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Minerals
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Carbonate Petrology and Geochemistry
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Carbonate Petrology and Geochemistry

A special issue of Minerals (ISSN 2075-163X). This special issue belongs to the section "Mineral Geochemistry and Geochronology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (18 October 2023) | Viewed by 7674

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Luis Miguel Nieto

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Guest Editor
Departamento de Geología and CEACTEMA, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Universitario, Edf. B-3., E-23071 Jaén, Spain
Interests: stratigraphy; sedimentology; carbonate petrology; facies analysis; paleokarst; Mesozoic; Betic Cordillera
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. José Miguel Molina

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Departamento de Geología and CEACTEMA, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Universitario, Edf. B-3., E-23071 Jaén, Spain
Interests: stratigraphy; sedimentology; carbonate petrology; facies analysis; paleokarst; Mesozoic; Betic Cordillera
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of Minerals, we are pleased to announce the Special Issue "Carbonate Petrology and Geochemistry" and we would like to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue that focuses on the carbonates (rocks and sediments) deposited in continental and marine environments, irrespective of their age. Carbonate rocks and sediments emerge in response to mechanisms forced primarily by high environmental CO2 contents. Therefore, research on petrological and geochemical carbonate topics is critical for understanding the global carbonate cycle, as carbonate minerals comprise the largest reservoir of carbon in the Earth’s lithosphere.

Remarkable advances have recently been made in understanding the petrology and geochemistry of carbonates, mainly considering environmental changes and their ecological impact. Furthermore, in recent decades, analytical techniques have also advanced and offer a more complete vision to scientists in mineralogy, petrology and geochemistry, making data available with a superlative analytical and spatial resolution.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to collect original research studies that can shed new light on the advances in stratigraphy, sedimentology, petrology, geochemistry, (paleo)climate, (pale)oceanography and hydrogeology of carbonate rocks and/or sediments. Contributions may embrace a broad spectrum of topics, because this Special Issue aims to show a comprehensive and up-to-date perspective of past and recent carbonates, whilst taking into account the fact that carbonate research is more focused on the assessment of processes and genetic relationships between textures and mineralogical, and geochemical compositions. Contributions can either be review papers related to special topics or very specialized research studies, offering new perspectives on specific aspects of recent or past carbonates.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following: 1) the architecture and interpretation of carbonate outcrops; 2) the diagenetic and geochemical controls regarding carbonate deposition; 3) carbonate rocks or sediments as an archive of ancient/recent (paleo)-environmental changes; 4) role of carbonates in (pale)oceanography and the global carbon cycle; 5) recognition of primary versus diagenetic overprint in carbonates; 6) carbonate significance as a source and reservoir rocks.

We thank you and look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Luis Miguel Nieto
Prof. Dr. José Miguel Molina
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Minerals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • carbonate rocks and/or sediments
  • carbonate texture
  • mineralogical and/or geochemical composition of carbonates
  • carbonate petrology
  • carbonate diagenesis
  • carbonate weathering
  • (paleo)-environmental changes
  • carbon cycle
  • continental or marine carbonates

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

29 pages, 13964 KiB  
Article
Fabric and Fluid Inclusions Characterization of a Stalagmite from Eastern Spain: A Precondition for Noble Gas Analysis by Step-Crushing Methodology
by Maialen Lopez-Elorza, Therese Weißbach, M. Belén Muñoz-García, Tobias Kluge, Werner Aeschbach and Javier Martín-Chivelet
Minerals 2024, 14(3), 267; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14030267 - 02 Mar 2024
Viewed by 771
Abstract
Fluid inclusions in stalagmites are becoming increasingly important for paleoclimate research. Within this framework, noble gas thermometry, based on noble gases dissolved in water from fluid inclusions, provides quantitative estimations of cave air paleotemperature. Two major issues of Noble Gas Temperature (NGT) determination [...] Read more.
Fluid inclusions in stalagmites are becoming increasingly important for paleoclimate research. Within this framework, noble gas thermometry, based on noble gases dissolved in water from fluid inclusions, provides quantitative estimations of cave air paleotemperature. Two major issues of Noble Gas Temperature (NGT) determination on speleothems are (1) the potential lack of enough water for the analysis and (2) the presence of trapped gas not dissolved in water that can be released during the analysis from biphasic or all-gas fluid inclusions, as its contribution to the bulk noble gas signal can hinder NGT results. Although the step-crushing method helps to reduce the second issue, it also decreases the amount of water available for the calculations. In order to obtain reliable NGT results with low uncertainties, a major challenge is still to reach a balance between sufficient water for analysis and a small amount of “atmospheric” gas. The difficulty is that the extraction process cannot be standardized since it strongly depends on the type of sample. The objective of this work is to investigate how the characteristics of the speleothem can determine the adequacy of the extraction process. For this purpose, we consider a stalagmite from a Mediterranean cave that consists of columnar elongated calcite and contains a significant quantity of fluid inclusions, which suggests good potential for NGT analysis. Results, however, were poorly satisfactory. Trying to understand the source of the problems, an integrated study of petrography and petrophysical features was performed. The samples were found to be different depending on the stage of coalescence of crystals and thus separated into “open” and “closed” fabrics. Classic petrographic analysis and non-destructive (nuclear magnetic resonance) techniques were used to characterize the type and amount of fluid inclusions present in both types of fabrics. The study indicates that the closed fabric (total coalescence of calcite crystals) has most water trapped in water-filled, small intracrystalline fluid inclusions that usually contain very little gas. This fabric is very suitable for NGT determination, but since the amount of water is quite small, the sample should be crushed in only one step with a large number of beats to break all the inclusions. In contrast, samples with open fabric (partial coalescence of calcite crystals) contain a higher amount of water and, also, gas-filled large intercrystalline fluid inclusions. For this fabric, step-crushing of the sample is necessary. However, the low amount of water left for the second and third crushings could lead to flawed NGT results. Thus, we suggest modifying the method to get rid of part of the gas in the first crushing while leaving enough water for the following steps. This work shows the importance of characterizing speleothems and fluid inclusions, including their petrography and petrophysical characteristics, before starting NGT analysis, allowing the selection of the most favorable samples and the customization of the step-crushing procedure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbonate Petrology and Geochemistry)
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23 pages, 4444 KiB  
Article
Evolution from Carbonate Platform to Pelagic Environments in the South Iberian Paleomargin (Pliensbachian–Early Toarcian, Early Jurassic): Carbonate Features and Isotope Geochemistry
by Luis M. Nieto, José M. Molina, Pedro A. Ruiz-Ortiz, Ángela Fraguas and Matías Reolid
Minerals 2023, 13(11), 1386; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13111386 - 29 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1237
Abstract
This paper studies ten Subbetic (Betic External Zones) stratigraphic sections spanning the Pliensbachian–early Toarcian time interval. Eight lithofacies were distinguished: crinoidal limestones, peloidal limestones, breccias, cherty limestones, nodular limestones, hardground surfaces and condensed levels, marls and marly limestone alternance, and dark marls. The [...] Read more.
This paper studies ten Subbetic (Betic External Zones) stratigraphic sections spanning the Pliensbachian–early Toarcian time interval. Eight lithofacies were distinguished: crinoidal limestones, peloidal limestones, breccias, cherty limestones, nodular limestones, hardground surfaces and condensed levels, marls and marly limestone alternance, and dark marls. The biostratigraphy matches data from ammonite and calcareous nannofossil zonations. In addition, we analyzed C and O isotopes from bulk samples from three of the studied sections in which the lower Toarcian sedimentation crops out. The demise of the Lower Jurassic shallow platform developed in the South Iberian Paleomargin was a complex process driven by rifting, which led to tilted blocks giving way to different sedimentary environments. The tectonic stages occurred in the Sinemurian–Pliensbachian transition (R1), toward the lower part of the Ibex Zone (FO of the Biscutum grande, R2), in the Ibex–Davoei zones boundary (FO of Lotharingius barozii, R3), in the lower–upper Pliensbachian (R4), and in the lower boundary of the NJT4d nannofossil Subzone (R5) (Lavinianum Zone, upper Pliensbachian). After this last phase, sedimentation became pelagic in origin throughout the basin, represented by the sections studied. However, the isotope data show no clear record of the different C-isotopic events, though the Davoei–Margaritatus Event, the late Pliensbachian Event, and the Pliensbachian–Toarcian Boundary Event (PTBE) could be cautiously identified. These geochemical features are explained by the convergence of marine currents from Panthalassa (through the Hispanic Corridor) and Tethys. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbonate Petrology and Geochemistry)
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18 pages, 3861 KiB  
Article
Revisiting the Raman Spectra of Carbonate Minerals
by Julliana F. Alves, Howell G. M. Edwards, Andrey Korsakov and Luiz Fernando C. de Oliveira
Minerals 2023, 13(11), 1358; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13111358 - 25 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1435
Abstract
This work presents a new discussion about the vibrational properties of the carbonate ion displayed in several different environments. The microparameters introduced by cation substitution and different crystal lattices in addition to the crystal aggregation are present in the discussion. The work comments [...] Read more.
This work presents a new discussion about the vibrational properties of the carbonate ion displayed in several different environments. The microparameters introduced by cation substitution and different crystal lattices in addition to the crystal aggregation are present in the discussion. The work comments on how the Raman modes are affected by these changes by using data obtained with four different laser excitation sources. Raman spectra excited at 1064 nm are reported at 1 cm−1 resolution. New observations and approaches based on the Raman modes highlight the differences observed in the relative intensity and width of the bands. The new data contribute to the understanding of these materials and their spectra, bringing new observations based on the Raman modes. This work presents a new approach highlighting the differences observed in the relative intensity and width of the Raman bands. The results indicate some evidence of the influence of the crystal habit and/or the growth of the mineral itself on the Raman spectrum. In addition, the data show the influence of cation substitution upon Raman bandwidth and the interference of the size of the spot of the laser in the measurement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbonate Petrology and Geochemistry)
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16 pages, 5491 KiB  
Article
The Origin of the Upper Cambrian Basin-Scale Massive Dolostones of the Xixiangchi Formation, Sichuan Basin, China
by Huan Hu, Shenglin Xu, Anqing Chen, Long Wen, Benjian Zhang, Xihua Zhang, Fuxiang Li, Mengqi Liu and Wei Yong
Minerals 2023, 13(7), 932; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13070932 - 13 Jul 2023
Viewed by 906
Abstract
The thick Upper Cambrian Xixiangchi dolostones, developed in the Sichuan Basin, are an important deep exploration target, but their genesis is still controversial, which hinders predicting the porous dolomite distribution and related potential hydrocarbon play. Herein, based on the observation and sampling of [...] Read more.
The thick Upper Cambrian Xixiangchi dolostones, developed in the Sichuan Basin, are an important deep exploration target, but their genesis is still controversial, which hinders predicting the porous dolomite distribution and related potential hydrocarbon play. Herein, based on the observation and sampling of field outcrops, combined with a microscopic thin section analysis, cathodoluminescence analysis, and geochemical study, their characteristics and genesis were investigated. The results showed that there are mainly three types of dolomite that can be distinguished: (1) fine crystalline dolomite with a low crystallinity (Type 1); (2) granular dolomite with coarse grains, maintaining the original particle structure (Type 2); and (3) grain-texture relict dolomite with a higher degree of crystal form and obvious recrystallization (Type 3). The Type 1 dolomite with a common lamina structure and the highest 87Sr/86Sr ratio implies the most continental-influenced seawater in a supratidal environment around paleouplift, where there is an evaporation pump effect in its formation. The Type 2 dolomite recorded a slightly higher diagenesis temperature and slightly lower brine salinity, which would be formed in a seepage-reflux model in the beach environment of the platform. The lowest REY content and higher dolomite temperature with structural residuals indicate that the Type 3 dolomite is the result of further burial dolomitization during the diagenetic process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbonate Petrology and Geochemistry)
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13 pages, 5632 KiB  
Article
Genesis of Calcite Veins in 8# Coal Seam of the Upper Carboniferous Benxi Formation, Southeastern Margin of Ordos Basin
by Zheng Cao, Hairuo Qing, Cen Chen, Shijie Zhu, Xueying Lyu, Karem Azmy, Zhijun Li, Lei Zhang, Ruhao Liu and Jiangen Xu
Minerals 2023, 13(7), 879; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13070879 - 29 Jun 2023
Viewed by 976
Abstract
The 8# coal seam in the Benxi Formation of the southeastern margin of the Ordos Basin is a deep coal seam with abundant coalbed methane resources. Calcite veins are commonly developed within the 8# coal seam, and their formation processes and mechanisms have [...] Read more.
The 8# coal seam in the Benxi Formation of the southeastern margin of the Ordos Basin is a deep coal seam with abundant coalbed methane resources. Calcite veins are commonly developed within the 8# coal seam, and their formation processes and mechanisms have significant implications for the enrichment of deep coalbed methane. Genesis of the calcite veins was analyzed to reveal the impact of the calcite veins formation on coalbed methane accumulation, with an integrated application of petrographic study by thin section, cathodoluminescence analysis, carbon-oxygen isotope analysis, and homogeneous temperature measurements of fluid inclusions. The research findings indicate that the calcite veins in the 8# coal seam can be classified into three stages: C1, C2, and C3. The diagenetic fluids of C1 primarily originated from contemporaneous seawater. The fluids responsible for the formation of C2 primarily consist of organic fluids enriched in biogenic gas, whereas the fluids contributing to the formation of C3 are primarily associated with liquid hydrocarbons originated form decarboxylation of organic matter. Furthermore, the development of both C2 and C3 is influenced by deep hydrothermal fluids resulting from tectonic heating events during the Early Cretaceous. By combining analysis of the hydrocarbon accumulation history and burial history in the study area, it has been established that C2 formation occurred during the Late Triassic to Early Jurassic, while C3 formation took place during the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous. The exploration and production practices in the study area have firmly established the crucial significance of the formation and evolution of calcite veins within the 8# coal seam for the migration and accumulation of coalbed methane. The research outcomes provide valuable insights for the exploration of deep coalbed methane enrichment areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbonate Petrology and Geochemistry)
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18 pages, 4902 KiB  
Article
Carbonate U-Pb Geochronology and Clumped Isotope Constraints on the Origin of Hydrothermal Dolomites: A Case Study in the Middle Permian Qixia Formation, Sichuan Basin, South China
by Yu Zou, Donghua You, Bo Chen, Huamin Yang, Zhixing Tian, Dongna Liu and Liyu Zhang
Minerals 2023, 13(2), 223; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13020223 - 03 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1554
Abstract
Reservoirs in the dolomites of the Middle Permian Qixia Formation in the Sichuan Basin are currently important oil and gas exploration objects in China. However, the questions concerning the sources of the dolomitized fluids and the control factors of the Qixia hydrothermal dolomites [...] Read more.
Reservoirs in the dolomites of the Middle Permian Qixia Formation in the Sichuan Basin are currently important oil and gas exploration objects in China. However, the questions concerning the sources of the dolomitized fluids and the control factors of the Qixia hydrothermal dolomites remain unclear. In this study, the original hydrothermal dolomites (the replacement dolomites (RDs) and saddle dolomites (SDs)) from the Qixia Formation in the southwestern Sichuan Basin (the PR1 well and Baoxing section) were mainly examined using novel in situ carbonate U-Pb dating with clumped isotopes (∆47). Our results show that the U-Pb ages of the latest SDs from the PR1 well (located in the middle zone of the Emeishan large igneous province (ELIP) and distanced from the Orogenic Belt of Longmenshan) are 257.9–251.0 Ma, coincident with the period of main activity of the ELIP. Combined with the previous U-Pb dating, we propose that the high-temperature T∆47 (82.2–108.4 °C and 127.5–205.9 °C) recorded for SDs from the PR1 well and Baoxing section may have responded to ELIP activity and Longmenshan orogeny activity, respectively. In addition, in the entire southwestern Sichuan Basin, the RDs and SDs yield similar δ13C and δ18O values, indicating that the dolomites were formed by hydrothermal fluids of similar sources, with marine hydrothermal fluids being a highly possible source. Finally, this study proposes a new hydrothermal dolomite genesis model for the Qixia Formation, emphasizing that the formation of hydrothermal dolomites mainly depends on the proximity to tectonic thermal events in space and time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbonate Petrology and Geochemistry)
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