The book provides a synthesis of the methods used in microfacies analysis, the potential of microfacies in evaluating depositional environments and diagenetic history, and the application of microfacies data in the study of carbonate hydrocarbon reservoirs and the provenance of archaeological materials. The first part of the book (Microfacies Analysis) deals with field and laboratory methods; the description and significance of microfacies data; quantitative microfacies analysis; diagenetic processes and diagenetic products; common textural limestone classifications and specific classifications for reef limestones, non-marine carbonates, recrystallized limestones and mixed carbonate-siliciclastic rocks; biological controls of carbonate sedimentation; and fossils in thin section. The second part (Microfacies Interpretation) is focused on the methods of making of microfacies types; diagonsotic criteria of palaeoenvironmental conditons and processes; the importance of integrated facies analysis including mineralogical and geochemical data; the definition of depositional facies models, facies zones and standard microfacies types, and the recognition of depositional constraints influencing cyclic carbonates, reef limestones, cold-water carbonates, vent and seep carbonates and mixed carbonate-siliciclastic rocks. The last chapter deals with secular variations of facies features. The third part of the book (Practical Use of Microfacies) underlines the facies controls of reservoir and host rocks, the importance of microfacies and diagenesis for understanding technological properties of carbonate rocks and the destruction and conservation of carbonate objects, and discusses the potential of microfacies for archaeometrical studies. Nearly 230 instructive plates (30 in color)showing thin-section photographs with detailed explanations form a central part of the content.