Summary
This sedimentological and geochemical study of the Eocene Green River Formation in Wyoming documents the origin of large carbonate mounds through significant spring discharge at Lake Gosiute margins. Using strontium isotope data, the authors demonstrate that groundwaters derived from Palaeozoic carbonates preferentially flowed along thrust faults, creating both subaqueous and subaerial spring deposits. The findings suggest groundwater recharge coincided with lake high stands and lowered the salinity of this evaporative basin, providing criteria for recognising groundwater discharge signatures in ancient lacustrine systems.
UK applicability
This study addresses Eocene palaeohydrology and basin geology specific to Wyoming and has limited direct applicability to contemporary UK farming or soil systems. It may inform UK-based palaeoclimate or hydrogeological research concerned with ancient lacustrine environments and groundwater flow mechanisms.
Key measures
87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios from spring deposits (0.71040–0.71101) and contemporaneous lacustrine carbonates (0.71195–0.71561); sedimentological characterisation of tufa cascades, rimstone dams and calcite-cemented structures; structural mapping of thrust faults
Outcomes reported
The study identified spring discharge as the primary mechanism for formation of decametre-scale carbonate mounds in the Green River Formation, using sedimentological, strontium isotope and structural evidence. The findings demonstrate that groundwater recharge from the northwest margin of the Bridger Basin contributed to Lake Gosiute's water budget and salinity regulation during the Eocene epoch.
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