Carbonate ramps are the most widespread platform type in the geological record, and the bulk of hydrocarbon-bearing carbonates were deposited in ramp-like settings. Nevertheless, ramps remain one of the more enigmatic carbonate platform types. In contrast to steeper sloped rimmed shelves and isolated buildups, where the factors that controlled their location and development are commonly evident, the controls on ramp development have seldom been clearly demonstrated.
This volume is an up-to-date compilation of our understanding of modern and ancient carbonate ramp deposystems from 13 countries. It sheds new light on ramp development and related topics by addressing a number of key issues including:
- terminology - can we classify ramps?
- processes - how important are water temperature controls and production-depth profiles?
- tectonic controls - are ramps by necessity restricted to shallow, flexural basins?
- sedimentary processes - sediment dispersal versus in situ production
- origin of ramp reef-mounds
- evolution of ramps into other platform types
The international field of authors present case studies of carbonate ramp deposystems, including new reviews of the southern Arabian Gulf shallow-water deposits, the Brazilian coast, northern UK shelf, as well as studies of Ordovician to Tertiary ramps systems. Also included are examples of the use of modelling in understanding the architecture of ancient carbonate platforms.
