Abstract
Characteristic samples of Upper Cretaceous pelagic red sediments from different parts of the Eastern Pontides (NE Turkey) have been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive analyses (SEM/EDAX). The red sediments are composed of limestone and muddy limestone, and characterized by abundant planktonic foraminifers. Hematite content ranges from 0.5 to 3.0 wt.%. Electron microscope observations suggest that the hematite pigment has a diagenetic origin. The red colour is due to presence of hematite pigment, and indicates oxidizing conditions during early diagenesis in a relatively deep marine environment.
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Received: 4 January 1999 / Accepted: 8 July 1999
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Eren, M., Kadir, S. Colour origin of upper cretaceous pelagic red sediments within the Eastern Pontides, northeast Turkey. Int Journ Earth Sciences 88, 593–595 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s005310050287
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s005310050287