Petrological characteristics, geochemical characteristics, and dolomite model of the lower cambrian Longwangmiao Formation in the periphery of the Sichuan Basin, China

In this paper, the genesis of dolomite in Longwangmiao Formation is analysed through field investigation and geochemical methods, and dolomization model is established, which is very important for the next reservoir prediction in Longwangmiao Formation. According to the crystal size, the Longwangmiao Formation dolomite can be divided into two types: microcrystalline dolomite (MID) and macrocrystalline dolomite (MAD). Both types of dolomite have higher Al content than lime mudstone, indicating that during the deposition process of the Longwangmiao Formation, terrigenous materials are continuously mixed into the sediment, which significantly affects the geochemical characteristics of the Longwangmiao Formation. The rare earth element (REE) composition of the two types of dolomite is consistent with that of lime mudstone (LM), with an obvious δCe positive anomaly and no δEu anomaly, which is a typical distribution pattern of marine carbonate sediments. The microcrystalline dolomite has a higher Na element content, lower δ13C value, and higher δ18O value, suggesting that it is formed in a highly saline evaporation environment. Most of the macrocrystalline dolomite has a residual grain texture. The elements, as well as the isotopic geochemical characteristics of the dolomite, are consistent with those of lime mudstone, indicating that macrocrystalline dolomite is formed early and inherits the geochemical characteristics of the precursor limestone. We believe that the dolomitization model of the Longwangmiao Formation is an evaporative concentration + reflux seepage model. In the late sedimentary period of the Longwangmiao Formation, the sea level declined and a large area of lagoon appeared in the restricted and semi-restricted platform. As the evaporation and concentration continued, precursor minerals such as high-magnesium calcite and aragonite mud experienced chemical precipitation. In this process, a large amount of Ca2+ was consumed, resulting in an increase in the Mg2+/Ca2+ ratio. Then, the precursor minerals underwent dolomitization, and microcrystalline dolomite began to form. At the same time, owing to the difference in density between the high-salinity concentrated seawater and the pore water existing in the early limestone, the concentrated seawater flowed back and penetrated downward, causing the dolomitization of the underlying strata, and then the formation of macrocrystalline dolomite. The degree of dolomitization was mainly affected by the development degree of the granule beach and the thickness of the strata.