Origin of dolomite and formation of dolomite reservoirs in different tectonic settings

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The origin of dolomite remains controversial despite a great deal of research on this topic. A better understanding of the formation of dolomite is not only a significant contribution to geoscience but also has important economic impacts because dolomite constitutes hydrocarbon reservoirs for major world petroleum reserves and hosts nearly half of the world's lead and zinc deposits. The proposed research will be aimed at determining the nature and processes of dolomitization and their implications for the formation of dolomite reservoirs in different tectonic settings. It will identify different types of dolomites, map out their spatial distributions, and establish their paragenesis. It will employ O, C and Sr isotopic methods and fluid inclusion microthermometry to characterize the nature of dolomitizing fluids and to constrain the timing of dolomitization. The short-term objective is to achieve a better understanding of dolomitization in the Frobisher Bed and the Lower Shaunavon Formation in Saskatchewan Canada and the Cambrian dolomite in the Tarim Basin in northwestern China. The long-term objective is to advance our knowledge of the nature and processes of dolomitization by investigating and comparing temporal and spatial distributions, petrographic and geochemical signatures of dolomites in different tectonic settings.