Geochemistry of Sedimentary Carbonates

This book covers the more basic aspects of carbonate minerals and their interaction with aqueous solutions; modern marine carbonate formation and sediments; carbonate diagenesis (early marine, meteoric and burial); the global cycle of carbon and human intervention; and the role of sedimentary carbonates as indicators of stability and changes in the Earth's surface environment. The selected subjects are presented with sufficient background information to enable the non-specialist to understand the basic chemistry involved. Tested on classes taught by the authors, and approved by the students, this comprehensive volume will prove itself to be a valuable reference source to students, researchers and professionals in the fields of oceanography, geochemistry, petrology, environmental science and petroleum geology.

Preface. The CO2-Carbonic Acid System and Solution Chemistry. Interactions Between Carbonate Minerals and Solutions. Coprecipitation Reactions and Solid Solutions of Carbonate Minerals. The Oceanic Carbonate System and Calcium Carbonate Accumulation in Deep Sea Sediments. Composition and Source of Shoal-Water Carbonate Sediments. Early Marine Diagenesis of Shoal-Water Carbonate Sediments. Early Non-Marine Diagenesis of Sedimentary Carbonates. Carbonates as Sedimentary Rocks in Subsurface Processes. Current Carbon Cycle and Human Impact. Sedimentary Carbonates in the Evolution of Earth's Surface Environment. References. Index.