Geoscience Visual Presentation G04: Chemostratigraphic analysis of evaporitic sequences in Australian basins: case studies from the Polda, Officer and Adavale basins

Geoscience Visual Presentation G04 High resolution geochemical data are rare for Australian salt deposits. Recent studies by Chemostrat Australia in the Adavale, Officer and Polda basins have analysed Neoproterozoic and Paleozoic massive halite deposits using inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry and –mass spectrometry (ICP-OES-MS), yielding quantitative data for 50 elements. Supporting X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) data has elucidated internal variability of the principal rock forming minerals to produce lithostratigraphic models. Further resolution of the internal architecture of the massive salt deposits using trace elements highlights subtle variabilities in the composition and abundance of non-evaporitic components, principally the accessory heavy minerals and clays. This has allowed for the definition of chemical sub-units within the salt. It is likely that these variations reflect changes in sediment influx and climate and thus can be utilised for regional correlation. To access the Visual Presentation click the link below. To read the full paper click here