Title
Geochemistry of marine and lacustrine bands in the Upper Carboniferous of the Netherlands
Author
Kombrink, H.
van Os, B.J.H.
van der Zwan, C.J.
Wong, Th.E.
TNO Bouw en Ondergrond
Publication year
2008
Abstract
Geochemical studies on Upper Carboniferous marine bands showed that marked enrichment in redox-sensitive trace elements (uranium (U), vanadium (V), molybdenum (Mo)) mostly occur if they contain Goniatites. Goniatites indicate deposition in relatively distal and deep marine environments. In contrast, Westphalian marine bands found in the Netherlands predominantly show a Lingula facies, indicating deposition in a nearshore environment. These Lingula marine bands are mostly lacking significant trace element enrichments. The aim of this paper is to explain the mechanisms causing the differences in geochemical characteristics between distal (Goniatites facies) and proximal (Lingula facies) marine bands. Geochemical analyses (total organic carbon (TOC), sulfur (S), major and trace elements) were carried out on a selection of these marine bands. Furthermore, a comparison was made with some lacustrine bands which broadly show the same sedimentary development as the Lingula marine bands. The results show that the Lingula marine bands, in contrast to the Goniatites and lacustrine bands, are characterised by low organic carbon contents (1 - 2 wt.%). A relatively high input of siliciclastics probably prevented the accumulation of organic-rich layers (dilution effect). In turn, low organic carbon contents most likely prevented the effective scavenging of trace elements. Although the lacustrine bands are characterised by high TOC contents, here the limited availability of trace elements in fresh water forms the best explanation for low trace metal enrichments. Since marine bands form stratigraphicalty important horizons in the Upper Carboniferous, many attempts have been made to recognise marine bands using well logs (gamma-ray). The results from this study show that using gamma-ray devices (detecting U-enrichments), only marine bands in a Goniatites facies are clearly recognised while Lingula marine bands are not detected.
Subject
Geosciences
Carboniferous
Geochemistry
Lacustrine bands
Marine bands
The Netherlands
Carboniferous
deposition
lacustrine deposit
marine sediment
organic carbon
sediment chemistry
trace element
Benelux
Eurasia
Europe
Netherlands
Western Europe
Lingula
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http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:797c4cc2-0584-4949-ba84-1e92dbb77de1
TNO identifier
241230
ISSN
0016-7746
Source
Geologie en Mijnbouw/Netherlands Journal of Geosciences, 87 (4), 309-322
Document type
article