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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 63 (1979)

Issue: 3. (March)

First Page: 515

Last Page: 515

Title: Subaerial Diagenesis of Axial Corallite of Acropora Cervicornis: ABSTRACT

Author(s): Fernando O. Ricart Y Menendez

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

In the subaerial environment the axial corallite of Acropora cervicornis is micritized. The micritization starts in the biologically secreted aragonite; later, the pore-infilling cement (recrystallized or not) is micritized. If the micritized fibers are leached out, the nonmicritized fibers are left without support and the corallite becomes crumbly (chalky). As more fibers are micritized, the corallite may be leached out entirely. If the pores of the corallite are infilled with minerals resistant to leaching, a reticular three-dimensional frame will be left in the space occupied by the corallite. If the new voids are infilled by drusy calcite a cast of the corallite will be created. The aragonitic fossil corals located in the splash zone may be replaced by calcite crystal , with much of the texture of the original cement, septa, septothecae, and costae reappearing and being preserved as ghosts in the calcitic crystals. The spherulitic texture of septa, septothecae, and costae produced by a submarine recrystallization process is not preserved.

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Copyright 1997 American Association of Petroleum Geologists