Fluid-inclusion technique for determining maximum temperature in calcite and its comparison to the vitrinite reflectance geothermometer

Abstract

Research Article| October 01, 1990 Fluid-inclusion technique for determining maximum temperature in calcite and its comparison to the vitrinite reflectance geothermometer Charles E. Barker; Charles E. Barker 1U.S. Geological Survey, Box 25046, MS 971, Denver, Colorado 80225 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Robert H. Goldstein Robert H. Goldstein 2Department of Geology, University of Kansas, 120 Lindley Hall, Lawrence, Kansas 66045 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Charles E. Barker 1U.S. Geological Survey, Box 25046, MS 971, Denver, Colorado 80225 Robert H. Goldstein 2Department of Geology, University of Kansas, 120 Lindley Hall, Lawrence, Kansas 66045 Publisher: Geological Society of America First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 Geological Society of America Geology (1990) 18 (10): 1003–1006. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1990)018<1003:FITFDM>2.3.CO;2 Article history First Online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Charles E. Barker, Robert H. Goldstein; Fluid-inclusion technique for determining maximum temperature in calcite and its comparison to the vitrinite reflectance geothermometer. Geology 1990;; 18 (10): 1003–1006. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1990)018<1003:FITFDM>2.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Theory, laboratory experiments, and empirical observation suggest that many aqueous fluid inclusions in calcite reequilibrate during overheating, and therefore some homogenization temperatures (Th) record a temperature close to the maximum reached by the rock. This characteristic suggests that aqueous fluid inclusions in calcite can be used to establish maximum temperature (Tpeak). To test this hypothesis, we have compiled fluid inclusion Tpeak, mean random vitrinite reflectance (Rm), and present-day Tpeak from 46 diverse geologic systems that have been at Tpeak from 104 to 106 yr. Present Tpeak ranged from 65 to 345 °C, Th modes and means ranged from 59 to 350 °C, and Rm data ranged from 0.4% to 4.6%, spanning the temperature and thermal maturity range associated with burial diagenesis, hydrothermal alteration, and low-grade metamorphism.Plots of Th and Tpeak data for systems thought to be currently at maximum temperature demonstrate close agreement between Th and present Tpeak in sedimentary basins. Although caution should be applied, the relation suggests that Th of aqueous fluid inclusions in calcite may be a useful measure of maximum temperature. This study also compares Th to mean random vitrinite reflectance (Rm) to offer further support for the use of Th as a measure of Tpeak, and to provide a better understanding of Rm. Th correlates well with Rm and results in a curve similar to Rm vs. Tpeak calibrations determined by other workers. The strong correlation (correlation coefficient r = 0.93) between Tpeak and Rm in these systems suggests that maximum temperature is the major control on thermal maturation. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.