--> Abstract: Status of Studies on Carbonate Platforms, by J. L. Wilson; #91012 (1992).

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ABSTRACT: Status of Studies on Carbonate Platforms

WILSON, JAMES LEE, Consultant, New Braunfels, TX

Major thick carbonate strata commonly constitute either rimmed shelves or ramps surrounding positive basement "highs" and along with abundant green algae, oolites, and lime muds constitute sedimentation typical of low latitude, clear water, tropical environments. Since many major oil fields of the world reside within these platforms, their detailed description and developmental histories are important.

This report notes what is of current and primary interest in studies of carbonate platforms and mentions also certain unsolved problems for future reference. The ideas about carbonate platforms expressed here derive in large part from the 1991 Dolomieu Conference held in northern Italy where 220 presentations, posters, field trips, and prolonged discussions reviewed present knowledge on platforms.

From these reports, the following topics are considered of prime importance.

1. Cautious application of sequence stratigraphy to platform history, with consideration of differences and special characteristics of carbonate sedimentation and changing environmental conditions.
2. More evidence of tectonic control as fundamental to size, shape, trend, and margin character of platforms. Implicit in many presentations but without much significant discussion.
3. Cyclicity in platform interiors; character of cycles and causes and explanations for them. Variation in duration and scale of cyclicity. Is there justification for Milankovitch control?
4. Status and limits of sedimentary petrography; its necessary association with geochemical studies.
5. Dolomitization within platforms; its association with favorable porosity development makes it of great importance. New ideas about multiple episodes of dolomitization and the significance of the burial environment need consideration.

 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91012©1992 AAPG Annual Meeting, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, June 22-25, 1992 (2009)