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Source rock potential of shallow-water evaporites: An investigation in holocenepleistocene Salt Flat sabkah (playa), west Texas-New Mexico

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Abstract

Source rock potential of the shallow-water evaporite-carbonate sequences at Salt Flat sabkha (playa) was evaluated on the basis of total organic carbon TOC), extractable organic matter and Rock Eval pyrolysis.

Sedimentological evidence indicates periodic anoxicity in the Salt Flat brine lake during evaporite deposition. This was caused during wetter intervals when inflowing runoff rested on denser brine, forming a halocline. Brine stratification inhibited free circulation of oxygen in the lake bottom, enhancing the preservation of organic matter.

Organic matter in gypsum-rich horizons is dominantly of algal origin. Average organic carbon content of the sediments is 0.6% but may be 1.2% or more in gypsum-rich sediments. Hydrogen Index is generally high, ranging from a low of 300 mg HC g/Corg for gypsum-rich beds.

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Author notes

  1. Mahbub Hussain

    Present address: BCM Engineers, Inc., 14651 Dallas Parkway Dallas, 75240, TX

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dpartment of Geology Sul Ross State University, 79832, Alpine, TX

    Mahbub Hussain

  2. National Center for Petroleum Geology & Geophysics, P.O Box. 498, 5001, Adelaide, Australia

    John K. Warren

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  1. Mahbub Hussain
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  2. John K. Warren
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Hussain, M., Warren, J.K. Source rock potential of shallow-water evaporites: An investigation in holocenepleistocene Salt Flat sabkah (playa), west Texas-New Mexico. Carbonates Evaporites 6, 217–224 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03174424

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03174424

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