Mixed siliciclastic-carbonate systems are a particular type of marine depositional setting in which carbonate and siliciclastic sedimentation are coeval. Fine-grained deposits of mixed systems originated in distal settings (i.e., offshore to basin), are the result of the interaction between in-situ carbonate production and, siliciclastic and/or carbonate export from shallower areas (i.e., shoreface settings). Thus, determining the origin and the nature of mud, as well as the processes involved in mixing components with diverse origins in distal settings are crucial for a broad understanding of mixed systems. These systems are important for studying the geological history of the Earth, as they provide clues about past environmental and paleoclimatic conditions and the evolution of marine life. They are also economically significant, as they often contain oil and gas.

Peer-reviewed publications:

Remírez, M., Gómez Dacal, A., Orzanco, J., 2022. Controls on the accumulation of Early Cretaceous organic-rich fine-grained deposits in a mixed marine siliciclastic-carbonate distal settings of the Neuquén Basin, central-western Argentina. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 146, 105962.

Remírez, M., Spalletti, L., Isla, M., Schwarz, E., 2021. Fine-grained distal deposits of a mixed siliciclastic-carbonate marine system: origin of mud and implications on mixing processes. Journal of Sedimentary Research, 92 (3): 210-231.

Spalletti, L. A., Remírez, M., Sagasti, G., 2019. Geochemistry of aggradational - progradational sequence sets of the Upper Jurassic – Lower Cretaceous Vaca Muerta shales (Añelo area, Neuquén Basin, Argentina): relation to changes in accommodation and marine anoxia. Journal of South American Earth Sciences, 93: 495-509.

Team