The origin of carbonate mud in isolated carbonate platforms of Belize,Central America |
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| Authors: | Eberhard Gischler Daniel Zingeler |
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| Institution: | 1.Geologisch-Pal?ontologisches Institut, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universit?t, Senckenberganlage 32–34, 60054 Frankfurt am Main, Germany,Frankfurt am Main,Germany |
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| Abstract: | Carbonate mud from three small isolated carbonate platforms of Belize (Central America) is largely a product of the breakdown of skeletal grains. The composition of the 63-20- and 20-4-µm fractions of 37 samples was determined by point counting under SEM; composition of the <4-µm fraction was assessed qualitatively under SEM. The 63-4-µm fractions are dominated by fragments of mollusks, the codiacean alga Halimeda, and other skeletal types. About one-third of the particles in the 63-4-µm fractions remained unidentified, probably due to obliteration of diagnostic features by early recrystallization processes such as micritization. Nanograins (<1 µm) and short (3-5 µm) aragonite needles are most common in the <4-µm fraction. These grains are interpreted to be largely fragments of codiacean algae (Halimeda, Penicillus). The 20-4- and <4-µm sediment fractions are composed of 80 and 75% aragonite on average, respectively. Trace element composition of strontium averages 7,900 ppm in the 20-4-µm fraction and in codiacean algae samples, and 5,600 ppm in the <4-µm fraction. Geochemical (trace element) data also argue against inorganic aragonite precipitation within the water column, and favor a skeletal origin. The lower strontium contents in the <4-µm fraction as compared with the 20-4-µm fraction may also be a consequence of early recrystallization processes. |
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