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.

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Apr 11th, 9:00 AM

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.