Carbonate Petrology

Carbonate petrology is the study of carbonate rocks, primarily composed of minerals like calcite and dolomite. These rocks form mainly from biological processes, such as the accumulation of shell fragments and coral, or through chemical precipitation. Carbonate petrology examines the origin, composition, and structure of these rocks to understand Earth’s history, past environments, and even oil and gas reservoirs. By analyzing carbonate rocks, scientists can gain insights into ancient marine ecosystems and the geological processes that shaped our planet. Understanding carbonates is crucial for fields like geology, archaeology, and environmental science.