Multiple dolomitization events along the Pozalagua Fault (Pozalagua Quarry, Basque-Cantabrian Basin, Northern Spain)

Abstract

The Pozalagua Quarry in the Basque-Cantabrian Basin of northern Spain exposes a unique set of fault-associated dolomites that can be studied on a decametre scale. The dolomites developed along the Pozalagua Fault system in slope-deposited limestones of Albian age. Following marine phreatic diagenesis, the limestones were subject to meteoric karst formation. The resulting cavities were filled either by angular limestone fragments in a black clay-rich matrix, or by cave floor/pond (now dolomitized) sediments. The subsequent diagenetic history reflects repeated periods of fracturing, fluid expulsion, dissolution and cementation. Contrasting fluid pulses resulted in the formation of a network of hydrothermal karst and the subsequent development of coarse-crystalline calcite cement, zebra dolomite, recrystallized coarse-crystalline dolomite, elongated blue-grey coarse-crystalline dolomite cement in the open fault and, finally, coarse-crystalline saddle dolomite. Decimetre-size reworked host-rock fragments present in the latter two dolomite phases probably reflect roof collapse fragments of a cave system that developed along the Pozalagua Fault system. However, there are also metre-scale host-rock fragments that apparently 'float' in the coarse-crystalline saddle dolomites, implying that either fragment assimilation was a widespread process or violent expulsion of fluids occurred along the Pozalagua Fault system. The presence of pre-dolomite and post-dolomite stylolites, parallel to bedding, supports a linkage between the diagenetic events and the Late Albian tectonism that affected the region. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 International Association of Sedimentologists.