Modern carbonate formation in low-mineralized flowing waters

Abstract

Continental carbonate formation in low-mineralized flowing waters of temperate latitude is rare phenomenon. Taking this into account a study was conducted of crustate and stalactite-like authigenic calcite aggregates formed in the thalwegs of the ravines of the Volga Upland. According to chemical and isotopic analysis, modern carbonates are formed from poorly mineralized, meteoric waters of medium hardness, hydrocarbonate-magnesium-calcium hydrochemical type. It has been established that newly formed carbonate aggregates are characterized by the predominance of lightweight carbon and oxygen in the crystal structure. The osmotic hypothesis of the formation of lime-calcite aggregates is proposed.