Some Settings and Mechanisms of the Reef Dolomitization

Abstract

Secondary dolomitization of reef formations is a fairly common phenomenon. Regardless of reef formation in the arid or humid climate, both isolated reefs and reefs of asymmetric reef systems are affected by this process. The article discusses the sources of Mg and methods of its input into reefs, as well as conditions of these processes and the removal of soluble reaction products. This element can be sourced both from relatively deep-water depression-filling sediments (synchronous to the reef) and from clay or salt rocks in the reef topography infill. The possibility of free filtration and removal of the dissolved reaction products is mandatory for this process. If the latter condition is absent, reefs retain their primary calcareous composition.