1. Introduction. 1.1. Geology and Research History of the Bahamas -- 2. Study Area and Material. 2.1. The Bahamas Drilling Project. 2.2. Sampling and Material examined -- 3. Methods. 3.1. Compositional Analysis. 3.2. Stable Isotopes. 3.3. X-ray Diffractometry. 3.4. Scanning Electron Microscopy. 3.5. Total Organic Carbon. 3.6. Fluid Inclusions -- 4. Primary Signals -- Sediment Input. 4.1. Periplatform Carbonates. 4.2. Results of the Compositional Examinations. 4.3. Discussion -- Compositional Signatures in Periplatform Sediments -- 5. Secondary Signals -- Diagenesis. 5.1. Carbonate Diagenesis. 5.2. Results. 5.3. Discussion -- Diagenesis of Periplatform Carbonates -- 6. Outlook -- App. 1. Plates (light microscopy and SEM) -- App. 2. Palynomorph Assemblages.
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Periplatform slope sediments from the Bahamas serve as an example for a small-scale sedimentologic record of environmental changes. Carbonate platforms react sensitively to sea-level fluctuations. Therefore, sediments deposited on the slope during lowstands differ in composition from highstand deposits. A second focus is the early diagenetic alteration and cementation of these sediments with their high diagenetic potential. This book contributes to and discusses new developments in carbonate sedimentology such as the concepts of highstand shedding and early burial diagenesis, which also have an impact on reservoir studies.