Formation of modern and Paleozoic stratiform barite at cold methane seeps on continental margins

Research Article| October 01, 2003 Formation of modern and Paleozoic stratiform barite at cold methane seeps on continental margins Marta E. Torres; Marta E. Torres 1College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Gerhard Bohrmann; Gerhard Bohrmann 2University of Bremen, Klagenfurterstrasse, D-2835 Bremen, Germany Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Thomas E. Dubé; Thomas E. Dubé 3Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), 18706 North Cr. Parkway, Bothell, Washington 98011, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Forrest G. Poole Forrest G. Poole 4U.S. Geological Survey, Box 25046, M.S. 973, Denver, Colorado 80225, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (2003) 31 (10): 897–900. https://doi.org/10.1130/G19652.1 Article history received: 26 Mar 2003 rev-recd: 30 May 2003 accepted: 04 Jun 2003 first online: 02 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Marta E. Torres, Gerhard Bohrmann, Thomas E. Dubé, Forrest G. Poole; Formation of modern and Paleozoic stratiform barite at cold methane seeps on continental margins. Geology 2003;; 31 (10): 897–900. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G19652.1 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Stratiform (bedded) Paleozoic barite occurs as large conformable beds within organic- and chert-rich sediments; the beds lack major sulfide minerals and are the largest and most economically significant barite deposits in the geologic record. Existing models for the origin of bedded barite fail to explain all their characteristics: the deposits display properties consistent with an exhalative origin involving fluid ascent to the seafloor, but they lack appreciable polymetallic sulfide minerals and the corresponding strontium isotopic composition to support a hydrothermal vent source. A new mechanism of barite formation, along structurally controlled sites of cold fluid seepage in continental margins, involves barite remobilization in organic-rich, highly reducing sediments, transport of barium-rich fluids, and barite precipitation at cold methane seeps. The lithologic and depositional framework of Paleozoic and cold seep barite, as well as morphological, textural, and chemical characteristics of the deposits, and associations with chemosymbiotic fauna, all support a cold seep origin for stratiform Paleozoic barite. This understanding is highly relevant to paleoceanographic and paleotectonic studies, as well as to economic geology. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.