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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 57 (1973)

Issue: 2. (February)

First Page: 338

Last Page: 348

Title: Experimental Diagenesis of Gulf Coast Argillaceous Sediment

Author(s): R. R. Hiltabrand (2), R. E. Ferrell (3), G. K. Billings (4)

Abstract:

Argillaceous sediment obtained from the Louisiana Gulf Coast (West Bay) was subjected to experimental diagenesis in artificial seawater at temperatures of 100°C and 200°C. The fluid chemistry was monitored as the sediment and fluid reacted at higher temperatures.

Increase in the Na+, K+, and Ca++ concentrations and decreases in Mg++ and SO4- concentrations of the liquid phase were observed during the diagenetic alteration of the sediment. The soluble SiO2 concentration stabilized near the saturation value for quartz, and the pH of the water initially dropped, then increased and stabilized as the minerals reacted in the fluid.

Mineralogical changes were detected as the sediment and seawater reacted. Chamosite and apparently illite formed in the sediment at 100°C and 200°C during diagenesis. Feldspar, kaolinite, and mixed-layered montmorillonite were destroyed or decreased in relative amounts. Calcite, montmorillonite, and quartz remained in the sediment at 100°C and 200°C, but underwent some volumetric changes. Gypsum was tentatively identified on the basis of a single peak (7.56A) as being present at 100°C.

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