Author ORCID Identifier
Date Available
7-12-2020
Year of Publication
2019
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
College
Arts and Sciences
Department/School/Program
Earth and Environmental Sciences (Geology)
Advisor
Dr. Andrea Erhardt
Abstract
The Late Paleozoic Ice Age represents a dynamic period in Earth system history recording a shift from icehouse to greenhouse conditions. Concomitant with this change was a series high-frequency, high-amplitude sea level fluctuations leading to the deposition of “Kansas type” cyclothems in the Mid-Continent, and a similar rhythmic expression of interbedded shales and carbonates in the Midland Basin. Stable isotope geochemistry is a particularly powerful tool when examining these mud-rich successions because changes in organic matter partitioning may be recorded first in δ13CDIC of sea-water and consequently in δ13Ccarb of marine rocks. The δ13Ccarb record may also illuminate early and late-stage diagenetic processes and associated destruction of organic matter.
This study used high-resolution x-ray fluorescence (XRF) and δ13Ccarb measurements to analyze paleo-environmental conditions in two cores within the Midland Basin Wolfcamp Formation. Using this approach, the combination of more positive δ13Ccarb measurements and enrichment of redox-sensitive elements reflect conditions more favorable for organic matter enrichment in the distal core. Additionally, four (< 6 in.) early-diagenetic intervals have been identified representing prolonged periods of reduced or non-deposition based on sharp negative δ13Ccarb excursions. These horizons are proposed as potential chronostratigraphic tie-points between the two core localities.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2019.276
Funding Information
Funding for this research was provided by Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc.
Funding for this research was provided by the Geological Society of America.
Recommended Citation
Tamakloe, Frank, "A JOINT XRF-δ13Ccarb CHEMOSTRATIGRAPHIC APPROACH FOR CHARACTERIZING PALEO-ENVIRONMENTAL PROCESSES IN THE MUDSTONE-DOMINATED WOLFCAMP FORMATION OF WEST TEXAS" (2019). Theses and Dissertations--Earth and Environmental Sciences. 69.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/ees_etds/69
