Sedimentology

2003 Edition
| Editors: Gerard V. Middleton, Michael J. Church, Mario Coniglio, Lawrence A. Hardie, Frederick J. Longstaffe

Authigenesis

  • James R. Boles
Reference work entry
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-3609-5_13
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Overview

Authigenesis refers to processes by which minerals form, in place, within sediments and sedimentary rocks. Such minerals are referred to as authigenic minerals. In contrast, detrital minerals are erosion products deposited in the depositional environment. Diagenesis refers to the physical and chemical changes that occur in sediments after they are deposited (or precipitated). All authigenic minerals form within this context. The formation of authigenic minerals is a result of the presence of unstable mineral grains, biological modification of the sediment, grain deformation and fracturing, flux of various fluids through the sediment, and changing burial conditions. The intrinsic value of most sediments is their ability to hold fluid such as water and hydrocarbons. From an economic viewpoint, authigenesis is important because it influences the porosity (void volume in the rock) and permeability of the rock (ability of the rock to transmit fluid).

Authigenic minerals can reveal...

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Bibliography

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Cross-references

  1.  Anhydrite and Gypsum  Ankerite Bacteria in Sediments Bentonites and Tonsteins Cathodoluminescence Cements and Cementation Chlorite in Sediments Compaction (Consolidation) of Sediments Diagenesis Diagenetic Structures Dolomite Textures Fabric, Porosity, and Permeability Fluid Inclusions Gases in Sediments Hydrocarbons in Sediments Hydroxides and Oxyhydroxide Minerals Illite Group Clay Minerals Isotopic Methods in Sedimentology Kaolin Group Minerals Magadiite Mixed-Layer Clays Oceanic Sediments Porewaters in Sediments Pressure Solution Sabka, Salt Flats, Salina Seawater Septarian Concretions Siliceous Sediments Smectite Group Sulfide Minerals in Sediments Zeolites in Sedimentary Rocks

Copyright information

© Dowden, Hutchinson & Ross, Inc. 1978

Authors and Affiliations

  • James R. Boles
    • 1
  1. 1.Geological SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraUSA