DOCSLIB.ORG

Sedimentary Rocks in Southern Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Sedimentary Rocks in Southern Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming GEOLOGY OF . SEDIMENTARY ROCKS IN SOUTHERN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, WYOMING *^£F&#**f*^St w^r j -^NW, L/*£«*>< / fM GICAL SURVEY PROFESSIONAL PA GEOLOGY OF SEDIMENTARY ROCKS IN SOUTHERN YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, WYOMING Mount Sheridan RED MOUNTAINS FRONTISPIECE. Telephoto panorama showing the sedimentary rocks, their relation to the Pleistocene rhyolitic welded Park. This view is northeast from about 1 mile north-northeast of milepost 15 on the southern boundary of the Madison Limestone; IPMta, cliff and slope of Pennsylvanian Tensleep Sandstone and Pennsylvanian and Mississip- tree growth, and Ppc, chert beds arched into a dome for the last quarter century or more called Val Dome in ice, and its members that are described in the Snake River measured section 2 miles from the camera point T?cp cliff of Popo Agie Member; Jg , Jurassic Gypsum Spring Formation; Js , Jurassic Sundance Formation, Morrison(?) Formations, Kf, Upper Cretaceous Frontier Formation at approximate site of large fossil collection Absaroka Volcanic Supergroup; QTh, Pleistocene or Pliocene Heart Lake Conglomerate (type section); Qhr, Pleisto- landslides in Cretaceous shales. A, site of measured section of Jurassic rocks east of Red Creek meadow, described in text. Absaroka Range Flat Mountain Ta tuffs, and their structure along the south and southeast sides of the Basin Creek uplift in southern Yellowstone National park; Mount Sheridan is 9 miles from the camera point. Photograph by J. D. Love, July 29, 1972. Mm, Mississippian pian Amsden Formation; Pp, Permian Phosphoria Formation and related rocks, showing characteristically patchy honor of a lady by that name; ~ftc , Triassic Chugwater Formation, with surface fluted by southwestward-moving T?Cr. Red Peak Member, ~|jca, Alcova Limestone Member, ~|JCC , cliff of Crow Mountain Sandstone Member, and characteristically devoid of trees, andJsl, its lower part; KJm, Lower Cretaceous and Upper Jurassic Cleverly and described in text;TKp, Paleocene and Upper Cretaceous Pinyon Conglomerate; Ta, volcaniclastic rocks of the Eocene cene Huckleberry Ridge Tuff; QIc, Pleistocene Lava Creek Tuff on west wall of Heart River Canyon; Q|$, large Quaternary in text; B-B'. site of measured section of Lower Cretaceous rocks south-southeast of Red Creek meadow, described Geology of Sedimentary Rocks in Southern "ifellowstone National Park, Wyoming By J. D. LOVE and W. R. KEEPER GEOLOGY OF YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK GEOLOGICAL SURVEY PROFESSIONAL PAPER 729-D Prepared in cooperation with the National Park Service, the Geological Survey of Wyoming, and the Department of Geology of the University of Wyoming UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, WASHINGTON : 1975 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR GEOLOGICAL SURVEY V. E. McKelvey, Director Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data Love, John David, 1913- Geology of sedimentary rocks in southern Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. (Geology of Yellowstone National Park) (Geological Survey Professional Paper 729-D) Bibliography: p. Includes index. Supt. of Docs, no.: I 19.16:729-D 1. Rocks, Sedimentary. 2. Petrology Yellowstone National Park. I. Keefer, William Richard, 1924- joint author. II. United States. National Park Service. III. Wyoming. Geological Survey. IV. Wyoming. University. Dept. of Geology. V. Title. VI. Series. VII. Series: United States Geological Survey Professional Paper 729-D. QE471.L68 552'.5'0978752 75-619073 For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office Washington, D.C. 20402 Stock Number 024-001-02737-2 Yellowstone National Park, the oldest of the areas set aside as part of the national park sys­ tem, lies amidst the Rocky Mountains in north­ western Wyoming and adjacent parts of Montana and Idaho. Embracing large, diverse, and complex geologic features, the park is in an area that is critical to the interpretation of many significant regional geologic problems. In order to provide basic data bearing on these problems, the U.S. Geological Survey in 1965 initiated a broad pro­ gram of comprehensive geologic and geophysical investigations within the park. This program was carried out with the cooperation of the National Park Service, and was also aided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, which supported the gathering of geologic information needed in testing and in interpreting results from various remote sensing devices. This professional paper chapter is one of a series of technical geo­ logic reports resulting from these investigations. CONTENTS Page Stratigraphy Continued Abstract............................................................................................. Dl Exposed rocks Continued Page Introduction...................................................................................... 1 Tertiary System..................................................................D36 Geography......................................................................................... 2 Absaroka Volcanic Supergroup................................. 36 Stratigraphy...................................................................................... 3 Trout Peak Trachyandesite ................................ 36 Rocks not exposed..................................................................... 4 Langford Formation........................................... 36 Precambrian System........................................................... 4 Two Ocean Formation ....................................... 37 Cambrian System................................................................ 4 Wiggins Formation............................................. 37 Ordovician System, Bighorn Dolomite.............................. 4 Tertiary or Quaternary System .......................................... 38 Exposed rocks........................................................................... 6 Heart Lake Conglomerate........................................... 38 Devonian System, Darby Formation................................. 6 Dikes............................................................................ 39 Mississippian System, Madison Limestone ...................... 7 Mississippian and Pennsylvanian Systems, Amsden Quaternary System ............................................................ 39 Formation....................................................................... 8 Yellowstone Group and Lewis Canyon Rhyolite..... 39 Pennsylvanian System, Tensleep Sandstone...................... 10 Landslide and glacial deposits................................... 40 Permian System, Phosphoria Formation and related Hot springs deposits and associated hot springs........ 40 rocks................................................................................ 10 Alluvium and terrace deposits.................................... 43 Triassic System................................................................... 12 Rocks outside mapped area that are pertinent to tectonic Dinwoody Formation.................................................. 12 history..................................................................................... 44 Chugwater Formation................................................. 12 Upper Eocene intrusives ................................................... 44 Jurassic System................................................................... 15 Oligocene White River Formation .................................... 44 Gypsum Spring Formation......................................... 15 Miocene Colter Formation................................................. 44 Sundance Formation................................................... 17 Structural geology............................................................................. 44 Jurassic and Cretaceous Systems........................................ 21 Washakie Range and Buffalo Fork thrust fault....................... 45 Morrison(P) and Cloverly Formation undivided ........ 21 Cretaceous System.............................................................. 25 Wolverine-Hancock anticlinal complex.................................... 46 Normal fault complex between Mount Sheridan and Big Thermopolis Shale...................................................... 25 Mowry Shale, including, where present, upper Game Ridge........................................................................... 47 Basin Creek uplift...................................................................... 49 black shale member of Thermopolis Shale ............ 26 Possible faulting near the South Entrance............................... 50 Frontier Formation ..................................................... 27 Cody Shale................................................................... 29 Late Cretaceous and Cenozoic geologic history............................... 51 Bacon Ridge Sandstone............................................... 30 Summary........................................................................................... 54 Harebell Formation..................................................... 31 References cited................................................................................. 54 Cretaceous and Tertiary Systems ....................................... 35 Pinyon Conglomerate................................................. 35 Index................................................................................................. 57 ILLUSTRATIONS Page FRONTISPIECE. Telephoto panorama showing the sedimentary rocks in southern Yellowstone
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Bedrock Geology Glossary from the Roadside Geology of Minnesota, Richard W
    Minnesota Bedrock Geology Glossary From the Roadside Geology of Minnesota, Richard W. Ojakangas Sedimentary Rock Types in Minnesota Rocks that formed from the consolidation of loose sediment Conglomerate: A coarse-grained sedimentary rock composed of pebbles, cobbles, or boul- ders set in a fine-grained matrix of silt and sand. Dolostone: A sedimentary rock composed of the mineral dolomite, a calcium magnesium car- bonate. Graywacke: A sedimentary rock made primarily of mud and sand, often deposited by turbidi- ty currents. Iron-formation: A thinly bedded sedimentary rock containing more than 15 percent iron. Limestone: A sedimentary rock composed of calcium carbonate. Mudstone: A sedimentary rock composed of mud. Sandstone: A sedimentary rock made primarily of sand. Shale: A deposit of clay, silt, or mud solidified into more or less a solid rock. Siltstone: A sedimentary rock made primarily of sand. Igneous and Volcanic Rock Types in Minnesota Rocks that solidified from cooling of molten magma Basalt: A black or dark grey volcanic rock that consists mainly of microscopic crystals of pla- gioclase feldspar, pyroxene, and perhaps olivine. Diorite: A plutonic igneous rock intermediate in composition between granite and gabbro. Gabbro: A dark igneous rock consisting mainly of plagioclase and pyroxene in crystals large enough to see with a simple magnifier. Gabbro has the same composition as basalt but contains much larger mineral grains because it cooled at depth over a longer period of time. Granite: An igneous rock composed mostly of orthoclase feldspar and quartz in grains large enough to see without using a magnifier. Most granites also contain mica and amphibole Rhyolite: A felsic (light-colored) volcanic rock, the extrusive equivalent of granite.
    [Show full text]
  • Jackson Hole Vacation Planner Vacation Hole Jackson Guide’S Guide Guide’S Globe Addition Guide Guide’S Guide’S Guide Guide’S
    TTypefypefaceace “Skirt” “Skirt” lightlight w weighteight GlobeGlobe Addition Addition Book Spine Book Spine Guide’s Guide’s Guide’s Guide Guide’s Guide Guide Guide Guide’sGuide’s GuideGuide™™ Jackson Hole Vacation Planner Jackson Hole Vacation2016 Planner EDITION 2016 EDITION Typeface “Skirt” light weight Globe Addition Book Spine Guide’s Guide’s Guide Guide Guide’s Guide™ Jackson Hole Vacation Planner 2016 EDITION Welcome! Jackson Hole was recognized as an outdoor paradise by the native Americans that first explored the area thousands of years before the first white mountain men stumbled upon the valley. These lucky first inhabitants were here to hunt, fish, trap and explore the rugged terrain and enjoy the abundance of natural resources. As the early white explorers trapped, hunted and mapped the region, it didn’t take long before word got out and tourism in Jackson Hole was born. Urbanites from the eastern cities made their way to this remote corner of northwest Wyoming to enjoy the impressive vistas and bounty of fish and game in the name of sport. These travelers needed guides to the area and the first trappers stepped in to fill the niche. Over time dude ranches were built to house and feed the guests in addition to roads, trails and passes through the mountains. With time newer outdoor pursuits were being realized including rafting, climbing and skiing. Today Jackson Hole is home to two of the world’s most famous national parks, world class skiing, hiking, fishing, climbing, horseback riding, snowmobiling and wildlife viewing all in a place that has been carefully protected allowing guests today to enjoy the abundance experienced by the earliest explorers.
    [Show full text]
  • Yellowstone National Park Geologic Resource Evaluation Scoping
    Geologic Resource Evaluation Scoping Summary Yellowstone National Park This document summarizes the results of a geologic resource evaluation scoping session that was held at Yellowstone National Park on May 16–17, 2005. The NPS Geologic Resources Division (GRD) organized this scoping session in order to view and discuss the park’s geologic resources, address the status of geologic maps and digitizing, and assess resource management issues and needs. In addition to GRD staff, participants included park staff and cooperators from the U.S. Geological Survey and Colorado State University (table 1). Table 1. Participants of Yellowstone’s GRE Scoping Session Name Affiliation Phone E-Mail Bob Volcanologist, USGS–Menlo Park 650-329-5201 [email protected] Christiansen Geologist/GRE Program GIS Lead, NPS Tim Connors 303-969-2093 [email protected] Geologic Resources Division Data Stewardship Coordinator, Greater Rob Daley 406-994-4124 [email protected] Yellowstone Network Supervisory Geologist, Yellowstone Hank Heasler 307-344-2441 [email protected] National Park Geologist, NPS Geologic Resources Bruce Heise 303-969-2017 [email protected] Division Cheryl Geologist, Yellowstone National Park 307-344-2208 [email protected] Jaworowski Katie Geologist/Senior Research Associate, 970-586-7243 [email protected] KellerLynn Colorado State University Branch Chief, NPS Geologic Resources Carol McCoy 303-969-2096 [email protected] Division Ken Pierce Surficial Geologist, USGS–Bozeman 406-994-5085 [email protected] Supervisory GIS Specialist, Yellowstone Anne Rodman 307-344-7381 [email protected] National Park Shannon GIS Specialist, Yellowstone National Park 307-344-7381 [email protected] Savage Monday, May 16, involved a welcome to Yellowstone National Park and an introduction to the Geologic Resource Evaluation (GRE) Program, including status of reports and digital maps.
    [Show full text]
  • Mechanical Stratigraphic Controls on Natural Fracture Spacing and Penetration
    Journal of Structural Geology 95 (2017) 160e170 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Journal of Structural Geology journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/jsg Mechanical stratigraphic controls on natural fracture spacing and penetration * Ronald N. McGinnis a, , David A. Ferrill a, Alan P. Morris a, Kevin J. Smart a, Daniel Lehrmann b a Department of Earth, Material, and Planetary Sciences, Southwest Research Institute, 6220 Culebra Road, San Antonio, TX 78238-5166, USA b Geoscience Department, Trinity University, One Trinity Place, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA article info abstract Article history: Fine-grained low permeability sedimentary rocks, such as shale and mudrock, have drawn attention as Received 20 July 2016 unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs. Fracturing e both natural and induced e is extremely important Received in revised form for increasing permeability in otherwise low-permeability rock. We analyze natural extension fracture 21 December 2016 networks within a complete measured outcrop section of the Ernst Member of the Boquillas Formation Accepted 7 January 2017 in Big Bend National Park, west Texas. Results of bed-center, dip-parallel scanline surveys demonstrate Available online 8 January 2017 nearly identical fracture strikes and slight variation in dip between mudrock, chalk, and limestone beds. Fracture spacing tends to increase proportional to bed thickness in limestone and chalk beds; however, Keywords: Mechanical stratigraphy dramatic differences in fracture spacing are observed in mudrock. A direct relationship is observed be- Natural fractures tween fracture spacing/thickness ratio and rock competence. Vertical fracture penetrations measured Fracture spacing from the middle of chalk and limestone beds generally extend to and often beyond bed boundaries into Fracture penetration the vertically adjacent mudrock beds.
    [Show full text]
  • The Central Zagros Fold-Thrust Bemt (Iran) : New Insights from Seismic Data Field Observation and Sandbox Modelling S
    The Central Zagros fold-thrust bemt (Iran) : New insights from seismic data field observation and sandbox modelling S. Sherkati, J. Letouzey, Dominique Frizon de Lamotte To cite this version: S. Sherkati, J. Letouzey, Dominique Frizon de Lamotte. The Central Zagros fold-thrust bemt (Iran) : New insights from seismic data field observation and sandbox modelling. Tectonics, American Geo- physical Union (AGU), 2006, 25 (4), pp.TC4007. 10.1029/2004TC001766. hal-00069591 HAL Id: hal-00069591 https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00069591 Submitted on 29 May 2021 HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci- destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents entific research documents, whether they are pub- scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, lished or not. The documents may come from émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de teaching and research institutions in France or recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires abroad, or from public or private research centers. publics ou privés. Copyright TECTONICS, VOL. 25, TC4007, doi:10.1029/2004TC001766, 2006 Central Zagros fold-thrust belt (Iran): New insights from seismic data, field observation, and sandbox modeling S. Sherkati,1 J. Letouzey,2 and D. Frizon de Lamotte3 Received 10 November 2004; revised 27 January 2006; accepted 29 March 2006; published 20 July 2006. [1] We present five generalized cross sections across levels are activated sequentially from deeper horizons the central Zagros fold-and-thrust belt (Iran). These to shallower ones. However, in one case (Gachsaran sections show that the fold geometry varies de´collement) a shallow de´collement is activated during significantly both horizontally and vertically.
    [Show full text]
  • Sediment and Sedimentary Rocks
    Sediment and sedimentary rocks • Sediment • From sediments to sedimentary rocks (transportation, deposition, preservation and lithification) • Types of sedimentary rocks (clastic, chemical and organic) • Sedimentary structures (bedding, cross-bedding, graded bedding, mud cracks, ripple marks) • Interpretation of sedimentary rocks Sediment • Sediment - loose, solid particles originating from: – Weathering and erosion of pre- existing rocks – Chemical precipitation from solution, including secretion by organisms in water Relationship to Earth’s Systems • Atmosphere – Most sediments produced by weathering in air – Sand and dust transported by wind • Hydrosphere – Water is a primary agent in sediment production, transportation, deposition, cementation, and formation of sedimentary rocks • Biosphere – Oil , the product of partial decay of organic materials , is found in sedimentary rocks Sediment • Classified by particle size – Boulder - >256 mm – Cobble - 64 to 256 mm – Pebble - 2 to 64 mm – Sand - 1/16 to 2 mm – Silt - 1/256 to 1/16 mm – Clay - <1/256 mm From Sediment to Sedimentary Rock • Transportation – Movement of sediment away from its source, typically by water, wind, or ice – Rounding of particles occurs due to abrasion during transport – Sorting occurs as sediment is separated according to grain size by transport agents, especially running water – Sediment size decreases with increased transport distance From Sediment to Sedimentary Rock • Deposition – Settling and coming to rest of transported material – Accumulation of chemical
    [Show full text]
  • Foundation Document Overview Yellowstone National Park Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
    NATIONAL PARK SERVICE • U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Foundation Document Overview Yellowstone National Park Wyoming, Montana, Idaho Contact Information For more information about the Yellowstone National Park Foundation Document, contact: [email protected] or 307-344-7381 or write to: Superintendent, Yellowstone National Park, PO Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190-0168 Park Description Yellowstone became the world’s first national park on March This vast landscape contains the headwaters of several major 1, 1872, set aside in recognition of its unique hydrothermal rivers. The Firehole and Gibbon rivers unite to form the Madison, features and for the benefit and enjoyment of the people. which, along with the Gallatin River, joins the Jefferson to With this landmark decision, the United States Congress create the Missouri River several miles north of the park. The created a path for future parks within this country and Yellowstone River is a major tributary of the Missouri, which around the world; Yellowstone still serves as a global then flows via the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico. The Snake resource conservation and tourism model for public land River arises near the park’s south boundary and joins the management. Yellowstone is perhaps most well-known for its Columbia to flow into the Pacific. Yellowstone Lake is the largest hydrothermal features such as the iconic Old Faithful geyser. lake at high altitude in North America and the Lower Yellowstone The park encompasses 2.25 million acres, or 3,472 square Falls is the highest of more than 40 named waterfalls in the park. miles, of a landscape punctuated by steaming pools, bubbling mudpots, spewing geysers, and colorful volcanic soils.
    [Show full text]
  • Shear Zone-Related Folds
    Journal of Structural Geology 27 (2005) 1229–1251 www.elsevier.com/locate/jsg Shear zone-related folds Jordi Carreras, Elena Druguet*, Albert Griera Departament de Geologia, Universitat Auto`noma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain Received 18 April 2003; received in revised form 27 February 2004; accepted 14 June 2004 Available online 30 November 2004 Abstract Folds in ductile shear zones are common structures that have a variety of origins. These can be pre-existing folds that become modified or folds developed during the shearing event. Among the syn-shearing folds, a second subdivision is based on the relative age of the folded surface, which can be pre-existing or newly formed during the shearing event. In each of the three categories final fold geometry and orientation show complex relationships with the kinematic frame. The final fold geometry depends on the vorticity within the shear zone, the rheology and the initial orientation of the folded surface relative to the kinematic framework. It follows that folds are complex structures, difficult to use as kinematic indicators. However, in shear zones where undeformed wall rocks with pre-shear structures are accessible and where kinematics can be well established, folds can provide a valuable natural means to understand the initiation and evolution of structures under non-coaxial regimes. We point to the need of discriminating among different plausible categories, based on the nature of the folded surface and on the inherent structural features of each category. q 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Keywords: Fold; Shear zone; Geometry; Kinematics; Cap de Creus 1. Introduction final geometry, symmetry and orientation of a shear-related fold are influenced by many variables other than the shear Folds are common structures in many ductile shear sense.
    [Show full text]
  • Talexirhynchia, a New Rhynchonellid Genus from the Jurassic Ethiopian Province of Jordan
    Talexirhynchia, a new rhynchonellid genus from the Jurassic Ethiopian Province of Jordan Howard R. Feldman, Mena Schemm- Gregory, Mark A. Wilson & Fayez Ahmad Paläontologische Zeitschrift Scientific Contributions to Palaeontology ISSN 0031-0220 Paläontol Z DOI 10.1007/s12542-013-0216-y 1 23 Your article is protected by copyright and all rights are held exclusively by Springer- Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. This e-offprint is for personal use only and shall not be self- archived in electronic repositories. If you wish to self-archive your article, please use the accepted manuscript version for posting on your own website. You may further deposit the accepted manuscript version in any repository, provided it is only made publicly available 12 months after official publication or later and provided acknowledgement is given to the original source of publication and a link is inserted to the published article on Springer's website. The link must be accompanied by the following text: "The final publication is available at link.springer.com”. 1 23 Author's personal copy Pala¨ontol Z DOI 10.1007/s12542-013-0216-y RESEARCH PAPER Talexirhynchia, a new rhynchonellid genus from the Jurassic Ethiopian Province of Jordan Howard R. Feldman • Mena Schemm-Gregory • Mark A. Wilson • Fayez Ahmad Received: 30 May 2013 / Accepted: 28 November 2013 Ó Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013 Abstract A new genus and species of a rhynchonellide scattered on a limy substrate, such as shells and rocks, brachiopod from the Jurassic of Jordan, Talexirhynchia could have served as an attachment site for juveniles. With kadishi gen. et sp. nov., is described.
    [Show full text]
  • Boating Regulations
    Yellowstone National Park Boating Regulations Motorized Boating Non-Motorized Boating Boating Safety Yellowstone National Park offers a variety of boating experiences. Boating in Yellowstone is a memorable experience and a great way see a different part of the park, but boating in Yellowstone is not without its risks. This brochure has been prepared to Contents assist you in planning ahead and preparing for your boating experience, to help you Boat Registration 1 make your trip as safe as possible and to help you minimize your impact on the & Permit resource so that Yellowstone can be enjoyed by future generations of boaters. Required Equipment 2 Where permitted Motorized boats are allowed only on Lewis Shoshone Lake. Access to other lakes Recommended 4 Lake and Yellowstone Lake. Boat launches requires long portages. are located at Bridge Bay Marina and Grant Equipment Village on Yellowstone Lake and on the Float tubes are considered non-motorized south end of Lewis Lake near the Lewis Lake boats and subject to the same regulations. Prohibitions 6 Campground. Water-skiing, jet skis Additional 7 and related activiti- Canoes, kayaks and other non-motorized Regulations boats are permitted on all park lakes except es are not allowed on any park waters. for Sylvan Lake, Eleanor Lake, Twin Lakes Boating Safety 8 and Beach Springs Lagoon. All park rivers are closed to boating except for Invasive Species 14 the section of the Lewis River between Lewis Lake and Yellowstone Lake 15 Shoshone Lake, where non-motorized boating is Lewis Lake & 19 permitted. The only reasonably accessible Shoshone Lake lakes for canoeing or kayaking are Yellowstone Lake, Lewis Lake and Motorized boat permits and non-motor- Boat Registration ized boat permits (including float tubes) & Permit are availabe in a 7-day denomination or as an annual permit.
    [Show full text]
  • Potential Utility of Reflectance Spectroscopy in Understanding The
    www.nature.com/scientificreports OPEN Potential utility of refectance spectroscopy in understanding the paleoecology and depositional history of diferent fossils Swagata Chaudhuri1*, Arindam Guha2, Ajoy K. Bhaumik1 & Komal Pasricha3 The potential of refectance spectroscopy to infer the paleoecological and depositional evolution of diferent micro and macro invertebrate fossils has been evaluated by analyzing their refectance spectra within the spectral domain of 350–2500 nm using the FIELDSPEC3 spectroradiometer. Mineralogical information derived from the rapid and non-destructive spectral analysis has been substantiated using concurrent mineralogical data from conventional geochemical analyses. The diagnostic Fe-crystal feld efect induced spectral features are identifed on the representative spectra of diferent benthic foraminifera. These spectral features are resulted due to the incorporation of Fe during the biomineralization process. These features are absent in planktic foraminifera. The encrustation of Fe-oxides is inferred to be responsible for imprinting the Fe-crystal feld feature in the spectra of micro and macrofossils at 900–1200 nm. Vibrational spectral features of the Al–OH bond are also identifed. Both of these features are an indicator of post-depositional diagenetic history. The presence of Al and Fe in macrofossil shells is also believed to be related to ecological conditions as these elements are biogenically incorporated during shell formation. This study reveals the value of refectance spectroscopy to infer ecological behavior and post-depositional environment of diferent organisms. Refectance spectroscopy deals with the mineralogical analysis of spectral features of natural targets imprinted on their refectance spectra 1–5. It is a rapid, non-destructive analytical technique, which provides information about the mineralogy of rocks or any other natural constituents.
    [Show full text]
  • Palaeontology and Biostratigraphy of the Lower Cretaceous Qihulin
    Dissertation Submitted to the Combined Faculties for the Natural Sciences and for Mathematics of the Ruperto-Carola University of Heidelberg, Germany for the degree of Doctor of Natural Sciences presented by Master of Science: Gang Li Born in: Heilongjiang, China Oral examination: 30 November 2001 Gedruckt mit Unterstützung des Deutschen Akademischen Austauschdienstes (Printed with the support of German Academic Exchange Service) Palaeontology and biostratigraphy of the Lower Cretaceous Qihulin Formation in eastern Heilongjiang, northeastern China Referees: Prof. Dr. Peter Bengtson Prof. Pei-ji Chen This manuscript is produced only for examination as a doctoral dissertation and is not intended as a permanent scientific record. It is therefore not a publication in the sense of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Abstract The purpose of the study was to provide conclusive evidence for a chronostratigraphical assignment of the Qihulin Formation of the Longzhaogou Group exposed in Mishan and Hulin counties of eastern Heilongjiang, northeastern China. To develop an integrated view of the formation, all collected fossil groups, i.e. the macrofossils (ammonites and bivalves) and microfossils (agglutinated foraminifers and radiolarians) have been studied. The low-diversity ammonite fauna consists of Pseudohaploceras Hyatt, 1900, and Eogaudryceras Spath, 1927, which indicate a Barremian–Aptian age. The bivalve fauna consists of eight genera and 16 species. The occurrence of Thracia rotundata (J. de C: Sowerby) suggests an Aptian age. The agglutinated foraminifers comprise ten genera and 16 species, including common Lower Cretaceous species such as Ammodiscus rotalarius Loeblich & Tappan, 1949, Cribrostomoides? nonioninoides (Reuss, 1836), Haplophragmoides concavus (Chapman, 1892), Trochommina depressa Lozo, 1944. The radiolarians comprise ten genera and 17 species, where Novixitus sp., Xitus cf.
    [Show full text]