DURATION OF THE LATERAL PARAGENETIC REEF-EVAPORITE SYSTEM FORMATION

Abstract

Duration of the functioning of elements of the lateral paragenetic reef–evaporite systems in Cambrian and Late Jurassic has been calculated. Discrepancy between total durations of the vertical growth of barrier reefs and evaporite formation varies by a factor of 3–50. Neither barrier reefs were growing up nor salt was deposited in halogenic basins for enormous time spans. Specific features of the reef–evaporite system should be taken into account in the estimation of ore potential (in particular, presence of sulfides of Pb, Zn, and other metals) in barrier-reef massifs.