Some Promising Avenues of Carbonate Rocks Investigation

Abstract

Achievements in the study of modern carbonate sediments and ancient sedimentary carbonate rocks, as well as recent data pose new problems and generate a need for the revision of some seemingly unambiguous concepts. The prevalent role of biogenic and, first of all, microbial sedimentation of carbonate (including dolomitic) material and specific nontraditional settings of carbonate accumulation (intermediate and even high latitudes, deep-water basins) becomes more and more evident. The study of the internal structure of carbonate formations and its relationship with specific features of carbonate material deposition, climate, basin depth, and other factors represent a new important problem. The existing concepts of carbonate accumulation evolution need to be revised both from the standpoint of its factual reflection in sedimentary sequences and explanation.