Origin of Dolomite in the Middle Silurian Bisher Formation: Northeastern Kentucky
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
Chemistry, Geology, Geology - Chemistry
Mentor Information
Patricia Videtich
Department
Geology
Location
Henry Hall Atrium 14
Start Date
11-4-2012 9:00 AM
Keywords
Environment, Physical Science
Abstract
The Middle Silurian Bisher Formation in northeastern Kentucky is dolomite originally composed primarily of calcite sands. The thick- to thin-bedded dolomite is interpreted in the literature as forming in an episodically high energy tidal flat. Using a petrographic microscope point counts will be performed on samples of dolomite collected from the base to the top of the formation. The point counts will determine if the dolomite is homogeneous in crystal size and shape. Initial observations indicate the crystals range from 20-150 microns in diameter and are planar-euhedral. The literature suggests dolomite texture gives clues to the mechanism of crystal growth and the temperature at which it formed. X-ray diffraction analysis will determine the extent of dolomitization and the degree of ordering in the dolomite, which we hypothesize will correlate with crystal size. Both mineralogy and texture may indicate variations in the origin of the dolomite up stratigraphic section in the Bisher.
Origin of Dolomite in the Middle Silurian Bisher Formation: Northeastern Kentucky
Henry Hall Atrium 14
The Middle Silurian Bisher Formation in northeastern Kentucky is dolomite originally composed primarily of calcite sands. The thick- to thin-bedded dolomite is interpreted in the literature as forming in an episodically high energy tidal flat. Using a petrographic microscope point counts will be performed on samples of dolomite collected from the base to the top of the formation. The point counts will determine if the dolomite is homogeneous in crystal size and shape. Initial observations indicate the crystals range from 20-150 microns in diameter and are planar-euhedral. The literature suggests dolomite texture gives clues to the mechanism of crystal growth and the temperature at which it formed. X-ray diffraction analysis will determine the extent of dolomitization and the degree of ordering in the dolomite, which we hypothesize will correlate with crystal size. Both mineralogy and texture may indicate variations in the origin of the dolomite up stratigraphic section in the Bisher.