Carbonate Sedimentology

Carbonate rocks (limestones and dolomites) constitute a major part of the geological column and contain not only 60% of the world's known hydrocarbons but also host extensive mineral deposits. This book represents the first major review of carbonate sedimentology since the mid 1970s. It is aimed at the advanced undergraduate - postgraduate level and will also be of major interest to geologists working in the oil industry. This volume is designed to take the reader from the basic aspects of limestone recognition and classification through to an appreciation of the most recent developments such as large scale facies modelling and isotope geochemistry. Novel aspects of the book include a detailed review of carbonate mineralogy, non-marine carbonate depositional environments and an in-depth look at carbonate deposition and diagenesis through geologic time. In addition, the reviews of individual depositional systems stress a process-based approach rather than one centered on simple comparative sedimentology.