Sedimentological And Paleo-Environmental Studies On The Eocene Limestones In The Northern Plateau Of Bahariya Oasis, Western Desert, Egypt

Abstract

Detailed investigation of the three Eocene formations in the Northern Plateau revealed remarkable differences in their biogenic and lithologic characters. Eleven different microfacies associations have been recognized. Lime mudstone, wackestone, packstone and crystalline carbonate (dolostone) are the rock textures existing. They show distinctive and significant distribution among the three formatipns. The Eocene limestones represent a carbonate bank (biostrome) developed on a shallow marine shelf. They were deposited under gently to slightly agitated water conditions. During parts of the life history of the bank, intense vital activity had dominated in places and a reefal environment prevailed. Minor regressions and transgressions of the sea, which were more remarkable at all formation boundaries, resulted in the occasional development of restricted, back-reef lagoons.