Sulphur Isotope Evidence for the Origin of Cave Evaporites in Ogof y Daren Cilau, South Wales

Simon H. Bottrell
Department of Earth Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.

Abstract: Gypsum evaporites are forming under desiccating conditions in relict cave passages in Mynydd Llangattwg, south Wales. Sulphur isotope compositions of these sulphates indicate that oxidation of diagenetic pyrite in the overlying Millstone Grit is the source of sulphate solutions, rather than dissolution of evaporitic sulphate in the limestones.

Keywords: gypsum • evaporites • sulphur isotopes • caves • Wales

Mineralogical Magazine; June 1991 v. 55; no. 379; p. 209-210; DOI: 10.1180/minmag.1991.055.379.09
© 1991, The Mineralogical Society
Mineralogical Society (www.minersoc.org)