Diagenetic evolution of the volcaniclastic deposits: an example from Neoproterozoic Dokhan Volcanics in Wadi Queih basin, central Eastern Desert, Egypt

Abstract

Wadi Queih basin hosts a ∼2,500-m thick Neoproterozoic volcanoclastic successions that unconformably lie over the oldest Precambrian basement. These successions were deposited in alluvial fan, fluviatile, lacustrine, and aeolian depositional environments. Diagenetic minerals from these volcaniclastic successions were studied by X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, and analytical electron microscopy. The diagenetic processes recognized include mechanical compaction, cementation, and dissolution. Based on the framework grain–cement relationships, precipitation of the early calcite cement was either accompanied or followed by the development of part of the pore-lining and pore-filling clay cements. Secondary porosity development occurred due to partial to complete dissolution of early calcite cement and feldspar grains. In addition to calcite, several different clay minerals including kaolinite, illite, and chlorite with minor smectite occur as pore-filling and pore-lining cements. Chlorite coating grains helps to retain primary porosity by retarding the envelopment of quartz overgrowths. Clay minerals and their diagenetic assemblages has been distinguished between primary volcaniclastics directly produced by pyroclastic eruptions and epiclastic volcaniclastics derived from erosion of the pre-existing volcanic rocks. Phyllosilicates of the epiclastic rocks display wider compositional variations owing to wide variations in the mineralogical and chemical compositions of the parent material. Most of the phyllosilicates (kaolinite, illite, chlorite, mica, and smectite) are inherited minerals derived from the erosion of the volcanic basement complex, which had undergone hydrothermal alteration. Smectites of the epiclastic rocks are beidellite–montmorillonite derived from the altered volcanic materials of the sedimentary environment. Conversely, phyllosilicate minerals of the pyroclastic rocks are dominated by kaolinite, illite, and mica, which were formed by pedogenetic processes through the hydrothermal influence.