Evaluation of fault and fracture controlled hydrothermal dolomitization in the Jurassic carbonate succession of the lesser Himalayas, NW Pakistan
摘要
This study documents the comprehensive work on the fault and fracture controlled dolomitization in the Jurassic carbonates of Samana Suk Fm which have been investigated in detail to determine their macro to micro scale characteristics, origin of fluids and relative timing of the dolomitization. Field studies indicate that dolostone bodies occur parallel and inclined to weak planes such as fault and fractures. They usually crosscut stratigraphy forming sharp dolomite fronts. Microscopic observations reveal fine to coarse textured dolomite found in fractures, veins, and vugs. These are: (i) fine crystalline planer subhedral to anhedral dolomite (RD-I) have crystal size ranging from 20 to 40 μm (ii) medium crystalline planer subhedral to euhedral dolomite (RD-II) with crystal size ranging from 100 to 200 μm. The crystals are usually well formed with dark cores and clear rims (iii) coarse crystalline non-planar dolomite (RD-III) with crystals size ranging from 200 to 400 μm. (iv) saddle dolomite (SD) with non-planer dolomite with crystals size ranging from 200 to 400 μm. Presence of saddle dolomite, coarse crystalline interlocking texture of other dolomite phases designate presence of hydrothermal fluids for their formation. Stable isotope data of limestone have values: δ13C: – 0.05‰ to + 1.32‰ V-PDB and δ18O: –7.13 to – 0.73‰ showing depletion in δ18O values from the Jurassic marine signature. The dolomites RD-I to RD-III have values: δ13C: – 3.56‰ to + 2.09‰ and δ18O: –8.65 to –3.16‰) showing non-depleted δ13C values and depleted δ18O values. The saddle dolomite (SD) showing highest depleted values in terms of oxygen isotopes designates their formation from hydrothermal fluids. The 87Sr/86Sr values of micrite matrix is in the range of Jurassic marine signatures while dolomite phases (RD and SD) showing higher values as compared to the marine signatures indicate the dolomitizing fluid interaction with more radiogenic sources. All the dolomite phases are crosscut by the low amplitude stylolites demonstrates that these dolomites are formed at shallow burial depths. At this time necessary heat for hydrothermal dolomitzation was provided by the thermal convection produced due to the Late Jurassic rifting in the Indian plate which have transferred the warm brines to the near surface carbonates. These hot brines were convected from the basal sandstone units through the normal faults. Furthermore, these hot fluids were stopped by the above lying shale units creating necessary thermodynamic conditions for the dolomitization.