Carbonate rocks (limestones and dolomites) constitute a major part of the geological column and contain not only 60% of the world's known hydrocarbons but also host extensive mineral deposits. This book represents the first major review of carbonate sedimentology since the mid 1970's. It is aimed at the advanced undergraduate - postgraduate level and will also be of major interest to geologists working in the oil industry. Carbonate Sedimentology is designed to take the reader from the basic aspects of limestone recognition and classification through to an appreciation of the most recent developments such as large scale facies modelling and isotope geochemistry. Novel aspects of the book include a detailed review of carbonate mineralogy, non-marine carbonate depositional environments and an in-depth look at carbonate deposition and diagenesis through geologic time. In addition, the reviews of individual depositional systems stress a process-based approach rather than one centered on simple comparative sedimentology. The unique quality of this book is that it contains integrated reviews of carbonate sedimentology and diagenesis, within one volume.

Carbonate rocks (limestones and dolomites) constitute a major partof the geological column and contain not only 60% of the world'sknown hydrocarbons but also host extensive mineral deposits. Thisbook represents the first major review of carbonate sedimentologysince the mid 1970's. It is aimed at the advanced undergraduatepostgraduate level and will also be of major interest to geologistsworking in the oil industry.Carbonate Sedimentology is designed to take the readerfrom the basic aspects of limestone recognition and classificationthrough to an appreciation of the most recent developments such aslarge scale facies modelling and isotope geochemistry. Novelaspects of the book include a detailed review of carbonatemineralogy, non-marine carbonate depositional environments and anin-depth look at carbonate deposition and diagenesis throughgeologic time. In addition, the reviews of individual depositionalsystems stress a process-based approach rather than one centered onsimple comparative sedimentology. The unique quality of this bookis that it contains integrated reviews of carbonate sedimentologyand diagenesis, within one volume.

Preface.Acknowledgement.1. Carbonate Sediments and Limestones: Constituents.2. Geological Background to Carbonate Sedimentation.3. Modern Carbonate Environments. (Maurice Tucker).4. Carbonate Depositional Systems I: Marine Shallow-Water andLacustrine Carbonates.5. Carbonate Depositional Systems II: Deeper-Water Facies ofPelagic and Resedimented Limestones.6. Carbonate Mineralogy and Chemistry.7. Diagenetic Processes, Products and Environments.8. Dolomites and Dolomitization Models.9. The Geological Record of Carbonate Rocks.References.Index.