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Textural variation within Great Salt Lake algal mounds

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https://doi.org/10.1016/S0070-4571(08)71150-6

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Abstract

This chapter discusses textural variation within the Great Salt Lake algal mounds. Great Salt Lake algal mounds contain: (1) a framework of non-skeletal, algally induced aragonite precipitates; (2) internal sediment; and (3) inorganic cement. These three elements create a variety of laminated, poorly laminated, and unlaminated internal textures. Interior framework precipitates bear little resemblance to the present living film of the mound surface. Internal texture of the mounds is believed to be largely relict and to have resulted from precipitation by algae different than those presently living at the surface. The most probable cause of local extinction of the algal flora is change in brine salinity. Precipitated blue-green algal structures in ancient rocks may indicate other than normal marine salinity and near shore sedimentation. Extreme variation of internal texture reflects extreme environmental variability typical of closed basin lakes. Recognition of mounds similar to those in the Great Salt Lake can be a first step toward recognition of ancient hyper-saline lake deposits, if such an interpretation is substantiated by consideration of the entire depositional milieu of precipitated algal mounds.

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Publication type Book chapter
Publication Subtype Book Chapter
Title Textural variation within Great Salt Lake algal mounds
Chapter 8.5
DOI 10.1016/S0070-4571(08)71150-6
Volume 20
Year Published 1976
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Contributing office(s) Coastal and Marine Geology Program
Description 11 p.
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Subtype Monograph
Larger Work Title Stromatolites
First page 435
Last page 445
Country United States
State Utah
Other Geospatial Great Salt Lake
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