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Figure 7-13. Layers in inclusion-rich calcite defined by variation in size and abundance of inclusions. Layers labelled "A" are thicker and have larger but less abundant inclusions; layers labelled "B" are thinner and have smaller but more abundant inclusions. In studying a simlar speleothem from the same cave, Rafter (1999) concluded that the presence of such inclusions may be related to the rate of precipitation of calcite. Rectangle outlines area shown in a high-magnification image. Photomicrograph was taken in plane-polarized light; field of view is 2.2 mm wide. Anjohibe Cave, Madagascar; Stalagmite MA3; thin section MA3-24. |
