Self-organization and nonlinear dynamics in sedimentary basins

Abstract

Patterns of mineralization may develop during diagenesis that are not a direct reflection of sedimentary features or stresses and fluids imposed on the boundaries of a basin. These patterns occur through the amplification of omnipresent non-uniformities of textural or compositional variables. Amplification occurs through feedback involving the coupling of diagenetic processes. The spatial scale of these patterns varies from microns to kilometres. Examples to be discussed include intracrystalline oscillatory zoning, millimetre- to metre-scale differentiated layering and stylolites, Liesegang bands, reaction front fingering, pulsatile fluid release from overpressurized zones in deep basins, and kilometre-scale basin compartmentation.