Methane-derived carbonates and chemosymbiotic communities of Piedmont (Miocene, northern Italy): An update

Stable carbon isotope values of authigenic carbonate rocks in the Miocene terrigenous sediments of Piedmont indicate a methane-related origin. Some of these methane-derived carbonates (Lucina limestone) are characterized by the presence of abundant lucinid remains. Carbonate dissolution/precipitatio...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Geo-marine letters 1994-06, Vol.14 (2-3), p.201-209
Main Authors: Clari, P., Fornara, L., Ricci, B., Zuppi, G. M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Marine
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Summary:Stable carbon isotope values of authigenic carbonate rocks in the Miocene terrigenous sediments of Piedmont indicate a methane-related origin. Some of these methane-derived carbonates (Lucina limestone) are characterized by the presence of abundant lucinid remains. Carbonate dissolution/precipitation and development of lucinid communities were related to bacterial methane oxidation, both aerobic and anaerobic. Anaerobic oxidation led to carbonate precipitation and production of sulfide, which sustained lucinid communities through chemosynthetic symbiotic bacteria. Aerobic oxidation of methane likely resulted in dissolution of carbonate skeletal grains. Several phases of carbonate precipitation, characterized by slightly different isotopic compositions, are recognizable in the limestones.
ISSN:0276-0460
1432-1157
DOI:10.1007/BF01203732