Pairing U-Pb dating and clumped isotope palaeothermometry to constrain the diagenetic history of dolomite from Resolution Guyot
File(s)
Author(s)
Gusarevich, Maria
Type
Thesis
Abstract
Constraining the temperature–time evolution of carbonate platforms is critical for understanding basin development, diagenetic pathways, and reservoir quality prediction. This study evaluates the integrated application of clumped isotope palaeothermometry (Δ47) and U–Pb carbonate geochronology to reconstruct the diagenetic history of Resolution Guyot (Pacific Ocean). By pairing independent temperature estimates with high-precision in situ age determinations, the research establishes a quantitative framework for resolving the timing and thermal conditions of dolomitisation and recrystallisation events. U–Pb dating successfully constrained the age of dolomite precipitation, including singleanalysis ages in samples characterised by low common Pb concentrations. Compared to Sr isotope stratigraphy, U–Pb geochronology provides greater reliability in systems influenced by multiple fluid sources and recrystallisation. Clumped isotope thermometry independently constrained cementation temperatures, enabling reconstruction of the platform’s thermal evolution and fluid characteristics.
Petrographic and isotopic data indicate that white dolomite formed through recrystallisation of earlier brown dolomite. Recrystallisation resulted in near-complete loss of radiogenic Pb
and uranium, while common Pb was preserved and isotopically reset. Application of both conventional Tera–Wasserburg (7–6TW) and 8–6T–W common-Pb correction approaches allowed dating of samples with high common Pb and low uranium contents. These findings provide new insight into U–Pb system behaviour during carbonate recrystallisation and demonstrate that common Pb signatures can retain geochronological significance.
Although extensive radiogenic loss can limit age resolution, integrating thermal and chronological proxies significantly enhances interpretation of diagenetic histories. This study demonstrates that coupling clumped isotope palaeothermometry with U–Pb geochronology provides a robust tool for basin analysis and carbonate reservoir characterisation.
Petrographic and isotopic data indicate that white dolomite formed through recrystallisation of earlier brown dolomite. Recrystallisation resulted in near-complete loss of radiogenic Pb
and uranium, while common Pb was preserved and isotopically reset. Application of both conventional Tera–Wasserburg (7–6TW) and 8–6T–W common-Pb correction approaches allowed dating of samples with high common Pb and low uranium contents. These findings provide new insight into U–Pb system behaviour during carbonate recrystallisation and demonstrate that common Pb signatures can retain geochronological significance.
Although extensive radiogenic loss can limit age resolution, integrating thermal and chronological proxies significantly enhances interpretation of diagenetic histories. This study demonstrates that coupling clumped isotope palaeothermometry with U–Pb geochronology provides a robust tool for basin analysis and carbonate reservoir characterisation.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2020-12-07
Date Awarded
2026-03-01
Copyright Statement
Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International Licence (CC BY-NC)
License URL
Advisor
John, Cedric
Sponsor
Imperial College London
Publisher Department
Department of Earth Science & Engineering
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)