Saddle Dolomite Research Articles

Dolomites of the Boat Harbour Formation in the Northern Peninsula, western Newfoundland, Canada: Implications for dolomitization history and porosity control

The Boat Harbour Formation constitutes the upper part of the Lower Ordovician St. George Group on the Northern Peninsula, western Newfoundland. It ranges in thickness from 140 m (459 ft) at Main Brook to 96 m (315 ft) at Daniel's Harbour. Dolomitization of the carbonate sequence is more pervasive in the lower 30 to 40 m (98 to 131 ft) at Main Brook, whereas at Daniel's Harbour, the section is entirely dolomitized. Petrography suggests that the Boat Harbour Formation has been affected by three phases of dolomitization. The earliest (near surface or synsedimentary) phase is D1 dolomicrite (4–55 m), which exhibits dull to no luminescence. It commonly occurs as laminae-capping cycles and as breccias in the younger dolomite phases. It has low Sr (228 30 ppm) and an average 18O value of 6.0 0.8 (Vienna Peedee belemnite [VPDB]) in the Main Brook section but more depleted signatures for 18O of 8.8 1 (VPDB) and lower Sr contents (45 8 ppm) in the Daniel's Harbour section. The geochemical composition suggests that D1 was developed from fluids of a mixture of meteoric and marine waters. The midburial phase D2 dolomite consists of coarse planar subeuhedral crystals (30–400 m) that show concentric cathodoluminescence zoning and are also crosscut by microstylolites. Its 18O values range between 6.6 1.3 (VPDB) at Main Brook and 9.0 0.5 (VPDB) at Daniel's Harbour. This dolomite likely precipitated from fluids that circulated through crustal rocks with progressive burial (Th value of 114C 11C and salinity value of 23 1.8 eq. wt. % NaCl). The late-stage D3 dolomite has large and coarse nonplanar crystals (125 m–7 mm) that exhibit sweeping extinction under crossed polars, which is characteristic of saddle dolomite and also sometimes shows thin brightly luminescent rims. It was likely precipitated during deeper burial in pulses and from hot fluids (Th values of 148C 19C and 115C 19.6C and mean salinities of 23 2 and 22 2 eq. wt. % NaCl at Main Brook and Daniel's Harbour, respectively). This is also supported by their relatively more depleted 18O (11.1 1.2 and 12.3 1.4 VPDB, respectively) and low Sr contents (88 36 and 38 5.9 ppm, respectively). Porosity in the Boat Harbour Formation is mainly associated with the midburial D2 dolomite. Intercrystalline porosity is the dominant type, and it ranges in the formation from less than 1% to 8% at Main Brook and from 7% to 12% at Daniel's Harbour. Vugs are less common but are associated with D3 dolomite. The porous zone in the formation at Main Brook starts approximately 10 to 15 m (33 to 49 ft) below the lower Boat Harbour disconformity and extends down to the lower formational boundary, whereas porous zones in the formation at Daniel's Harbour are indiscriminately distributed throughout the section.

Magnesium isotopes in high-temperature saddle dolomite cements in the lower Paleozoic of Canada

Mg isotopes are used to better understand the genesis of hydrothermal saddle dolomite cements in Lower Paleozoic successions in Canada. These cements occur in fault-bounded dolostones that overlay lithologically diverse basement rocks; Ordovician dolomite lies over the Precambrian craton, whereas the Silurian and Devonian dolomites overlay a succession of tectonically accreted sedimentary, volcanic and ultramafic units of Cambrian to Ordovician age.Lower Silurian saddle dolomites have the most negative δ26MgDSM3 values of our dataset (–3.25 to –1.13‰), and plot in two distinct groups: a strongly negative subset that characterizes higher temperature (175°C) dolomites, and a less negative subset for lower temperature (153°C) dolomites. Upper Ordovician saddle dolomites precipitated at significantly lower temperatures (102°C), and their δ26MgDSM3 values range from –1.26 to –0.71‰. Lower Devonian saddle dolomites formed at very high temperature (350°C) and have δ26MgDSM3 values ranging from –1.29 to –0.78‰.No experimental data on high temperature (100–350°C) fluid-dolomite Mg isotope fractionation factors have been published, and recent research suggests that no significant fractionation occurs between diagenetic fluids and dolomites at high temperatures in closed to semi-closed diagenetic systems. Our results indicate that the isotopic signature of diagenetic fluid is the primary control for the δ26MgDSM3 values in these high-temperature dolomites.

Zebra and boxwork fabrics in hydrothermal dolomites of northern Canada: Indicators for dilational fracturing, dissolution or in situ replacement?

AbstractZebra and boxwork fabrics in Manetoe and Presqu'ile hydrothermal dolomites provide critical data for discrimination between hypotheses for their origin. In a unique occurrence, sets of weakly imbricated, decimetre‐sized curvilinear lenticles of white dolospar are developed within sub‐metre sized tongues of greyish‐white dolomitized crinoidal packstone and grainstone. This nascent zebra fabric has developed along wavy to nodular intra‐bed sedimentary partings. Primary bedding can be traced through dolomitized masses containing these fabrics, into the surrounding undolomitized limestone. All zebra and boxwork fabrics are confined within single beds, consistent with an early burial time of origin. No change in bed thickness occurs across zebra or boxwork fabrics within beds; this indicates a dissolutional, rather than a dilational, origin for the creation of pore space partly cemented with white dolospar. The dolomitized groundmass displays an abruptly gradational or sharp transition to centripetal saddle dolomite cement, which partially to nearly completely, occludes vugs. Circulation of geothermally heated hypersaline Devonian Elk Point basinal sea water brines led to dissolution and replacive dolomitization of limestone adjacent to vugs, and near‐contemporaneous precipitation of white dolospar within dissolutional vugs, consistent with geochemical simulations. The presence of downward‐extending galleries of white dolospar‐cemented solution‐collapse breccia provides further support for an interpretation of regional thermally driven convection of hydrothermal evaporative sea water brines across a broad area of northern Canada. The absence of gases under pressure in vacuoles within fluid inclusions from Manetoe and Presqu'ile dolospars is also more consistent with a dissolutional and contemporaneous dolomitization origin for these fabrics, rather than an origin involving dilational fracturing for space creation and dolospar precipitation. The ubiquitous presence of zebra and boxwork fabrics in hydrothermal dolomite reservoirs indicates that they are not confined fault zones and instead occur wherever precursor limestones had relatively greater porosity and permeability prior to dolomitization.

Multiphase partial and selective dolomitization of Carnian reef limestone (Transdanubian Range, Hungary)

AbstractPartially dolomitized carbonate successions provide a good opportunity to understand the commonly multistage process of dolomitization. Petrographic methods, fluid inclusion microthermometry and stable isotope measurements were applied to reconstruct the diagenetic evolution and dolomitization of a partially dolomitized Carnian reef limestone from the Transdanubian Range, Hungary. The diagenetic history began with reef diagenesis and formation of dolomite micro‐aggregates in microbial fabric elements; this was followed by the development of euhedral porphyrotopic dolomite crystals through overgrowths around the previously formed dolomite micro‐aggregates during the earliest burial stage. Increasing burial resulted in the extension of the dolomite patches via formation of finely crystalline replacement dolomite. From the Late Norian, when the Carnian reef carbonates reached the depth of 1·0 to 1·8 km, the diagenetic evolution continued in an intermediate to deep‐burial setting. Contemporaneously, an extensional regime was established, leading to fracturing. The progressive burial resulted in the recrystallization of the pre‐existing dolomite with increasing temperature, while saddle dolomite cement was precipitated in fractures. In connection with the Alpine Orogeny, intense denudation took place during the Late Cretaceous, accompanied by fracturing. Similar tectonically controlled denudation and fracturing occurred in several stages during the Cenozoic. As a result of these processes, the studied Carnian carbonates were raised to a near‐surface position or became subaerially exposed, leading to dedolomitization of the last dolomite phase and precipitation of calcite cement in cavities and fractures. This study revealed that by investigating partially and selectively dolomitized rock types, it is possible to document and understand those stages of the multiple dolomitization process which can barely be detected in the completely dolomitized rock bodies. Recognition of the dolomitization phases could provide the basis for the analysis of their relations with the depositional, diagenetic and tectonic processes, and stages of basin evolution.

The relationship between dolomite textures and their formation temperature: a case study from the Permian-Triassic of the Sichuan Basin and the Lower Paleozoic of the Tarim Basin

Study of dolomite texture can contribute to understanding the process of dolomitization. This research reports textures and homogenization temperatures of dolomites from the Permian-Triassic strata in the Sichuan Basin and the Lower Paleozoic strata in the Tarim Basin, which provided insights into relationships between dolomite textures and their formation temperatures. Our results are summarized as follows: 1) dolomites with well-preserved texture indicate low dolomitization temperature. However, in certain diagenetic environments, the hydrothermal dolomitization may completely or partially preserve the original texture of dolomites. 2) The formation temperatures of non-planar dolomites are always higher than those of planar dolomites. 3) The formation temperatures of dolomite cements are generally higher than those of replacive dolomites. 4) Although the formation temperatures of saddle dolomite cements have a wide range, they show higher values than those of the planar subhedral to euhedral dolomite cements. Thus, saddle dolomites could generally be an indicator of high precipitation temperature. 5) The fluid Mg/Ca ratio is another element controlling dolomite morphology. Micritic dolomites, which precipitate from hypersaline fluids with a high Mg/Ca ratio in a subaerial environment could also have features of non-planar anhedral crystal shape because of rapid nucleation and crystallization during dolomitization.

Fluid–rock interactions associated with regional tectonics and basin evolution

AbstractAn integrated approach consisting of fracture analysis, petrography, carbon, oxygen and strontium‐isotope analyses, as well as fluid‐inclusion micro‐thermometry, led to a better understanding of the evolution of fluid–rock interactions and diagenesis of the Upper Permian to Upper Triassic carbonates of the United Arab Emirates. The deposited carbonates were first marked by extensive early dolomitization. During progressive burial, the carbonates were affected by dolomite recrystallization as well as precipitation of vug and fracture‐filling dolomite, quartz and calcite cements. After considerable burial during the Middle Cretaceous, sub‐vertical north–south oriented fractures (F1) were cemented by dolomite derived from mesosaline to hypersaline fluids. Upon the Late Cretaceous maximum burial and ophiolite obduction, sub‐vertical east–west fractures (F2) were cemented by dolomite (Dc2) and saddle dolomite (Ds) derived from hot, highly saline fluids. Then, minor quartz cement has precipitated in fractures from hydrothermal brines. Fluid‐inclusion analyses of the various diagenetic phases imply the involvement of increasingly hot (200°C) saline brines (20 to 23% NaCl eq.). Through one‐dimensional burial history numerical modelling, the maximum temperatures reached by the studied rocks are estimated to be in the range of 160 to 200°C. Tectonically‐driven flux of hot fluids and associated diagenetic products are interpreted to have initiated during the Late Cretaceous maximum burial and lasted until the Oligocene–Miocene compressional tectonics and related uplift. The circulation of such hydrothermal brines led to partial dissolution of dolomites (Dc2 and Ds) and to precipitation of hydrothermal calcite C1 in new (mainly oriented north–south; F3) and pre‐existing, reactivated fractures. The integration of the obtained data confirms that the diagenetic evolution was controlled primarily by the interplay of the burial thermal evolution of the basin and the regional tectonic history. Hence, this contribution highlights the impacts of regional tectonics and basin history on diagenetic processes, which may subsequently affect reservoir properties.

A fluid inclusion study of diagenetic fluids in Proterozoic and Paleozoic carbonate rocks, Victoria Island, NWT

AbstractDespite the presence of known economic resources in Canada's Arctic archipelago, Victoria Island remains understudied. This study addresses the fluid history and economic potential of two major carbonate units on Victoria Island by integrating fluid inclusion microthermometry with SEM‐EDS analysis of evaporate mounds. Three cements containing fluid inclusion assemblages (FIA) occur in the Neoproterozoic Wynniatt Formation: saddle dolomite, brown dolomite and calcite, in paragenetic order. The two dolomite‐hosted cements have average homogenisation temperatures (Th) for FIAs (n = 3) of 108°C (saddle) and 101 and 116°C, but metastability precluded determining salinities; most calcite‐hosted fluid inclusions are too small and/or necked to obtain Th values, but rare larger inclusions have salinities from 1.7 to 0.4 wt. % NaCl equiv. SEM‐EDS analysis of evaporate mounds indicates the fluid changed from an early K‐rich (saddle dolomite), to a later K + Na (brown dolomite), and finally Na‐rich (calcite), which suggests mixing of two end‐member fluids (i.e. Na‐rich and K‐rich). Dolostone of the lower Paleozoic ‘Victoria Island formation’ contains two cements: early quartz and late dolomite. Quartz‐hosted FIAs (n = 2) have an average Th value of 126°C, and salinity of 23.2 wt. % NaCl equiv., whereas FIAs (n = 3) in dolomite have average Th values of 109, 116 and 124°C; metastability precluded determining salinity. Evaporate mound analysis for the cements indicates evolution from a Na‐rich to a Na + K fluid through interaction with reservoir rocks. A reduced, metal‐rich fluid was present during quartz precipitation, as implied by the presence of pyrite framboids along growth zones and nanoparticles of barite and sulphide minerals (Zn, Cu and Pb) in evacuated inclusions, which suggests the area may have potential to host base‐metal mineralisation. Importantly, distinguishing different fluid compositions in both of the case studies would not have been possible without evaporate mound analysis and therefore the results emphasise integrating this technique into diagenetic studies.

Hydrothermal dolomitization in a complex geodynamic setting (Lower Palaeozoic, northern Spain)

AbstractBurial hydrothermal dolomitization is a common diagenetic modification in sedimentary basins with implications for oil and gas reservoir performance. Outcrop analogues represent an easily accessible source of data to refine the genetic models and assess risk in hydrocarbon exploration and production. The Palaeozoic succession of northern Spain contains numerous excellent exposures of epigenetically dolomitized limestones, particularly in the Carboniferous and Cambrian. The epigenetic dolomites in the Cambrian carbonates of the Láncara Formation are volumetrically small, but have a large aerial distribution across different tectonic units of the Variscan fold and thrust belt. Coarse crystals, abundant saddle dolomite cement, negative δ18O and fluid inclusion homogenization temperatures between 80°C and 120°C characterize these dolomites, which are petrographically and geochemically similar to the tens of kilometre‐sized hydrothermal dolomites replacing the Upper Carboniferous succession in the same area. In both cases, the dolomitizing fluids are derived from highly evaporated sea water, modified to a limited degree through fluid‐rock interaction. The dolomitization events affecting both Cambrian and Carboniferous strata are probably related to the same post‐orogenic hydrothermal fluid flow. The formation of the post‐collisional (latest Carboniferous) Cantabrian arc fostered dolomitization: the extension related to bending of the arc generated deep‐reaching faults and strike‐slip movements, which favoured the circulation of hot dolomitizing fluids in the outer parts of this orocline. A similar dolomitization process affected other areas of Europe after the main stages of the Variscan orogeny. Dolomitization was a continuous, uninterrupted, isochemical process. Limestone replacement resulted in a major porosity redistribution and focused the fluid flow into the newly created porous zones. Replacement was followed immediately by partial to complete cementation of the pores (including zebra fabrics and vugs) with saddle dolomite. The amount of porosity left depends on the volume of cement and therefore on the volume of fluids available.

Characteristics and Dolomitization of Upper Cambrian to Lower Ordovician Dolomite from Outcrop in Keping Uplift, Western Tarim Basin, Northwest China

Abstract:Late Cambrian to Early Ordovician sedimentary rocks in the western Tarim Basin, Northwest China, are composed of shallow‐marine platform carbonates. The Keping Uplift is located in the northwest region of this basin. On the basis of petrographic and geochemical features, four matrix replacement dolomites and one type of cement dolomite are identified. Matrix replacement dolomites include (1) micritic dolomites (MD1); (2) fine–coarse euhedral floating dolomites (MD2); (3) fine–coarse euhedral dolomites (MD3); and (4) medium–very coarse anhedral mosaic dolomites (MD4). Dolomite cement occurs in minor amounts as coarse saddle dolomite cement (CD1) that mostly fills vugs and fractures in the matrix dolomites. These matrix dolomites have δ18O values of −9.7‰ to −3.0‰ VPDB (Vienna Pee Dee Belemnite); δ13C values of −0.8‰ to 3.5‰ VPDB; 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.708516 to 0.709643; Sr concentrations of 50 to 257 ppm; Fe contents of 425 to 16878 ppm; and Mn contents of 28 to 144 ppm. Petrographic and geochemical data suggest that the matrix replacement dolomites were likely formed by normal and evaporative seawater in early stages prior to chemical compaction at shallow burial depths. Compared with matrix dolomites, dolomite cement yields lower δ18O values (−12.9‰ to −9.1‰ VPDB); slightly lower δ13C values (−1.6‰–0.6‰ VPDB); higher 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.709165–0.709764); and high homogenization temperature (Th) values (98°C–225°C) and salinities (6 wt%−24 wt% NaCl equivalent). Limited data from dolomite cement shows a low Sr concentration (58.6 ppm) and high Fe and Mn contents (1233 and 1250 ppm, respectively). These data imply that the dolomite cement precipitated from higher temperature hydrothermal salinity fluids. These fluids could be related to widespread igneous activities in the Tarim Basin occurring during Permian time when the host dolostones were deeply buried. Faults likely acted as important conduits that channeled dolomitizing fluids from the underlying strata into the basal carbonates, leading to intense dolomitization. Therefore, dolomitization, in the Keping Uplift area is likely related to evaporated seawater via seepage reflux in addition to burial processes and hydrothermal fluids.

Magnesium-isotope and REE compositions of Lower Ordovician carbonates from eastern Laurentia: Implications for the origin of dolomites and limestones

Carbonates representing different depositional and diagenetic settings (near-surface to deep burial), including modern sabkha, were collected from the Lower Ordovician St. George Group in eastern Laurentia (western Newfoundland, Canada). Based on petrographic examination, three dolomite phases were identified: D1 dolomicrite (crystals ranging from 4 to 50μm), D2 dolomite (50 to 150μm) and D3 saddle dolomite (≥500μm). They occur as replacements and cements, and exhibit dull (for D1 and D3) to zoned (for D2) luminescence. The occurrence of near-micritic dolomites (D1) suggests that dolomitization started at low temperatures under near-surface conditions during an early stage of diagenesis, whereas microthermometric studies of the D2 and D3 dolomites confirmed their formation at higher temperatures, on average, of 112±19°C and 153±30°C, respectively, under deeper burial conditions.The D1 dolomicrite yields an average δ26Mg value of −1.92±0.30‰ (DSM3), which is slightly more negative than those of the D2 dolomite with −1.75±0.34‰ (DSM3) and D3 saddle dolomite with −1.58±0.31‰ (DSM3). The slightly more positive δ26Mg values of the higher-temperature dolomites (D2 and D3) suggest insignificant kinetic fractionation and slight overprinting by 26Mg-enriched diagenetic fluids recirculating in siliciclastic and 26Mg-rich crustal rocks under closed to semi-closed diagenetic conditions.The Sr-isotope signatures support the formation of D1 dolomicrite in an early diagenetic stage and the REE compositions of the investigated dolomites favor their formation in semi-closed to closed diagenetic systems with fluid compositions evolving by circulation through crustal rocks with progressive burial. Furthermore, the Mg isotopes suggest that the lime mudstones of the St. George Group had an algal origin, whereas the D2 dolomite was sourced and subsequently altered mostly from the D1 dolomicrites of the succession.

Hydrothermal alteration of dolostones in the Lower Ordovician, Tarim Basin, NW China: Multiple constraints from petrology, isotope geochemistry and fluid inclusion microthermometry

Massive dolostones pervasively occur in the Lower Paleozoic strata in Tarim Basin, NW China. This study focuses on the hydrothermally-altered dolostones in the Lower Ordovician at Sancha, Bachu County where the hydrothermally-altered dolostones, marbles and diabase intrusions co-occur within a large-scale, NW trending strike-slip fault zone. Within this zone, the intrusive diabases mostly occur along the master border faults to the east and west, respectively. The limestones that got in contact with the intrusions commonly were marbleized and the antecedent dolostones were subject to intense hydrothermal alteration, particularly along fractured portions. Based on field investigations and petrographic examinations on the hydrothermally-altered dolostones, five distinctive fabrics of matrix and cement dolomites are distinguished. Two episodes of vein-filling calcites postdate the hydrothermally-precipitated saddle dolomites. Integrated isotopic geochemistry (C, O and Sr) and fluid inclusion microthermometry suggest that dolomite recrystallization and precipitation were associated with the hydrothermal activity induced by fracturing/faulting and intrusive magmatism. CAMECA SIMS U–Pb isotopic dating of zircon grains from the diabases yields an age of 290.5 ± 2.9 Ma in the Early Permian, which reconciles the relative timing revealed by the paragenetic history. The magmatic emplacement was thus linked to the large igneous province (LIP) of Early Permian in Tarim Basin. In this case, the widespread magmatic activities could have caused the thermal anomaly and fracturing in the strata that were penetrated by the intrusions, enhancing the thermal diffusion and hydrothermal fluid migration (although minor volumes of thermal fluids from the basic magmas) through the fracture/fault systems, thereby resulting in contact metamorphism (or marbleization), recrystallization of matrix dolomites and dolomite precipitation commonly in primary dolostone successions. This study provides a useful analogue to understand the dolomitization and relevant issues for the deeply-buried dolostones associated with tectono-magmatism within the Tarim Basin and elsewhere.

Diagenetic processes in a partially dolomitized carbonate reservoir: Casablanca oil field, Mediterranean Sea, offshore Spain

Mesozoic and Neogene carbonates located in the Valencia Trough (offshore Spain, western Mediterranean Sea) are oil reservoirs. This paper investigates the diagenetic evolution of the Upper Jurassic limestones, currently dolomitized, that constitute the main reservoir of the Casablanca oil field. Core samples from Casablanca-1A well have been studied to determine the diagenetic products and their relation with porosity evolution, and to reconstruct the fluid flow history prior to and during oil emplacement. On the basis of petrological observations and geochemical analyses (major, minor and trace element composition and oxygen, carbon and strontium isotope composition), a major dolomitization event is recognized postdating subaerial exposure, erosion and karstification. The dolomitization event originated two replacive dolomites (RD1 and RD2) and two dolomite cements (saddle dolomite cement, SDC, and milky-white dolomite cement, MDC) which are partially cogenetic. RD1, RD2 and SDC precipitated at increasing temperatures (over 60oC and below 110oC), probably from meteoric water mixed with marine water. The last dolomite type (milky-white dolomite cement) precipitated with increasing burial conditions and by arrival of hydrothermal fluids during the Miocene. The post-dolomitization sequence comprises precipitation of calcite cement and partial calcitization of all previous dolomites. The oxygen, carbon and strontium isotope compositions suggest that this calcite cementation occurred from meteoric waters mixed with Burdigalian - Langhian marine waters trapped in the sediments and expelled by compaction in the moderate to deep burial realm. Normal faults were the conduits for upward migration of these fluids as well as for later oil expulsion from the Burdigalian - Langhian source rocks. Late corrosion associated with organic acid-enriched fluids took place prior or simultaneously to oil migration during the Pliocene, enhancing porosity and increasing reservoir quality.

Reservoir Characterization and Quality Controlling Factors of the Fahliyan Formation Located in Southwest Iran

The Berriasian-Valanginian Fahliyan Formation forms one of the giant reservoirs in the subsurface of the Abadan plain, onshore Iran. A detailed petrographical analysis of the available cores and thin sections revealed that the different diagenetic parameters influenced the reservoir quality of the Fahliyan Formation in this field. The Fahliyan Formation has been influenced by three diagenetic environments, including marine, meteoric and shallow and deep burial environments. The main diagenetic parameters identified in the field under study are dissolution, fracturing, cementation, compaction and dolomitization. Among all, dissolution is the main diagenetic feature improving porosity and reservoir quality. This feature formed as a result of meteoric diagenesis during subearially exposure of the Fahliyan sediments. Fracturing and dolomitization also locally have positive effects on reservoir quality, while compaction, cementation and dolomitization (as cement) have destructive effect on reservoir characteristics. Late stage diagenetic cements such as sparry calcite cement and with lower amount saddle dolomite are the most important and also widespread types of cement decreasing reservoir quality. Based on new genetic classification of porosity, porosity in the Fahliyan Formation are hybrids of three depositional, diagenetic and fracturing, but diagenetic porosity is the most important types of porosity and so Fahliyan reservoir is a type of diagenetic reservoir. Based on this study using petrophysical and petrographical data, the Fahliyan reservoir is not a homogeneous reservoir, so it was divided into eight reservoir zones with different specifications.

In situ stable isotopic constraints on dolomitizing fluids for the hydrothermally-originated saddle dolomites at Keping, Tarim Basin

Detailed characterization of diagenetic fluid behaviour and evolution is commonly hindered by shortage of appropriate and economic methods to carry out in situ analysis in the tiny diagenetic mineral crystals. Using micromill sampling method, this study presents in situ stable isotopic data for the growth zones of saddle dolomite crystals in the hydrothermally-altered dolostones of Upper Cambrian (Furongian) at Keping, Tarim Basin, NW China. These data show minor and large variations in δ 13 C (−0.7‰ to −1.5‰ VPDB) and δ 18 O (−8.3‰ to −13.8‰ VPDB), respectively, from the cores to outer rims of the dolomite crystals and suggest that saddle dolomites precipitated from dolomitizing fluids with similar carbon sources but oscillatory temperatures during different formation stages. This scenario is confirmed by microthermometry of fluid inclusions within the growth zones of dolomite crystals. This study indicates that in situ isotope analysis could provide more detailed information related to the source and pathway of dolomitizing fluids, facilitating better characterization of dolomitizing fluids and processes.

Onshore to offshore trends in carbonate sequence development, diagenesis and reservoir quality across a land-attached shelf in SE Asia

Although isolated Miocene buildups in SE Asia commonly form prolific hydrocarbon reservoirs, their equivalents on clastic-dominated land-attached shelves remain poorly known and underexplored. Here, onshore to offshore trends in carbonate development and reservoir quality are assessed across the NW Borneo shelf through study of surface outcrops and subsurface wells. A multidisciplinary programme of fieldwork, petrography and geochemical analyses allowed evaluation of spatio-temporal variations in deposition, diagenesis and pore system development, together with an assessment of controlling influences. In addition to field logging and sample collection >200 samples were studied via transmitted light, cathodoluminescent and scanning electron microscopy together with stable isotopic characterisation (O, C and Sr).Carbonates developed as localised low-, and higher-relief buildups, as well as more continuous sheet-like deposits in near-coast to shelf margin positions. Molluscs, corals, larger benthic foraminifera and coralline algae are common constituents. Most samples show evidence for marine micritisation, and just in shelf margin positions isopachous cements. However, burial diagenesis predominates in the form of compaction, neomorphism, fracturing, late leaching and dolomitisation. Near-coastal carbonates commonly contain siliciclastics, as do some shelf margin deposits that interdigitate with, or are covered in siliciclastics. Some early, probable meteoric leaching affected inner shelf deposits prior to pervasive neomorphic to blocky/poikilotopic calcite cement formation. On the basis of δ18O V-PDB values of −4.5 to −7.9‰ equivalent to δ18O V-SMOW values of 0 to −4‰ at 25–40 °C and δ13C V-PDB values of −0.6 to +1.6‰ cementation probably reflects alteration from terrestrial groundwaters in meteoric aquifers derived from the humid landmass of Borneo. Despite this cementation, moderate energy inner- to mid-shelf grainstones from the core of mounded carbonates still retain, or have enhanced porosity (<8%) over their lower energy counterparts (<4% porosity). Retention of primary porosity and/or late burial dissolution (often associated with saddle dolomite formation) enhancing predominantly primary and minor secondary porosity is key to reservoir quality development in outer-shelf deposits. Best porosity (<20–35%) is in high energy grainstones and rudstones from outer-shelf to shelf-margin positions that experienced minimal clastic influx, most commonly from backstepping to aggradational carbonate sequences. Although stable isotopes for shelf margin calcite cements are consistent with precipitation from marine-derived fluids (δ18O V-PDB values of −3.6 to −5.4‰), those for the late dolomites are suggestive of fluids of meteoric origin (δ18O V-PDB values of −5.2 to −7.4‰ equivalent to values of −0.3 to −6.3‰ V-SMOW at 40–60 °C). Critical factors for reservoir quality development in carbonates from siliciclastic-dominated shelves in the equatorial tropics are: (1) development and preservation of primary porosity, (2) cementation associated with meteoric aquifers draining large humid equatorial landmasses, and (3) burial leaching and fluid pathways.

Petrologic and geochemical attributes of fracture-related dolomitization in Ordovician carbonates and their spatial distribution in southwestern Ontario, Canada

Middle Ordovician Trenton Group carbonates are fractured and extensively dolomitized along the axis of the Algonquin Arch in southwestern Ontario. Hydrocarbon reservoirs formed where these dolomitized fracture zones penetrate otherwise impermeable host limestones.Three different types of dolomite (D1, D2 and D3) are distinguished. Petrographic characteristics and δ18O values indicate that D1 formed during early diagenesis from Middle Ordovician seawater and recrystallized during progressive burial, whereas fracture-related, replacive matrix dolomite (D2) formed by hydrothermal fluids (68–99 °C). Late-stage saddle dolomite (D3) and calcite (C3) cements occlude fractures. Based on petrographic, fluid inclusion, and stable isotope data, D3 dolomite and C3 calcite formed from warm (68–144 °C), saline (22–24 wt. % NaCl + CaCl2) hydrothermal fluids.The least radiogenic 87Sr/86Sr values (0.70830–0.70842) of D2 are consistent with estimated values of Devonian and Silurian seawater, whereas the slightly enriched 87Sr/86Sr ratios of D2 and D3 (0.70902–0.70918) suggest their precipitation from fluids similar in composition to oil field brines. Rare earth element (REE) results of D2, D3, and C3 indicate enrichment in REEs content of these mineral phases relative to undolomitized host rock. The similarity in the average REEs pattern of D2, D3, and C3 and the overlying Blue Mountain shale and basement rocks suggest progressive water/rock interaction.Magnesium required for dolomite precipitation was supplied by Mg-rich seawater-derived (Silurian and/or Devonian) saline waters from dissolution of Silurian evaporites which descended along faults and fractures, to reservoir depths at the center of the basin while being heated. Hot basinal brines migrated laterally through basal sandstones and ascended into the network of faults and fractures and precipitated fracture-related dolomite. The abundance of fracture-related dolomite in the periphery of Michigan Basin in southwestern Ontario suggests that dolomitizing fluids originated from the Michigan Basin rather than Appalachian Basin.

Hydrothermal dolomitization of the carbonate Jurassic succession in the Provençal and Subbriançonnais Domains (Maritime Alps, North-Western Italy)

The present article illustrates a straightforward case of hydrothermal dolomitization, affecting Jurassic platform limestones of the Provençal and Subbriançonnais Domains (Maritime Alps, North-Western Italy). Dolomitized bodies are randomly distributed within the host limestone, and are commonly associated with dolomite vein networks and tabular bodies of dolomite-cemented breccias discordant with respect to bedding. Main dolomite types are a finely to medium-crystalline replacive dolomite and a coarsely-crystalline saddle dolomite occurring both as replacive and as cement. Stratigraphic constraints indicate that dolomitization occurred during the Cretaceous, in a shallow burial context, and was due to the circulation of hot fluids (temperature about 200°C, as indicated by fluid inclusion microthermometry) through faults and related fracture networks. Hydrothermal dolomitization therefore indirectly documents a Cretaceous fault activity in the Maritime Alps segment of the European Tethyan passive margin.

Origin of Lower Ordovician dolomites in eastern Laurentia: Controls on porosity and implications from geochemistry

The Catoche Formation of the St. George Group in eastern Laurentia (western Newfoundland) consists of early Ordovician (Arenigian) shallow marine platform carbonates (∼160 m thick), which were extensively dolomitized during the course of their diagenetic history. The dolomites occur as both replacement and pore-filling cements and are a major control on porosity distribution in the formation. The origin and diagenetic history of the Catoche dolomites at Daniel's Harbour (western Newfoundland) were analysed in comparison to equivalent successions at Port au Choix (PaC) and Port au Port Peninsula (PaP) to assay the reservoir potential of these dolomites in eastern Laurentia. Petrographic examination identified at least three generations of dolomites in the Catoche Formation, which are: (1) an early replacement sub- to eu-hedral micritic dolomite (<4 μm–30 μm, D1), (2) eu- to sub-hedral dolomite (70 μm–1 mm) often with cloudy cores and clear rims (D2), and (3) subhedral to anhedral saddle dolomite cement (200 μm–3 mm, D3). The micritic dolomite (D1) exhibits a dull cathodoluminescence (CL) under cathodoluminoscope, whereas dolomite D2 exhibits consistent concentric CL zonation. Some subhedral crystals of D3 appear zoned both in plane polarized light and cathodoluminoscope, otherwise D3 exhibits a dull CL. Stoichiometric dolomite occurs in all three generations with D2 as the dominant dolomite by abundance.The low strontium (47 ± 25 ppm) content coupled with depleted δ18O value of dolomitizing fluids (−10 to −11.2‰ VSMOW) and near-micritic grain size, suggests an early precipitation of dolomite D1 at low temperatures of near-surface conditions from solutions likely formed by mixing of early Ordovician sea and meteoric waters. In contrast, microthermometric measurements of primary two-phase fluid inclusions in dolomite D2 (homogenization temperatures of 102–168 °C with a salinity range of 19.8–25 eq wt% NaCl) and dolomite D3 (homogenization temperatures of 158–190 °C with a salinity range of 20.2–22.2 eq wt% NaCl), suggest that both dolomite generations were generated in mid to deep burial settings from high salinity, low temperature (<200 °C) hydrothermal fluids likely under suboxic conditions. This is consistent with the low Sr concentrations for D2 (36.4 ± 8 ppm) and D3 (38.7 ± 9 ppm), δ18O values of dolomitizing fluids for D2 (+2.1 to +8.1‰, VSMOW) and D3 (+6 to +8.1‰ VSMOW), coupled with Fe contents of D2 (1684 ± 1096 ppm) and D3 (1783.7 ± 618 ppm) as well as the respective Mn (D2 = 131.2 ± 50 and D3 = 197.5 ± 55 ppm) concentrations.ΣREE and shale normalized (REESN) values of Catoche carbonates indicate enrichment in rare earth element (REE) composition of the earliest calcite (C1) relative to those of Arenig seawater, whereas the REESN profiles of the dolomite generations mimic that of calcite C1. The Ce (Ce/Ce*)SN and La (La/La* = Pr/Pr*)SN anomalies of the Catoche dolomites are consistent with precipitation in equilibrium with source fluids in slightly oxic to suboxic conditions whereas Eu (Eu/Eu*)CN anomalies suggest similar source fluids for D2 and D3. Results of fluid inclusion gas analysis are consistent with petrographic features and geochemical compositions and support the exclusion of magmatic fluids during dolomitization. Visual estimates of porosity (ϕ) from thin sections indicate four porous (ϕ = 4–12) horizons. Vugs and intercrystalline pores are two types of porosity associated with the dolomites with the latter being the dominant type and associated mainly with dolomite D2.

Fracture mineralization and fluid flow evolution: an example from Ordovician–Devonian carbonates, southwestern Ontario, Canada

AbstractPetrography, geochemistry (stable and radiogenic isotopes), and fluid inclusion microthermometry of matrix dolomite, fracture‐filling calcite, and saddle dolomite in Ordovician to Devonian carbonates from southwestern Ontario, Canada, provide useful insights into fluid flow evolution during diagenesis. The calculated δ18Ofluid, ΣREE, and REESN patterns of matrix and saddle dolomite suggest diverse fluids were involved in dolomitization and/or recrystallization of dolomite. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios of dolomite of each succession vary from values in the range of coeval seawater to values more radiogenic than corresponding seawater, which indicate diagenetic fluids were influenced by significant water/rock interaction. High salinities (22.4–26.3 wt. % NaCl + CaCl2) of Silurian and Ordovician dolomite–hosted fluid inclusions indicate involvement of saline waters from dissolution of Silurian evaporites. High fluid inclusion homogenization temperatures (&gt;100°C) in all samples from Devonian to Ordovician show temperatures higher than maximum burial (60–90°C) of their host strata and suggest involvement of hydrothermal fluids in precipitation and/or recrystallization of dolomite. A thermal anomaly over the mid‐continent rift during Devonian to Mississippian time likely was the source of excess heat in the basin. Thermal buoyancy resulting from this anomaly was the driving force for migration of hydrothermal fluids through regional aquifers from the center of the Michigan Basin toward its margin. The decreasing trend of homogenization temperatures from the basin center toward its margin further supports the interpreted migration of hydrothermal fluids from the basin center toward its margin. Hydrocarbon‐bearing fluid inclusions in late‐stage Devonian to Ordovician calcite cements with high homogenization temperatures (&gt;80°C) and their 13C‐depleted values (approaching −32‰ PDB) indicate the close relationship between hydrothermal fluids and hydrocarbon migration.

Multiple dolomitization events along the Pozalagua Fault (Pozalagua Quarry, Basque–Cantabrian Basin, Northern Spain)

AbstractThe Pozalagua Quarry in the Basque–Cantabrian Basin of northern Spain exposes a unique set of fault‐associated dolomites that can be studied on a decametre scale. The dolomites developed along the Pozalagua Fault system in slope‐deposited limestones of Albian age. Following marine phreatic diagenesis, the limestones were subject to meteoric karst formation. The resulting cavities were filled either by angular limestone fragments in a black clay‐rich matrix, or by cave floor/pond (now dolomitized) sediments. The subsequent diagenetic history reflects repeated periods of fracturing, fluid expulsion, dissolution and cementation. Contrasting fluid pulses resulted in the formation of a network of hydrothermal karst and the subsequent development of coarse‐crystalline calcite cement, zebra dolomite, recrystallized coarse‐crystalline dolomite, elongated blue–grey coarse‐crystalline dolomite cement in the open fault and, finally, coarse‐crystalline saddle dolomite. Decimetre‐size reworked host‐rock fragments present in the latter two dolomite phases probably reflect roof collapse fragments of a cave system that developed along the Pozalagua Fault system. However, there are also metre‐scale host‐rock fragments that apparently ‘float’ in the coarse‐crystalline saddle dolomites, implying that either fragment assimilation was a widespread process or violent expulsion of fluids occurred along the Pozalagua Fault system. The presence of pre‐dolomite and post‐dolomite stylolites, parallel to bedding, supports a linkage between the diagenetic events and the Late Albian tectonism that affected the region.