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Recently, a series of high-magnitude earthquakes, including the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake (M 8.0), have occurred in the Longmenshan tectonic region of southwestern China. Many researchers are currently examining the geological aspects of the activity, but little attention has been given to the huge travertine deposits along large fault zones. Carbon isotopes were measured in 106 samples, and the results indicate that the travertine originated from 13 C-enriched CO 2 sourced from deep reservoirs and can be characterized by notable positive δ 13 C values. CO 2 is thought to have originated from isotopic equilibrium fractionation under thermal metamorphism temperature conditions (within 350–850 °C). The re-equilibrium fractionation between the deep CO 2 and the dissolved carbonate composition during travertine formation is due to the declining temperature of thermo-genetic CO 2 , which in turn leads to higher δ 13 C carb values. Based on oil drilling data and geochemical thermometry modeling, the depth of the 13 C-enriched CO 2 source is inferred to be below 4643 m, which coincides with the measured focal depth of the Wenchuan earthquake and subsequent aftershocks. The variation of tectonic activity intensity and the quantity of CO 2 from deep formations are mainly responsible for the δ 13 C fluctuations observed in the travertine. The δ 13 C values in travertine deposits have increased dramatically, which implies the rapid upwelling of the CO 2 -bearing fluid, the enhancement of thermal metamorphism and the continuous increase of the internal pressure in deep reservoirs. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the deep seismic activity and high-frequency aftershocks in the Longmenshan region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the genesis of dolomite in Longwangmiao Formation is analysed through field investigation and geochemical methods, and dolomization model is established, which is very important for the next reservoir prediction in Longwangmiao Formation. According to the crystal size, the Longwangmiao Formation dolomite can be divided into two types: microcrystalline dolomite (MID) and macrocrystalline dolomite (MAD). Both types of dolomite have higher Al content than lime mudstone, indicating that during the deposition process of the Longwangmiao Formation, terrigenous materials are continuously mixed into the sediment, which significantly affects the geochemical characteristics of the Longwangmiao Formation. The rare earth element (REE) composition of the two types of dolomite is consistent with that of lime mudstone (LM), with an obvious δCe positive anomaly and no δEu anomaly, which is a typical distribution pattern of marine carbonate sediments. The microcrystalline dolomite has a higher Na element content, lower δ13C value, and higher δ18O value, suggesting that it is formed in a highly saline evaporation environment. Most of the macrocrystalline dolomite has a residual grain texture. The elements, as well as the isotopic geochemical characteristics of the dolomite, are consistent with those of lime mudstone, indicating that macrocrystalline dolomite is formed early and inherits the geochemical characteristics of the precursor limestone. We believe that the dolomitization model of the Longwangmiao Formation is an evaporative concentration + reflux seepage model. In the late sedimentary period of the Longwangmiao Formation, the sea level declined and a large area of lagoon appeared in the restricted and semi-restricted platform. As the evaporation and concentration continued, precursor minerals such as high-magnesium calcite and aragonite mud experienced chemical precipitation. In this process, a large amount of Ca2+ was consumed, resulting in an increase in the Mg2+/Ca2+ ratio. Then, the precursor minerals underwent dolomitization, and microcrystalline dolomite began to form. At the same time, owing to the difference in density between the high-salinity concentrated seawater and the pore water existing in the early limestone, the concentrated seawater flowed back and penetrated downward, causing the dolomitization of the underlying strata, and then the formation of macrocrystalline dolomite. The degree of dolomitization was mainly affected by the development degree of the granule beach and the thickness of the strata. • The highlights of this article are as follows: • This paper provides a case study of terrigenous clastic dolomite. • This paper analyses the genesis of the dolomites of Longwangmiao Formation and establishes a dolomitization model. • We analysed a large number of samples and provided basic geochemical data for Longwangmiao Formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mid-Permian strata in South China are characterized by high positive δ13C carb values. • Decarbonation during tectono-thermal events is the mechanism for 13C enrichment. • Emplacement causing regression and doming was responsible for δ13C carb fluctuations. During the Permian, Emeishan mantle plume activity created a large igneous province and deeply impacted carbon isotope records in marine carbonate strata in South China. To evaluate the isotopic variations caused by this catastrophic event, 140 carbonate samples from four sections were collected and analyzed. The δ13C carb values in the upper section of the Qixia Formation gradually increased, stabilized at ~4.0‰ in the lower-middle sections of the Maokou Formation, and then abruptly decreased in the upper section of the Maokou Formation. This isotopic evolution trend is likely related to mantle plume geochemical processes occurring during these respective stages. Large amounts of upwelling heat from the emplacement of the mantle plume triggered large-scale decarbonation reactions in the continental crust resulting in CO 2 production enriched in 13C. Substantial amounts of 13C-enriched CO 2 directly affected the isotope compositions of marine carbonates during this time. Temporal and spatial fluctuations in carbon isotopes were also controlled by terrestrial materials as a result of regression and doming caused by plume emplacement. The abrupt decrease in δ13C carb in the upper section of the Maokou Formation reflects the onset of volcanism, resulting in the breakdown of organic materials. These findings emphasize the contribution of a carbon reservoir (with a thermal decarbonation origin) in the upper crust, particularly against the Permian tectono-thermal background. This mechanism, which is similar to biological isotope fractionation in the carbon cycle, should not be overlooked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]