Early dolomitization in the Lower Cretaceous shallow-water carbonates of Southern Apennines (Italy): Clues about palaeoclimatic fluctuations in western Tethys

The present work highlights that the stratigraphic distribution of early diagenetic dolomite may be used as proxy to define the climatic fluctuations that have influenced the sedimentary dynamics in the Early Cretaceous. Moreover, considering that a comparable early dolomite distribution is present also in the Dinaric Platform, we suggest that a regional scale climate control acted on early dolomite formation and distribution. Refining the knowledge of such a key control may have a significative impact on hydrocarbon reservoir characterization and exploration in the Periadriatic area.