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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

Journal of Sedimentary Research (SEPM)

Abstract


Journal of Sedimentary Petrology
Vol. 36 (1966)No. 4. (December), Pages 864-879

A Detailed Study of Microfacies in the Mid-Visean (S2-D1) Limestones Near Hartington, Derbyshire, England

Helen E. Sadler

ABSTRACT

Five hundred and seventy-six etched surfaces of limestones from an area of approximately four square miles of Carboniferous Limestone country immediately north-east of the village of Hartington, Derbyshire, England were studied in order to assess the value of microfacies in interpreting the stratigraphy, and in working out the conditions of sedimentation. This study was carried out at the same time as the field mapping of the area on a 6 inch to 1 mile scale.

The microfacies are classified into five major groups. The first three groups are calcarenites which are divided on degree of sorting of the allochems; the fourth group consists of calcilutites, and the fifth group, heavily recrystallized and dolomitized limestones. These five groups are then subdivided into 29 sub-groups based on abundance of the various types of allochems, their orientation, size and abrasion, and the matrix in which they are set.

Each stratigraphic unit was found to contain microfacies which appear to be fairly characteristic of that unit, although some may not be wholly confined to it. This fact was of considerable value in establishing the boundaries between the stratigraphic units and in determining the stratigraphic position of isolated outcrops in areas complicated by much faulting.

The conditions of sedimentation appear to have ranged from quiet waters when the calcilutites and finegrained limestones were deposited to quite turbulent waters when the well-sorted calcarenites were laid down.

It was concluded that the use of microfacies in a study such as this could prove very valuable in helping to interpret the stratigraphy and structure of an area which is complicated by much faulting and where macrofossil or microfossil marker bands are absent.


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