Cap carbonates

Cap carbonates are thick layers of carbonate minerals, primarily limestone, formed as a result of rapid and widespread carbonate sediment deposition. They often occur immediately above large-scale geological events like Snowball Earth glaciations. These deposits are believed to result from sudden changes in Earth's environment, such as increased ocean alkalinity or rapid changes in climate, which promote extensive carbonate precipitation. Studying cap carbonates helps scientists understand past climate changes, ocean chemistry, and how the Earth’s systems respond to massive environmental shifts. They serve as valuable records of Earth's history during critical transition periods.