Few fields of research in the earth sciences have produced as much data
and litera- ture as the study of carbonate sediments and rocks. The past
25 years in particular, have seen a significant increase in studies
concerning modern marine and fresh- water carbonates. With the present
worldwide interest in oceanographic research, marine carbonates have
received the bulk of the attention, particularly with respect to
shallow-water sediments. However, in terms of the variety of environ-
ments, compositions and modes of formation, non-marine carbonates
probably encompass a wider spectrum than do marine types. Our purpose is
to present a two-volume treatise on carbonate sediments and rocks, both
marine and non-marine. We have confined ourselves to the discussion of
modern (Holocene) environments, sediments and components, assuming that
the compilation of these data will not only be relevant to those working
with modern carbonates but will also serve as a necessary reference
source for those interested in ancient analogs. The first volume, by
MILLIMAN, deals almost exclu- sively with marine environments, while the
second volume, by MULLER and FORST- NER, will concentrate on the
non-marine carbonates.