Chapter 6 Economic Aspects of Continental Carbonates and Carbonates Transformed under Continental Conditions

Abstract

Continental carbonates provide economic resources to a diverse set of industries, including the energy, chemical, construction and tourist industries. Many continental rift basins harbour lacustrine deposits comprising major hydrocarbon provinces, including those of Southeast Asia, West Africa and South America. In Southeast Asia, several hydrocarbon reservoirs have been recognized as “giant oil fields”. Lacustrine basins are the source of significant quantities of coal in areas in Greece and Turkey, and calcretes have recently emerged as outstanding tracers for gold exploration in Australia. Also in Australia, uranium reserves in so-called surficial deposits are economically significant, as are the ores of Namibia.

Karsts formed by the dissolution of carbonate bedrock during subaerial exposure may contain economically important resources, such as hydrocarbons and bauxite. Karst also may result in significant aquifers. Finally, karst-affected and other terrestrial carbonates may be important to some areas due to their economic impact on the tourist industry.