Petrography of Selected Tertiary Limestone Type Sections in Florida: ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT The Tertiary limestones of Florida provide sedimentologic information for environmental analysis. The type sections of the Eocene Ocala Group (Crystal River, Williston, Inglis Formations), and the Oligocene Suwannee and Marianna Limestones were studied petrographically. These formations represent several different microfacies that can be recognized in other areas. Rock types present include biosparites and biomicrites, many of which are pelletoidal and intraclast bearing. The various facies reflect the presence of topographic highs, numerous marine transgressions and regressions, and a complex diagenetic history involving periods of organism boring, solution, spar infilling, recrystallization, dolomitization, and silicification. Petrographic information about the various type sections provides standards of reference which can be related to other exposures of these formations.