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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 66 (1982)

Issue: 5. (May)

First Page: 605

Last Page: 605

Title: Coralline and Associated Carbonates from Florida Bank (Pliocene), Lee and Collier Counties, Florida: ABSTRACT

Author(s): John F. Meeder

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

Forty-five rock cores have defined a north-south-trending coralline limestone on the middle of the Florida platform. This is the only known Pliocene bank reef in the Caribbean and differs from Pliocene and Holocene shelf-edge reefs. This bank reef differs from shelf-edge reefs in that (1) its dimensions are smaller, having a maximum thickness of 6 m; (2) pycnodont oyster and molluscan packstones dominate the interreef beds; (3) marine muds are not as abundant; (4) the number of subaerial discontinuities and associated calcitic muds are greater; and (5) dolomitization is not as extensive and appears to be restricted to the oyster facies.

Coralline limestones have been interpreted as boundstones, bioclastic packstones, and monospecific bafflestones. Coralline boundstones usually are divided into two growth episodes separated by calcitic mudstones or subaerial laminated crusts. Oysters and molluscan-rich limestones commonly display current sorting and packing and fining-upward sequences that may be analogous to Holocene sequences associated with sea grasses and/or storm deposits. Environmental information derived from fossils and texture indicates shallow to moderate water depths and moderate energy conditions with sporadic storm events.

Detailed petrographic analysis has identified products of marine, mixing, and freshwater phreatic and vadose diagenetic environments associated with transgressive-regressive cycles related to glaciation. Studied limestones range from 6 m above to 14 m below present sea level in elevation and therefore have been subjected to repeated changing conditions. A complete record of the diagenetic history is lacking in any single rock because of dissolution processes or early tight cementation.

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