Stable Carbon and Oxygen Isotopes in Red Boles: A Clue to Understand their Formation Mechanism

Earlier workers have provided various explanations for the origin of red boles but their exact mode of formation remains debated. The present work is an attempt to use stable oxygen and carbon isotopesto unravel red boles formation mechanism. In this study we report measurements of δ18O and δ13C values in red boles, overlying and underlying basalts, and calcite veins incorporated within the boles. The results indicatethat the alteration of basalts and pyroclastic material constitutes the probable mechanism of red boles formation.