Early diagenesis of eolian dune and interdune sands at White Sands, New Mexico

摘要: Abstract The degree of early diagenesis in eolian dune and interdune sands at White Sands, New Mexico, is largely a function the relationship between sand location water table. Most active vegetation-stabilized are vadose zone, whereas capillary fringe phreatic zones. Crystallographically controlled dissolution framework gypsum grains results elongate, prismatic etch pits on from zones, zone slight, causing minute irregularities grain surfaces. Vadose percolating through manifest as meniscus layers. Consequently, cemented mainly by meniscus-shaped contacts. Pendant cements formed lower margins some grains. Cementation more extensive than regardless strata type. Typically, well-developed overgrowths form along entire edge grain, or may encompass grain. Complex diagenetic histories suggested multiple several episodes single grains, attesting to changing saturation levels with respect shallow ground water. These changes possibly due periods dilution meteoric recharge, alternating concentration ions formation cement evaporation fringe.