Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
6437024 | Chemical Geology | 2011 | 13 Pages |
Periodic precipitation patterns (Liesegang bands) constitute good manifestations of self-organization in geochemical systems. Examples of periodic pyrite bands have been previously reported in anoxic sediment systems, such as sapropels from the Eastern Mediterranean. In this contribution, we present a model of Liesegang pyrite band formation in anoxic marine sediments. The model is based on early diagenetic reactive-transport processes and incorporates nucleation and growth of pyrite crystallites. The simulation results of pyrite band formation are compatible with the experimental pyritization pattern observed in a sediment analog, as well as the observations in sapropel sediments.
⺠Periodic precipitation patterns (Liesegang bands) are manifestations of self-organization in geochemistry. ⺠Model of Liesegang pyrite band formation in anoxic marine sediments is suggested. ⺠The model combines early diagenetic reaction-transport, nucleation and growth of pyrite crystallites. ⺠Results are compatible with experimental pyritization pattern and observations in sapropel sediments. ⺠Main factors controlling the pyrite pattern are discussed.