Morphometry of microstromatolites in calcrete laminar crusts and a fractal model of their growth

The laminar crust, constituting the upper part of calcretes (terrestrial CaCO₃ accumulations inside surficial sediments), is a succession of thin layers of various colors and shapes resembling micro-stromatolites. The crust structure and its diagenetic evolution are similar to stromatolites. A quantitative study of its structure was made using image analysis. Euclidian parameters were calculated to describe lamina shape. Eight hundred and eighty-six laminae were divided into six classes from the flatest forms to columnar shapes. The geometrical relationships between the shapes are interpreted as steps in the growth process of the microstromatolite. A fractal model of laminar crust growth was developed, using the diffusion-limited aggregation model (DLA) and dilation (an operation of mathematical morphology). This model simulates all growth steps observed in thin section and emphasizes the necessity of an interface with the atmosphere to explain the variety of shapes. This growth model supports the theory of a surficial and biogenic origin for certain calcrete laminar crusts.     

New methodologies for investigating rillenkarren cross-sections: a case study at Lluc,Mallorca

Precise data on the detailed form of 108 rillenkarren (flute) cross-sections at Lluc have been obtained by digitizing photographic enlargements of profile gauge traces taken in the field. Such data enable morphometric analysis to be undertaken more rigorously and on a wider range of characteristics (e.g. flute and cusp asymmetry, surface roughness and the properties of vertical sections) than in previous studies. Methods for quantifying and investigating these characteristics are presented. Since many of the flutes were found to be asymmetrical, the two ‘sides’ of each flute have been analysed separately. Although most of the sides have characteristic parabolic profiles, about one-fifth are rectilinear in form. The parabolic sides are relatively smooth, and this is thought to be attributable to dissolution within the thin film of water present on the surface during rainfall and/or to the detachment of small protruding fragments of limestone (weathered loose by biological agencies) by raindrop impact. The rectilinear sides have distinctly rougher surfaces and are thought to be truncated or immature forms. Sets of rillenkarren on rock outcrops appear to be in dynamic equilibrium, maintaining their overall form over time, but changing in detail as cusp lines shift, existing flutes are captured and new ones are initiated. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.