Aim:

Freshwater limestones (tufas and travertines) from the Pannonian Basin has been studied for almost one hundred years. Principles, concepts and technical background in geology have changed during the past decades, and beside the traditional stratigraphic and microfacies descriptions, valuable information can also be contributed to Paleoenvironmental, Paleohydrological and Paleoclimatological studies, using stable oxygen and carbon isotope data.
In the profile of Geochemistry and Paleoclimate Research Group belong the stable carbon and oxygen isotope geochemical, mineralogical and trace element analyses of travertines, carbonate veins (vein-fills), carbonate precipitation on thermal wells, and stable oxygen and hydrogen analyses of thermal waters. For the stable isotope measurements, we use a Finnigan MAT delta S isotope ratio mass spectrometer and a continuous-flow Finnigan delta plus XP mass spectrometer.


Investigated areas:

1. Bükk Mts.

Detailed petrographic, stable isotope and trace element analyses were carried out on the recent Egerszalók travertine and associated thermal water (De.-42. and De.-42/a wells, Bükk Mts., Hungary). The analyses focussed mainly on the stable carbon and oxygen isotope fractionations between water and calcite deposited at surficial conditions. Based on our observations the morphology related outgassing, the evaporation and the bacterial activity controlled the stable isotope composition of travertines deposited.
With the precise understanding of the stable isotope fractionation processes and using the results gathered from the Egerszalók travertine, it is possible to reconstruct the paleoenvironmental conditions of fossil traverties, and more accurate paleoclimatological conclusions could be provided.

Additionally: analyses of tufas deposited from cold ("ambient") water: pl. Sebesvíz, Szalajka-völgy.

2. Gerecse Mts.

Case study of numerous travertine occurrences: Tata (Porhanyó Quarry), Kõpite Hill, Les Hill, Dunaalmás quarries, Süttõ quarries..

3. Buda Mts.

Case study of the Monalovác Hill and Kálvária-tetõ travertines (Budakalász),..etc


Publications and abstracts can be found on the following website:

http://www.geochem.hu/people/kele_eng.html