Controls on variation of calcite content in arkose beds of the Sangre de Cristo Formation, (Pennsylvanian-Permian) Colorado
- Univ. of Akron, OH (United States). Dept. of Geology
Arkosic conglomerates and sandstones of the Pennsylvanian-Permian Sangre de Cristo Formation of south-central Colorado were deposited on alluvial plains and nearshore marine shelves adjacent to the highlands of the Ancestral Rocky Mountains. Thin limestone units occur locally, however calcite content of arkoses varies independent of these limestones. The thinly bedded to laminated arkoses contain abundant detrital orthoclase and plagioclase feldspars, micas and quartz. Authigenic clay (kaolinite) and calcite occur both as void-filling cement and replacement of feldspars. Fine-grained arkoses possess more calcite and authigenic clay than their coarse-grained counterparts. Calcite occurs as plagioclase replacement in fine-grained samples whereas in coarse-grained rocks it fills interstitial voids. Calcite content in fine-grained arkoses is low where laminae are preserved and increases with the presence of bioturbation. Diagenetic processes responsible for calcite and clay content of these arkoses were controlled by several factors including original sediment texture, composition, and grain orientation. Plagioclase has been altered to produce calcite and clay more than orthoclase. Permeability of coarse-grained rocks was higher and resulted in primarily void-filling cement. In fine-grained arkoses, permeability was less and water remained in contact with grains longer thereby altering plagioclase. Aligned mica grains of laminae retarded flow and impeded diagenetic alteration whereas bioturbation disrupted grain orientation thereby enhancing diagenesis.
- OSTI ID:
- 7123382
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9404217--
- Journal Information:
- Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs; (United States), Journal Name: Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs; (United States) Vol. 26:5; ISSN GAAPBC; ISSN 0016-7592
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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