ASGP (2002), vol. 72: 271-282

AN APPLICATION OF MARKOV CHAIN ANALYSIS TO STUDIES ON LITHOFACIES SEQUENCES IN THE ALLUVIAL FANS FROM THE "BEŁCHATÓW" LIGNITE DEPOSIT (POLAND)

Wojciech MASTEJ

University of Mining and Metallurgy; Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental Protection, Department of General and Mathematical Geology, 30 Mickiewicza Ave., 30-059 Kraków, Poland, e-mail: wmastej at geolog.geol.agh.edu.pl

Mastej, W., 2002. An application of Markov chain analysis to studies on lithofacies sequences in the alluvial fans from the "Bełchatów" lignite deposit (Poland). Annales Societatis Geologorum Poloniae, 72: 271-282.

Abstract: The Markov chain analysis was used to study on lithofacies sequences in alluvial fans enclosed in the main seam of the "Bełchatów" lignite deposit. Quantitative approach supported the qualitative results of sedimentological analysis - the origin of muds, clays and coaly clays as well as the presence of a barrier (peat bog) between the fans and the lake with carbonate deposition. It was found that ephemeral lakes located on the fan surface were favourable sites for development of peat bogs. Similarly, the same lakes evolving into the peat bogs were favourable environments for expansion of sand lobes of the fans. It was discovered that cyclicity in sediment succession was disturbed by erosion. The new model of lacustrine limestone deposition was proposed for the northwestern part of lake which borders the fans from the northwest.