Diagenetic processes that affect provenance determinations in sandstone.

Abstract

Diagenetic processes that alter the depositional composition of sands must be considered when making provenance interpretations. Modifying processes operate from the zone of weathering to deep subsurface and include: 1) dissolution of grains by corrosive meteoric waters; 2) replacement of detrital grains by authigenic minerals; 3) oxidation of detrital ferromagnesian minerals; and 4) loss of primary textures due to recrystallization or severe compaction. -E.Hayes