This unparelleled reference synthesizes the methods used in microfacies analysis and details the potential of microfacies in evaluating depositional environments and diagenetic history, and, in particular, the application of microfacies data in the study of carbonate hydrocarbon reservoirs and the provenance of archaeological materials. The first part of the book introduces microfacies analysis; the second part treats interpretation of the microfacial data; and the third part explores the practical use of microfacies. This last part emphasizes the facies controls of reservoir and host rocks, the importance of microfacies and diagenesis for understanding technological properties of carbonate rocks and the destruction and conservation of carbonate objects, and discusses the potential of microfacies for archaeometrical studies. Nearly 230 instructive plates (30 in color)showing thin-section photographs with detailed explanations form a central part of the content.

New Perspectives in Microfacies.- Carbonate Depositional Environments.- Microfacies Analysis: Methods.- Microfacies Data: Matrix and Grains.- Microfacies Data: Fabrics.- Quantitative Microfacies Analysis.- Diagenesis, Porosity, and Dolomitization.- Classification #x2013; A Name for Your Sample.- Limestones are Biological Sediments.- Fossils in Thin Section: It is Not That Difficult.- Microfacies Interpretation: Summarizing Microfacies Criteria: Microfacies Types.- Recognizing Paleoenvironmental Conditions.- Integrated Facies Analysis.- Depositional Models, Facies Zones and Standard Microfacies.- Basin Analysis: Recognizing Depositional Settings.- Realizing Depositional Constraints and Processes.- Practical use of microfacies: Reservoir Rocks and Host Rocks.- Carbonate Rock Resources, Facies, Weathering, Preservation.- Microfacies and Archaeology.- Adding Some Samples.