The similar sediments can be deposited at the river and lake system. Is there any detrital mineral difference of these similar sediments (such as mudstone) between the fluvial and lacustrine facies?
- The elemental composition of fluvial mudstone can vary widely depending on the source rocks and geological conditions in the river's drainage area. Elements commonly found in fluvial mudstones include silicon (Si), aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), and other elements associated with the breakdown of terrestrial minerals. Lacustrine Mudstone: Lacustrine mudstone often has a higher concentration of organic matter, which can influence its elemental composition. Elements such as carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and sulfur (S) may be more prevalent in lacustrine mudstones due to the presence of organic material. Additionally, authigenic minerals like calcite or dolomite can contribute to the elemental makeup.
If I assume you are talking about unconsolidated sediments, then it may be difficult to make any general conclusions because the lakes are fed by fluvial systems so they share the same mineralogical provenance. Wentao Zheng raises the important point about organic matter. In a lake, it may be preserved in an oxygen-poor environment and have a higher concentration in some layers. Organic matter associated with rivers in soils and floodplain deposits has a greater chance of being degraded. Another important difference is with the respective ecosystems. A lake has a much better potential to accumulate biologically-generated carbonate.
However, if you are concerned with sedimentary rocks, then some important differences in diagenesis may be useful. Fluvial rocks may have high permeability and therefore greater access to cementing fluids which could introduce carbonate or silica for example. In a lacustrine deposit, the greater preservation of organic matter can lead to hydrocarbon generation and complex kinds of related diagenesis.
My personal opinion is that there are too many variables to draw generalizations. Thanks for asking this interesting question.
Keith Winfree Sincerely Thanks! I agree with you, and Wentao Zheng, that there maybe a difference of the organic matter content between lacustrine and fluvial facie mudstone. The permeability and diagenesis are points which I haven't think about. Thanks again!
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