Previous

Contents

Next

Paragenesis in carbonate intercalations within Phosphorite sequence, Kharga-Dakhla Oases, Egypt
Samir A. Awad and H. H. AlOtaib1

Geology Dept., Fac. Sciences, Ain Shams Univ., Cairo, Egypt, 1Khalid Academy, Arriyadh.

The carbonate units intercalating the main phosphatic sequence in Kharga-Dakhla Oases are of six lithofacies. They indicate inner and outer neritic to lacustrine, drained swamps and shallow near shore marine environments. Calcite, dolomite and siderite are the main carbonate minerals identified in these rock types. Diagenetic processes in the phosphorite carbonate units include: Fossil cavity fillings, pore and mold fillings, grumeleuse texture, compaction, ferroan calcite veinlets, brown and colorless silica replacement and dolomitizatloin. The time relationships of these processes are also discussed.