Abstract
The origin of continental red beds in SE China is the result of high diagenetic temperatures, rather than an arid climate during their deposition. Here we present results from an experimental study where black mud was heated to demonstrate the formation of red beds. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) of heated samples enables determination of the relative proportion of goethite and hematite. Iron in black mud is predominantly in the form of goethite that has an initial dehydration temperature of ca.150°C. Increasing temperature or prolonged heating time is accompanied by decreasing goethite and organic content, increasing hematite and red colouration. Heat provided to subsiding red bed basins is supplied by cooling of an intracrustal granitic magma layer. The thermal model can explain vertical colour, temperature, redox and mineral zonation in red bed sequences, from red (hematite-bearing), through green-yellow (Cu, Zn, V sulphide mineralization) to grey-black (hydrocarbon, halite-bearing) sediments. The model can also be used to help prospect for hydrocarbon and halite deposits in the SE China red bed basins.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
