Tertiary Carbonate Systems

Tertiary carbonate systems refer to environments where carbonate minerals, primarily made of calcium carbonate, form, dissolve, and interact in complex ways, often in shallow ocean settings like coral reefs or lagoons. These systems are characterized by specific chemical conditions, such as higher pH and carbonate ion concentrations, which influence mineral stability and precipitation. They play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle by regulating atmospheric CO₂ levels through processes like carbonate sedimentation and dissolution. Understanding tertiary carbonate systems helps geologists and climate scientists interpret past climate changes, predict future carbon sequestration, and explore natural resources like limestone deposits.