REE Geochemical Study of the Permian—Triassic Marine Sedimentary Environment in Guizhou Province

This paper deals with the REE geochemical characteristics of Permian-Triassic marine carbonate rocks in Guizhou Province. It is found that there are two broad categories of stratigraphic units in the region studied in accordance with their ∑ REE contents and REE distribution patterns: one is characterized by LREE enrichment and slight Ce depletion, with the REE distribution patterns similar to those of North American shales, and the other features relative HREE enrichment and relatively remarkable Ce depletion, with the REE distribution patterns close to those of pelagic sediments. In terms of their different ∑ REE contents, five types of stratigraphic units can be distinguished. Incorporation of detrital minerals, REE complexing capability, oxidation-reduction conditions of the media are the main factors affecting the REE composition and REE distribution patterns of marine carbonate rocks in the region studied. In the light of REE geochemical characteristics of carbonate rocks, coupled with sedimentary facies analysis, this paper discusses the characteristics of the Permian-Triassic marine sedimentary environment in Guizhou Province and its evolutional rules.