calcitization and redolomitization patterns. Likewise, their isotopic values are much more tightly clustered, with only about a 5%⁰ range of oxygen isotopic ratios. The differences between dolomites of the same age from the northern and southern margins are best explained by regional variations in river water influx during episodic exposure events associated with regional or global sea-level fluctuations. The distribution of clastic terrigenous materials and palaeokarstic features indicate that areas of the northern shelf had extensive river input, an influx largely lacking on the southern shelf. Early formed dolomites appear to have been calcitized during sea-level lowstands through the infiltration of meteoric fluids into the evaporitic dolomites created during the previous highstand. In some cases, redolomitization occurred when meteoric fluids were again replaced by hypersaline brines during subsequent sea-level highstands. Although repeated sea-level fluctuations are clearly evident in these strata, it is likely that associated climatic changes (rainfall variations) also played a role in forming these complex diagenetic patterns. Age-equivalent strata from Texas and New Mexico (from sites at much lower palaeolatitudes) show no such alteration patterns; samples from Greenland (slightly higher palaeolatitudes) show even more intense diagenetic alteration during depositional cycles. Thus, the examination of patterns of diagenesis may be useful in interpreting ancient, palaeolatitudinally sensitive climate patterns.     

Massive dolomitization of a late Miocene carbonate platform: a case of mixed evaporative brines with meteoric water,Nijar, Spain

Late Miocene platform carbonates from Nijar, Spain, have been extensively dolomitized. Limestones are present in the most landward parts of the platform, in stratigraphically lower units and topographically highest outcrops, suggesting that dolomitizing fluids were derived from the adjacent Nijar Basin. The dolomite crystals range from <10 to ≈100 μm existing as both replacements and cements. Na, Cl and SO₄ concentrations in the dolomites range from 200 to 1700 p.p.m., 250–650 p.p.m., and 600–7000 p.p.m., respectively, comparable with other Tertiary and modern brine dolomite values, and also overlapping values from mixing-zone dolomites. Sr concentrations range between 50 and 300 p.p.m., and the molar Sr/Ca ratios of dolomitizing fluids are estimated to range between 7× seawater brine to freshwater ratios. The δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C of the dolomites range from ?1·0 to +4·2‰ PDB, and ?4·0 to +2·0‰ PDB, respectively. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values (0·70899–0·70928) of the dolomites range from late Miocene seawater to values greater than modern seawater. Mixtures of freshwater with seawater and evaporative brines probably precipitated the Nijar dolomites. Modelled covariations of molar Sr/Ca vs. δ¹⁸O and Na/Ca vs. δ¹⁸O from these mixtures are consistent with those of the proposed Nijar dolomitizing fluids. Complete or partial dolomite recrystallization is ruled out by well preserved CL zoning, nonstoichiometry and quantitative water–rock interaction modelling of covariations of Na vs. Sr and δ¹⁸O vs. δ¹³C. The possibility of multiple dolomitization events induced by evaporative brines, seawater and freshwater, respectively, is consistent with mineral-mineral mixing modelling. The basin-derived dolomitizing brines probably mixed with freshwater in the Nijar Basin or mixed with fresh groundwater in the platform, and were genetically related either to deposition of the Yesares gypsum or the Feos gypsum. Dolomitization occurred during either the middle Messinian or the early upper Messinian. Nijar dolomitization models may be applicable to dolomitization of other late Miocene platform carbonates of the western Mediterranean. Moreover, the Nijar models may offer an analogue for more ancient evaporite-absent platform carbonates fringing evaporite basins.     

Early and pervasive dolomitization by near-normal marine fluids: New lessons from an Eocene evaporative setting in Qatar

The upper Palaeocene–lower Eocene Umm er Radhuma Formation in the subsurface of Qatar is dominated by subtidal carbonate depositional packages overlain by bedded evaporites. In Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, peritidal carbonate depositional sequences with intercalated evaporites and carbonates in Umm er Radhuma have been previously interpreted to have been dolomitized via downward reflux of hypersaline brines. Here, textural, mineralogical and geochemical data from three research cores in Qatar are presented which, in contrast, are more consistent with dolomitization by near-normal marine fluids. Petrographic relationships support a paragenetic sequence whereby dolomitization occurred prior to the formation of all other diagenetic mineral phases, including chert, pyrite, palygorskite, gypsum, calcite and chalcedony, which suggests that dolomitization occurred very early. The dolomites occur as finely crystalline mimetic dolomites, relatively coarse planar-e dolomites, and coarser nonplanar dolomites, all of which are near-stoichiometric (50.3 mol% MgCO₃) and well-ordered (0.73). The dolomite stable isotope values (range −2.5‰ to +1‰; mean δ¹⁸O = −0.52‰) and trace element concentrations (Sr = 40 to 150 ppm and Na = 100 to 600 ppm) are compatible with dolomitization by near-normal seawater or mesohaline fluids. Comparisons between δ¹⁸O values from Umm er Radhuma dolomite and the overlying Rus Formation gypsum further suggest that dolomitization did not occur in fluids related to Rus evaporites. This study provides an example of early dolomitization of evaporite-related carbonates by near-normal seawater rather than by refluxing hypersaline brines from overlying bedded evaporites. Further, it adds to recent work suggesting that dolomitization by near-normal marine fluids in evaporite-associated settings may be more widespread than previously recognized.     

Dolomitization by penesaline sea water in Early Jurassic peritidal platform carbonates, Gibraltar, western Mediterranean

Peritidal carbonates of the Lower Jurassic (Liassic) Gibraltar Limestone Formation, which form the main mass of the Rock of Gibraltar, are replaced by fine and medium crystalline dolomites. Replacement occurs as massive bedded or laminated dolomites in the lower 100 m of an ≈460‐m‐thick platform succession. The fine crystalline dolomite has δ¹⁸Ο values either similar to, or slightly higher than, those expected from Early Jurassic marine dolomite, and δ¹³C values together with ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios that overlap with sea‐water values for that time, indicating that the dolomitizing fluid was Early Jurassic sea water. Absence of massive evaporitic minerals and/or evaporite solution‐collapse breccias in these carbonate rocks indicates that the salinity of sea water during dolomitization was below that of gypsum precipitation. The occurrence of peritidal facies, a restricted microbiota and rare gypsum pseudomorphs are also consistent with penesaline conditions (salinity 72–199‰). The medium crystalline dolomite has some δ¹⁸Ο and δ¹³C values and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios similar to those of Early Jurassic marine dolomites, which indicates that ambient sea water was again a likely dolomitizing fluid. However, the spread of δ¹⁸Ο, δ¹³C and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values indicates that dolomitization occurred at slightly increased temperatures as a result of shallow (≈500 m) burial or that dolomitization was multistage. These data support the hypothesis that penesaline sea water can produce massive dolomitization in thick peritidal carbonates in the absence of evaporite precipitation. Taking earlier models into consideration, it appears that replacement dolomites can be produced by sea water or modified sea water with a wide range of salinities (normal, penesaline to hypersaline), provided that there is a driving mechanism for fluid migration. The Gibraltar dolomites confirm other reports of significant Early Jurassic dolomitization in the western Tethys carbonate platforms.     

Evidence for high temperature and 18O‐enriched fluids in the Arab‐D of the Ghawar Field,Saudi Arabia

Using the clumped isotope method, the temperature of dolomite and calcite formation and the oxygen isotopic composition (δ¹⁸O_w) of the diagenetic fluids have been determined in a core taken from the Arab‐D of the Ghawar field, the largest oil reservoir in the world. These analyses show that while the dolomites and limestones throughout the major zones of the reservoir recrystallized at temperatures between ca 80°C and 100°C, the carbonates near the top of the reservoir formed at significantly lower temperatures (20 to 30°C). Although the δ¹⁸O values of the diagenetic fluids show large variations ranging from ca <0‰ to ca +8‰, the variations exhibit consistent downhole changes, with the highest values being associated with the portion of the reservoir with the highest permeability and porosity. Within the limestones, dolomites and dolomites associated with the zone of high permeability, there are statistically significant different trends between the δ¹⁸O_w values and recrystallization temperature. These relationships have different intercepts suggesting that fluids with varying δ¹⁸O_w values were involved in the formation of dolomite and limestone compared to the formation of dolomite associated with the zone of high permeability. These new data obtained using the clumped isotope technique show how dolomitization and recrystallization by deep‐seated brines with elevated δ¹⁸O_w values influence the δ¹⁸O values of carbonates, possibly leading to erroneous interpretations unless temperatures can be adequately constrained.     

四川盆地东北部晚二叠世-早三叠世白云岩与同期海水锶同位素组成的对比研究

在四川盆地东北部14条野外剖面和地下钻井的二叠系长兴组、三叠系飞仙关组和嘉陵江组石灰岩和白云岩岩石学研究的基础上,对其中189个不同类型的碳酸盐样品(包括代表海水的石灰岩样品和在不同成岩阶段形成的各种白云岩样品)进行了锶同位素组成和相应的MgO、CaO和Mn、Sr元素分析,获得了系统的晚二叠-早三叠世海水的锶同位素组成数据并建立了相应演化曲线.在此基础上,对不同地层组/段和不同类型白云岩的锶同位素组成与同期海水锶同位素组成进行了对照研究,取得了如下主要认识:(1)川东北晚二叠-早三叠世白云岩的锶同位素组成与同期海水具有类似的演化趋势,结合白云岩的低锰、高锶特征,说明白云化流体与海水存在显著的亲缘关系,与铝硅酸盐地层无关;(2)白云岩的锶同位素组成与同期海水存在差别,各地层组/段白云岩的87Sr/86Sr比值都不同程度地高于同期海水,但从下往上,即从长兴组、飞2+3段、嘉2段到嘉4段,这种差值逐渐缩小,嘉4段白云岩的锶同位素组成已和同期海水基本一致;(3)川东北长兴组、飞2+3段白云岩形成的时间显著晚于同层石灰岩,白云化流体为时间上更晚的海源流体,但嘉2、嘉4段白云岩的形成时间仅略晚于同层石灰岩,白云化流体来源于非常近同期的蒸发浓缩的高Mg/Ca比值海水,一些嘉4段的白云岩的白云化流体就是同期海水,因而这些白云岩是同生或准同生的;(4)如果把白云化的时间看作白云岩的形成时间,则违背地层叠置原理是川东北长兴组和飞仙关组结晶白云岩的主要特征之一,其形成机制可用非同期海源流体的隐伏回流-对流模式来解释,嘉陵江组白云岩形成机制可用活跃回流-萨布哈模式来解释.白云岩和代表同期海水的石灰岩锶同位素组成的对比为解决白云化流体与海水之间的时间关系提供一种新的研究途径.     

Stable isotope study of base metal deposits from the Eastern High Atlas,Morocco

Tertiary epigenetic lead ± zinc and copper mineralizations occur in the Mesozoic carbonate cover and stibnite, barite and copper mineralization in the Precambrian to Palaezoic basement in the Eastern High Atlas, Morocco. The carbon isotope data from host carbonates range from +3 to -1‰ PDB. The data are typical for marine carbon. There is no difference between surrounding dolomites and younger vein dolomites. The oxygen isotopic composition of the samples is enriched in ¹⁶O; the range is from -3 to -11‰ PDB with respect to that of carbonates in equilibrium with marine water. It is postulated that the isotopic composition was changed during dolomitization being caused by transition of connate formation waters diluted to some degree by meteoritic water. The bacteriogenically reduced sulphur from syngenetic sulphides and Mesozoic marine sulphate mobilized during Tertiary orogenesis are thought to be the source of H₂S and SO₄. Cambro-Ordovicien sulphate is also supposed to be the source of sulphur in the Jebel Zelmou barite deposit in the basement. Isotopic composition of lead from galenas in the Tertiary deposits from the Mesozoic cover are strikingly homogenous. Model ages vary between 230–180 Ma. It is suggested that important mobilization processes are responsible for Tertiary metallogeny in Morocco.

     

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).     

Characteristics and Dolomitization of Upper Cambrian to Lower Ordovician Dolomite from Outcrop in Keping Uplift, Western Tarim Basin, Northwest China

Late Cambrian to Early Ordovician sedimentary rocks in the western Tarim Basin, Northwest China, are composed of shallow-marine platform carbonates. The Keping Uplift is located in the northwest region of this basin. On the basis of petrographic and geochemical features, four matrix replacement dolomites and one type of cement dolomite are identified. Matrix replacement dolomites include (1) micritic dolomites (MD1); (2) fine–coarse euhedral floating dolomites (MD2); (3) fine–coarse euhedral dolomites (MD3); and (4) medium–very coarse anhedral mosaic dolomites (MD4). Dolomite cement occurs in minor amounts as coarse saddle dolomite cement (CD1) that mostly fills vugs and fractures in the matrix dolomites. These matrix dolomites have δ18O values of ?9.7‰ to ?3.0‰ VPDB (Vienna Pee Dee Belemnite); δ13C values of ?0.8‰ to 3.5‰ VPDB; 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.708516 to 0.709643; Sr concentrations of 50 to 257 ppm; Fe contents of 425 to 16878 ppm; and Mn contents of 28 to 144 ppm. Petrographic and geochemical data suggest that the matrix replacement dolomites were likely formed by normal and evaporative seawater in early stages prior to chemical compaction at shallow burial depths. Compared with matrix dolomites, dolomite cement yields lower δ18O values (?12.9‰ to ?9.1‰ VPDB); slightly lower δ13C values (?1.6‰–0.6‰ VPDB); higher 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.709165–0.709764); and high homogenization temperature (Th) values (98°C–225°C) and salinities (6 wt%–24 wt% NaCl equivalent). Limited data from dolomite cement shows a low Sr concentration (58.6 ppm) and high Fe and Mn contents (1233 and 1250 ppm, respectively). These data imply that the dolomite cement precipitated from higher temperature hydrothermal salinity fluids. These fluids could be related to widespread igneous activities in the Tarim Basin occurring during Permian time when the host dolostones were deeply buried. Faults likely acted as important conduits that channeled dolomitizing fluids from the underlying strata into the basal carbonates, leading to intense dolomitization. Therefore, dolomitization, in the Keping Uplift area is likely related to evaporated seawater via seepage reflux in addition to burial processes and hydrothermal fluids.     

Dolomitization by hypersaline reflux into dense groundwaters as revealed by vertical trends in strontium and oxygen isotopes: Upper Muschelkalk,Switzerland

The Trigonodus Dolomit is the dolomitized portion of the homoclinal ramp sediments of the Middle Triassic Upper Muschelkalk in the south‐east Central European Basin. Various dolomitizing mechanisms, followed by recrystallization, have been previously invoked to explain the low δ¹⁸O, high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, extensive spatial distribution and early nature of the replacive matrix dolomites. This study re‐evaluates the origin, timing and characteristics of the dolomitizing fluids by examining petrographic and isotopic trends in the Trigonodus Dolomit at 11 boreholes in northern Switzerland. In each borehole the ca 30 m thick unit displays the same vertical trends with increasing depth: crystal size increase, change from anhedral to euhedral textures, ultraviolet‐fluorescence decrease, δ¹⁸O_VPDB decrease from ?1·0‰ at the top to ?6·7‰ at the base and an ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr increase from 0·7080 at the top to 0·7117 at the base. Thus, dolomites at the top of the unit record isotopic values similar to Middle Triassic seawater (δ¹⁸O_VSMOW = 0‰; ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0·70775) while dolomites at the base record values similar to meteoric groundwaters from the nearby Vindelician High (δ¹⁸O_VSMOW = ?4·0‰; ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = >0·712). According to water–rock interaction modelling, a single dolomitizing or recrystallizing fluid cannot have produced the observed isotopic trends. Instead, the combined isotopic, geochemical and petrographic data can be explained by dolomitization via seepage‐reflux of hypersaline brines into dense, horizontally‐advecting groundwaters that already had negative δ¹⁸O and high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values. Evidence for the early groundwaters is found in meteoric calcite cements that preceded dolomitization and in fully recrystallized dolomites with isotopic characteristics identical to the groundwaters following matrix dolomitization. This study demonstrates that early groundwaters can play a decisive role in the formation and recrystallization of massive dolomites and that the isotopic and textural signatures of pre‐existing groundwaters can be preserved during seepage‐reflux dolomitization in low‐angle carbonate ramps.     

Carbon and oxygen isotopic composition and foraminifers of condensed basal Zechstein (Upper Permian) strata in western Poland: environmental and stratigraphic implications

The basinal facies of the Lopingian Zechstein Limestone in SW Poland consists of thin (often less than 1 m thick) limestones and/or dolomites, often containing the Kupferschiefer (few tens of centimetres thick) at their base, and local thick (up to 90 m) reefal carbonates. The δ¹³C curve of these basal Zechstein deposits strongly suggests that even when the Kupferschiefer is lacking, the thin (condensed) sequences record the entire interval of the Zechstein prior to the onset of evaporite deposition, in contrast to the thick reef sequences which lack the characteristic δ¹³C curve for the lowermost part of the Zechstein. The calcite samples show considerable ranges of δ¹⁸O values. If the maximum δ¹⁸O values are considered to be the closest to the pristine original ones and if δ¹⁸O_water value = 0 is assumed, then the calculated range of palaeotemperatures for the Kupferschiefer and Zechstein Limestone calcite ranges from 19 to 34 °C. The faunal restriction, common dwarf foraminifers and the predominance of lagenids in the foraminiferal assemblage indicate continual dysaerobic conditions and possibly elevated salinity of seawater during deposition of thin basinal Zechstein Limestone deposits. The mixing of shallow and deeper waters in the stratified Zechstein Basin caused by upwelling could result in prolific carbonate precipitation in reefs located at the slope of the marginal carbonate platform of the Zechstein Limestone and in isolated reefs related to palaeohighs within the basin; however, there is no isotopic record of eventual upwelling. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dolomitization of the Capitan Formation forereef facies (Permian, west Texas and New Mexico): seepage reflux revisited

Abstract Interpretation of seepage reflux dolomitization is commonly restricted to intervals containing evaporites even though several workers have modelled reflux of mesosaline brines. This study looked at the partially dolomitized forereef facies of the Capitan Formation to test the extent of reflux dolomitization and evaluate the possible role of the near‐backreef mesosaline carbonate lagoon as an alternative source of dolomitizing fluids. The Capitan Formation forereef facies ranges from 10% to 90% dolomite. Most of the dolomite is fabric preserving and formed during early burial after marine cementation, before and/or during evaporite cementation and before stylolitization. Within the forereef facies, dolomite follows depositional units, with debris‐flow and grain‐flow deposits the most dolomitized and turbidity‐current deposits the least. The amount of dolomite increases with stratigraphic age and decreases downslope. Within the reef facies, dolomite is restricted to haloes around fractures and primary cavities except where the reef facies lacks marine cements and, in contrast, is completely dolomitized. This dolomite distribution supports dolomitization by sinking fluids. Oxygen isotopic values for fabric‐preserving dolomite (δ¹⁸O = 0·9 ± 1·0‰, N = 101) support dolomitization by sea water to isotopically enriched sea water. These values are closer to the near‐backreef dolomite (δ¹⁸O = 2·1 ± 0·7‰, N = 48) than the hypersaline backreef dolomite (δ¹⁸O = 3·6 ± 0·9‰, N = 11). Therefore, the fabric‐preserving dolomite is consistent with dolomitization during seepage reflux of mainly mesosaline brines derived from the near‐backreef carbonate lagoon. The occurrence of mesosaline brine reflux in the Capitan Formation has important implications for dolomitization in forereef facies and elsewhere. First, any area with a restricted carbonate lagoon may be dolomitized by refluxing brines even if there are no evaporite facies present. Secondly, such brines may travel significant distances vertically provided permeable pathways (such as fractures) are present. Therefore, the absence of immediately overlying evaporite or restricted facies is not sufficient cause to eliminate reflux dolomitization from consideration.     

Dolomite formation in breccias at the Musandam Platform border, Northern Oman Mountains, United Arab Emirates

The presence of dolomite breccia patches along Wadi Batha Mahani suggests large-scale fluid flow causing dolomite formation. The controls on dolomitization have been studied, using petrography and geochemistry. Dolomitization was mainly controlled by brecciation and the nearby Hagab thrust. Breccias formed as subaerial scree deposits, with clay infill from dissolved platform limestones, during Early Cretaceous emergence. Cathodoluminescence of the dolostones indicates dolomitization took place in two phases. First, fine-crystalline planar-s dolomite replaced the breccias. Later, these dolomites were recrystallized by larger non-planar dolomites. The stable isotope trend towards depleted values (δ¹⁸O: − 2.7‰ to − 10.2‰ VPDB and δ¹³C: − 0.6‰ to − 8.9‰ VPDB), caused by mixing dolomite types during sampling, indicates type 2 dolomites were formed by hot fluids. Microthermometry of quartz cements and karst veins, post-dating dolomites, also yielded high temperatures. Hot formation waters which ascended along the Hagab thrust are invoked to explain type 2 dolomitization, silicification and hydrothermal karstification.     

塔里木盆地中央隆起中部中下奥陶统白云石类型及形成机理

根据岩心及薄片观察,按照矿物晶体的大小、形状以及自形程度的差异,将塔里木盆地中央隆起中部中下奥陶统碳酸盐岩地层中的白云石分为6种类型,包括泥微晶白云石、粉—细晶自形—半自形漂浮状白云石、粉—细晶半自行—他形白云石、粉—细晶自形(环带)白云石、细—粗晶他形白云石、粗晶鞍形白云石。综合不同类型白云石的结构特征、碳氧锶同位素值、阴极发光等特征,认为中下奥陶统白云石主要由三种成岩作用形成:泥微晶白云石主要是在准同生期由回流白云石化形成;大部分粉—粗晶白云石是在埋藏期由埋藏白云石化形成,其中浅埋藏期是大规模白云石化的阶段;粗晶鞍形白云石主要由与高温热液活动相关的热液白云石化形成。     

Petrography and geochemistry of early-stage, fine- and medium-crystalline dolomites in the Middle Devonian Presqu'ile Barrier at Pine Point, Canada

The petrography and geochemistry of fine- and medium-crystalline dolomites of the Middle Devonian Presqu’ile barrier at Pine Point (Western Canada Sedimentary Basin) are different from those of previously published coarse-crystalline and saddle dolomites that are associated with late-stage hydrothermal fluids. Fine-crystalline dolomite consists of subhedral to euhedral crystals, ranging from 5 to 25 μm (mean 8 μm). The dolomite interbedded with evaporitic anhydrites that occur in the back-barrier facies in the Elk Point Basin. Fine-crystalline dolomite has δ¹⁸Ο values between ?1·6 to –3·8‰ PDB and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios from 0·7079–0·7081, consistent with derivation from Middle Devonian seawater. Its Sr concentrations (55–225 p.p.m., mean 105 p.p.m.) follow a similar trend to modern Little Bahama seawater dolomites. Its rare earth element (REE) patterns are similar to those of the limestone precursors. These data suggest that this fine-crystalline dolomite formed from Middle Devonian seawater at or just below the sea floor. Medium-crystalline dolomite in the Presqu’ile barrier is composed of anhedral to subhedral crystals (150–250 μm, mean 200 μm), some of which have clear rims toward the pore centres. This dolomite occurs mostly in the southern lower part of the barrier. Medium-crystalline dolomite has δ¹⁸O values between ?3·7 to ?9·4‰ PDB (mean ?5·9‰ PDB) and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios from 0·7081–0·7087 (mean 0·7084); Sr concentrations from 30 to 79 p.p.m. (mean 50 p.p.m.) and Mn content from 50 to 253 p.p.m. (mean 161 p.p.m.); and negative Ce anomalies compared with those of marine limestones. The medium-crystalline dolomite may have formed either (1) during shallow burial at slightly elevated temperatures (35–40 °C) from fluids derived from burial compaction, or, more likely (2) soon after deposition of the precursor sediments by Middle Devonian seawater derived from the Elk Point Basin. These results indicate that dolomitization in the Middle Devonian Presqu’ile barrier occurred in at least two stages during evolution of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin. The geochemistry of earlier formed dolomites may have been modified if the earlier formed dolomites were porous and permeable and water/rock ratios were large during neomorphism.     

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.     

Depositional environments and facies of the Late Triassic Abu Ruweis Formation, Jordan

The Abu Ruweis Formation is composed of carbonates, evaporites, and mudstones, with some locally developed pelletic, oolitic and stromatolitic limestones. The lateral persistence of bedding, the purity of the evaporite rocks, the alternating arrangement of marine carbonates and evaporites indicates periodic deposition in subaqueous conditions (salina). Petrographic investigations, X-ray diffraction analysis as well as chemical analysis have shown that the outcropping evaporite beds are mainly composed of secondary gypsum, with rare anhydrite relics. Five microfacies of gypsum were recognized according to their fabrics: porphyroblastic and granoblastic gypsum showing polarization texture, gypsum pseudomorph after anhydrite laths, and satin spar gypsum. The textures they display indicate a hydration origin of precursor anhydrite, which is in turn rehydrated from primary gypsum. Some of these anhydrites were formed as a result of replacement processes of the carbonate sediments associated with the evaporites, as evidenced from the textural relationships of the carbonate and sulfate minerals. The O¹⁸ content ranges from 1.45 to 8.38% PDB and the C¹³ content ranges from −1.52 to 4.73% PDB. Trace elements analysis has shown that the Abu Ruweis dolomites are rich in strontium (up to 600 ppm), and sodium (up to 835 ppm). The isotope composition and trace elements content, as well as the petrographic characteristics point to a penecontemporaneous hypersaline dolomitization origin for the Abu Ruweis dolomites. The evaporites were deposited during a regressive lowstand systems tract, whereas the carbonates were deposited under shallow water marine conditions during a highstand systems tract. The Abu Ruweis succession represents a relatively stable arid climate within a rapidly subsiding basin. Restricted conditions were provided by the development of beach barriers.     

Burial dolomitization and porosity development in a mixed carbonate-clastic sequence: an example from the Bowland Basin, northern England

Widespread dolomitization and leaching occur in the Asbian to Brigantian (Dinantian) sequence of the Bowland Basin. Within this mudrock-dominated succession, dolomite is developed in calcarenites and limestone breccia/conglomerates deposited in a carbonate slope environment (Pendleside Limestone) and also within graded quartz wackes deposited by density currents in a generally ‘starved’ basin environment (Pendleside Sandstone). The dolomitized intervals range in thickness from less than one metre to several tens of metres and have a stratabound nature. All stages of calcite cement pre-date dolomitization and calcite veins are dolomitized. Dolomite crystals replace neomorphic spar and may also contain insoluble residues that were concentrated along stylolites. Thus dolomitization was a late stage process within the carbonate diagenetic sequence. A late-stage diagenetic origin is also indicated within the sandstones, with dolomite post-dating the development of quartz overgrowths. Six main textural styles of dolomite are observed: (1) scattered; (2) mosaic; (3) subhedral to euhedral rhombic; (4) microcrystalline; (5) single crystal and (6) saddle. The style of dolomite developed is dependent on the host rock mineralogy, on whether it is space-filling or replacive and also on temperature. Chemically the dolomite varies from near stoichiometric compositions to ankeritic varieties containing up to 20 mole % FeCO₃. Generally the dolomites have isotopic compositions depleted in δ¹⁸O compared to the host limestone, with similar or lighter δ¹³C values. Initial dolomite was of the scattered type, but with progressive replacement of the host a mosaic dolostone with a sucrosic texture was produced. There was a general increase in the Fe and Mn content and reduction in δ¹⁸O ratio of the crystals during dolomitization. Leaching is restricted to partly dolomitized horizons, where calcite, feldspars, micas, clays and, to some extent, dolomite have been leached. This has produced biomouldic and vuggy secondary porosity within the carbonates, whereas in the sandstones honeycombed, corroded and floating grains associated with oversized pores occur. Porosity within both carbonates and sandstones is reduced by ferroan dolomite/ankerite cements. Field, petrographic and chemical characteristics indicate that dolomitizing solutions were predominantly derived from the enclosing mudrocks (Bowland Shales) during intermediate/deep burial. Fluid migration out of the mudrocks would have been sided by dehydration reactions and overpressure, the fluids migrating along the most permeable horizons—the coarse grained carbonates and sandstones that are now dolomitized and contain secondary porosity.     

塔里木盆地和田河气田下奥陶统白云岩成因

塔里木盆地和田河气田是最近探明的大型碳酸盐岩气田,下奥陶统主要发育两类白云岩。下部为层状白云岩,以细晶为主,阴极发光呈紫红色和蓝紫色,有序度为0.57～0.68,Sr、Na含量低,碳氧同位素偏负,成岩深度约1500m;上部斑状灰质白云岩与层状白云岩相比,晶形较粗、以中晶为主,有序度较高、为0.85～0.90,Sr偏高、Na偏低,碳氧同位素更偏负,成岩深度约2000m。通过对上述特征综合研究,认为层状白云岩形成于早期浅埋藏海水-淡水混合环境,提出斑状灰质白云岩形成于晚期深埋藏压实流-淡水混合环境,总结了两种成因机理,建立了相关的白云石化模式。     

Epigenetic dolomitization and iron mineralization along faults and their possible relation to the paleohydrology of southern Israel

Iron mineralization occurs in carbonate rocks of the Cretaceous Judea Group in northern Sinai and the Negev. This mineralization, along with strong enrichment of trace metals, fills fissures and veins. The mineralization is not directly emplaced into the Judea Group limestones but rather within epigenetic dolomites or ankerites which postdate the country rocks. The epigenetic phenomena are narrowly restricted to regional tectonic lineaments. The association of mineralization phenomena with tectonic zones of high permeability suggests that fluid transfer between two distinctly different geochemical environments was the main mineral emplacing agent. Epigenetic dolomitization initially resulted from upflow of old Mg-rich brines along the fault face. During later stages, the residual CaCl₂ brines flowing through the underlying Paleozoic-Mesozoic clastic rocks accumulated Fe and trace metals by leaching of volcanic intrusions. The introduction, via faulting, of these pressurized, acidic, low Eh, metal-bearing brines into the overlying aerated and alkaline carbonate surroundings led to precipitation of Fe which in turn scavenged the trace metals. The Mg-rich brines developed during the Cambrian-Lower Cretaceous mostly continental time-interval. The episodic expulsion of pressurized dolomitizing and metal-bearing brines was related to various stages of tectonic and igneous activity occuring during the Early Miocene-Pleistocene.