Editorial for the Special Issue: Deposition, Diagenesis, and Geochemistry of Carbonate Sequences

The study of carbonate sequences encompasses a multifaceted exploration of depositional characteristics, diagenetic alterations, and geochemical variations that shape Earth’s geological history. From ancient reef systems to modern marine environments, carbonate formations serve as archives of past climates, tectonic events, and biological evolution. Understanding the intricate interplay between depositional processes, diagenetic transformations, and geochemical signatures within carbonate sequences is essential for unraveling their geological significance and economic potential.

Depositional characteristics provide invaluable insights into the environmental conditions and sedimentary processes that govern the formation of carbonate rocks. Researchers can reconstruct past depositional environments by deciphering sedimentary facies, bedding patterns, and fossil assemblages and elucidate the factors driving carbonate deposition. Furthermore, diagenetic alterations play a pivotal role in modifying carbonate rocks’ original mineralogy, texture, and porosity, thereby influencing their reservoir properties and hydrocarbon potential. Investigating diagenetic pathways, such as dolomitization, cementation, and dissolution, offers crucial information for reservoir characterization and exploration strategies.

Moreover, geochemical variations within carbonate sequences offer a window into past environmental changes, fluid–rock interactions, and diagenetic processes. Isotopic compositions, elemental concentrations, and trace metal distributions provide valuable proxies for reconstructing paleoenvironments, tracing fluid migration pathways, and quantifying diagenetic reactions. By integrating geochemical data with petrological and sedimentological observations, researchers can unravel the complex history of carbonate sequences and discern the driving forces behind their evolution.

In this special issue of the Minerals journal, we present a collection of articles that delve into the deposition, diagenesis, and geochemistry of carbonate sequences worldwide. These contributions offer diverse perspectives and cutting-edge methodologies for unraveling the complexities of carbonate geology. From the early dolomitization mechanisms in the Tarim Basin to the reservoir characterization of the Sarvak Formation in the Zagros Basin, each article contributes to our understanding of carbonate systems and highlights their geological significance.

Through the exploration of depositional characteristics, diagenetic alterations, and geochemical variations within carbonate sequences, we aim to advance our knowledge of Earth’s geological history and inform sustainable resource management practices. We invite readers to delve into the wealth of insights presented in this Special Issue and join us in the ongoing exploration of carbonate geology.

Our first article by Pan Tang et al. offers an in-depth exploration of early dolomitization mechanisms, employing a multi-proxy approach involving petrography, rare earth elements, and clumped isotope analysis. This study provides valuable insights into the complex pathways of dolomite formation, shedding light on the diagenetic history of carbonate reservoirs.

Moving forward, Hamzeh Mehrabi and colleagues present a comprehensive analysis of pore-type characterization and reservoir zonation within the Sarvak Formation, contributing to enhanced reservoir management strategies in the Abadan Plain. Saif Ur Rehman et al. further elucidate the diagenetic evolution of Upper Cretaceous carbonates in the Attock Hazara Fold and Thrust Belt of Pakistan, unraveling the intricate interplay of diagenetic processes in sedimentary basins.

The diverse topics covered in this issue extend to the petrological, geochemical, and chronological characteristics of dolomites in the Permian Maokou Formation of the Central Sichuan Basin, as investigated by Xuejing Bai and colleagues. Additionally, Alireza Vaezi and Razyeh Lak present an ecological risk assessment of sedimentary deposits in the Northeast Persian Gulf, underscoring the importance of geochemical variability in marine environments.

Furthermore, studies exploring the facies, depositional environment, and reservoir quality of Early Cambrian carbonates in the Tarim Basin (Yongjin Zhu et al.), the genesis of dolomite reservoirs in the Ediacaran Chigbrak Formation of the Tarim Basin (Jianfeng Zheng et al.), and the epigenetic changes of Famennian–Tournaisian carbonate rocks in the Northern Marginal Shear Zone of the Caspian Syneclise (Valeriy Korobkin et al.) offer valuable contributions to our understanding of carbonate systems worldwide.

Lastly, Zhenwu Liu et al. provide insights into early diagenesis in lacustrine ostracods from the Songliao Basin, highlighting the significance of paleoenvironmental reconstructions in deciphering geological histories. Meanwhile, Hamzeh Mehrabi offers a detailed examination of deposition, diagenesis, and geochemistry within Upper Cretaceous carbonates of the Zagros Basin and the Persian Gulf, underscoring regional variations in carbonate evolution.

In conclusion, this Special Issue has comprehensively explored deposition, diagenesis, and geochemistry within carbonate sequences, spanning diverse geological settings and research methodologies. Through the collective efforts of esteemed researchers, we have gained valuable insights into the complex interplay of sedimentary processes, diagenetic transformations, and geochemical signatures shaping carbonate geology.

From the early dolomitization mechanisms of the Upper Ediacaran Qigebrak Formation in the Tarim Basin to the reservoir characterization of the Sarvak Formation in the Zagros Basin, each article has contributed to our understanding of carbonate systems worldwide. By elucidating the depositional characteristics, diagenetic alterations, and geochemical variations within carbonate sequences, these studies have advanced our knowledge of Earth’s geological history and informed sustainable resource management practices.

As we reflect on the wealth of insights presented in this Special Issue, it is evident that the study of carbonate sequences remains a dynamic and multifaceted field ripe for further exploration. By continuing to unravel the complexities of carbonate geology and addressing key knowledge gaps, we can better understand past environmental changes, decipher geological histories, and inform future research endeavors.