Detecting initial aragonite and calcite variations in limestone–marl alternations

Limestone–marl alternations are commonly used for high-resolution cyclostratigraphic studies and palaeoenvironmental reconstructions, but diagenetic indicate that not all limestone–marl reflect genuine differences in the initial sediment composition driven by environmental changes. Differences ratios of diagenetically inert trace elements between limestones marls changes affecting terrigenous fraction precursor sediment. Contrarily, without these can be product of: (i) variations CaCO3 input (aragonite, calcite); (ii) distortion latter redistribution; or (iii) redistribution a homogeneous The aim this study is to provide method differentiate cases identify proportion calcite aragonite composition. model differential diagenesis assumes concentration inversely proportional amount redistributed CaCO3. Consequently, difference from two adjacent beds measure redistribution. This quantifiable vector length beds. approach illustrated here evaluation case Silurian Gotland, Sweden. Trace were compared according their solubility during diagenesis. All bound clay minerals show similar patterns length, while which fit into lattice, mobile, differ. provides tool test origin alternations, alternation’s suitability analyses.