| Abstract: | New dates and analysis of 12 deep and 57 shallow cores allow a more detailed interpretation of the Pleistocene shelf edge of the Florida Platform as found in various facies of the Key Largo Limestone beneath the Florida Keys. In this study a three-phase evolution of the Quaternary units (Q1-Q5) of the Key Largo is presented with new subdivision of the Q5. (1) In the first phase, the Q1 and Q2 (perhaps deposited during oxygen-isotope stage 11) deep-water quartz-rich environment evolved into a shallow carbonate phase. (2) Subsequently, a Q3 (presumably corresponding to oxygen-isotope stage 9) flourishing reef and productive high-platform sediment phase developed. (3) Finally, a Q4 and Q5 (corresponding to oxygen-isotope stages 7 and 5) stabilization phase occured with reefs and leeward productive lagoons, followed by lower sea levels presenting a sequence of younger (isotope substages 5c, 5a) shelf-margin wedges, sediment veneers and outlier reefs. The Key Largo Limestone provides an accessible model of a carbonate shelf edge with fluctuating water depth, bordering a deep seaward basin for a period of at least 300 ka. During this time, at least four onlaps/offlaps, often separated by periods of karst development with associated diagenetic alterations, took place. The story presented by this limestone not only allows a better understanding of the history of south Florida but also aids in the interpretation of similar persistent shelf-edge sites bordering deep basins in other areas. |
| Genre: | Article |
| ProdID: | 70024367 |
| Citation Author: | Gray, Multer, H.; Gischler, E.; Lundberg, J.; Simmons, K. R.; Shinn, E. A. |
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| Citation End Page: | 272 |
| Citation Issue: | 46 |
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| Citation Language: | English |
| Citation Larger Work Title: | Facies |
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| Citation Number Of Pages: | 44 |
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| Citation Search Results Text: | Key Largo Limestone revisited: Pleistocene shelf-edge facies, Florida Keys, USA; 2002; Article; Journal; Facies; Gray, Multer, H.; Gischler, E.; Lundberg, J.; Simmons, K. R.; Shinn, E. A. |
| Citation Start Page: | 229 |
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| Citation Year: | 2002 |
| Type: | citation/reference |
| Text: | Key Largo Limestone revisited: Pleistocene shelf-edge facies, Florida Keys, USA; 2002; Article; Journal; Facies; Gray, Multer, H.; Gischler, E.; Lundberg, J.; Simmons, K. R.; Shinn, E. A. |
| URL (THUMBNAIL): | http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/thumbnails/outside_thumb.jpg |
| Date Other: | Tue, 1 Jan 2002 00:00 -0600 |
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