Model for dolomite formation in northwest Florida

Abstract

Petrographic methods are used to examine the nature of the Floridan post-Oligocene unconformity and diagenetic responses in the associated carbonate units. The study addresses the depositional environment and the character of sediments associated with the unconformity, types and timing of diagenetic changes, and mode of dolomitization for the Suwannee Limestone dolomites and basal Hawthorn Group dolosilts. The purpose of the study is to determine if the original texture of geologic materials is preserved more frequently in rocks deposited in a supratidal environment in the uppermost Floridan carbonates, to examine possible sources of magnesium for the dolomitization that has occurred in the Floridan aquifer, and to determine the chemical environment of dolomite formation. On the basis of lithology, the tri-county study area can be divided into two regions; one in which the uppermost Floridan carbonate is calcareous or locally silicified, and one in which the aquifer system is capped with dolomite. Lateral interfingering between the two regions is apparent, and it is inferred that the boundary between the limestone and dolomite represents a geochemical boundary between a mixed marine and freshwater environment and a subaerially exposed freshwater environment. Where dolomite has replaced the uppermost Suwannee Limestone, the dolomite is overlain by a thin unit of dolosilt. The predominant source of magnesium for the dolomitization that occurred in the study area is probably seawater.