Global Geodynamic Control on Phanerozoic Marine Carbonates Sedimentary Systems

Abstract

This pilot study is founded on an exhaustive investigation of representative and well-documented cases (120) of carbonate systems during the Phanerozoic. We investigated the coupling between geodynamic settings and geometry, physiography, and stratigraphic architecture of carbonate platforms. The objective is to identify and quantify the impact of geodynamic controls on carbonate platforms and possible global trends during the Phanerozoic. Carbonate platforms are characterized in terms of geometry, stratigraphic architecture, time duration, preservation rate, progradation and rates of progradation, platform type, and thickness. Geodynamic parameters are characterized in terms of basin physiography, basement depth and type, tectonic setting, and subsidence origin. Relationships between carbonate parameters and geodynamic characteristics are investigated, leading to nine models of Geodynamic Carbonate Platforms. Passive margin is the most favorable geodynamic setting for the development of carbonate platforms in three dimensions. The continental crust hosts most of the carbonate platforms independently of time and geodynamic settings. Carbonate platforms developed above the exhumed mantle or oceanic crust (volcano) are the exception or very small and isolated. Global trends during the Phanerozoic of carbonate platform lateral extend, progradation, or thickness are tentatively interpreted in relation to geodynamic and eustatic parameters. The concept of spatial intersection between geodynamic and climatic windows favorable to carbonate platforms is introduced with its possible retroaction to the global carbon cycle.