Microbial mixing zone dolomitization and karst development within Isla de Mona Dolomite, Isla de Mona, Puerto Rico

Modification of the mixing zone model to include microbial processes that promote dolomitization explains many of the petrographic, isotopic, and outcrop observations found on Isla de Mona. Large flank margin caves at the contact between the Isla de Mona Dolomite and the capping Lirio Limestone form...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Carbonates and evaporites 2015-03, Vol.30 (1), p.45-58
Main Authors: Sumrall, Jonathan, Mylroie, John, Kambesis, Patricia
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bacteria
Caves
Dolomite
Dolomitization
Dolostone
Earth and Environmental Science
Earth Sciences
Geochemistry
Geology
Halocline
Karst
Limestone
Microorganisms
Mineral Resources
Mineralogy
Original Article
Outcrops
Sulfate reduction
Sulfate-reducing bacteria
Sulfates
Sulphate reduction
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Summary:Modification of the mixing zone model to include microbial processes that promote dolomitization explains many of the petrographic, isotopic, and outcrop observations found on Isla de Mona. Large flank margin caves at the contact between the Isla de Mona Dolomite and the capping Lirio Limestone formed during prolonged, likely episodic, periods with a stable lens position. These periods would produce a stable halocline. The halocline is hypothesized to be the zone of dolomitization in the microbial mixing zone model. Collection of organics at the density interface of the halocline coupled with sulfate reduction by sulfate-reducing bacteria would establish a geochemical environment that promotes dolomitization of the precursor limestone. This microbial community and geochemical environment would overcome the kinetic and thermodynamic barriers associated with the previous mixing zone model.
ISSN:0891-2556
1878-5212
DOI:10.1007/s13146-014-0198-1