Carbonate ball and pillow structures

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Abstract
Summary: A liquefaction layer displaying ball and pillow structures occurs within the back reef facies of the Cawdor Limestone (P2 zone) near Wirksworth. This layer consists of pillow-shaped masses of coarse biosparite within a biomicrite matrix. The pillows are 0.6–0.8 m thick and 1.5–4.0 m across. Experiments using layers of calcareous sand above calcareous mud have demonstrated that such structures may be produced by subjecting saturated sediments to seismic shocks. These Viséan carbonate ball and pillow structures are attributed to loading, resulting from liquefaction of underlying calcareous mud during the passage of earthquake shock waves associated with the Gulf Fault.