Sedimentological implications of an unusual form of the trace fossil Rhizocorallium from the Lower Muschelkalk (Middle Triassic), S. Poland
Specimens of the trace fossil Rhizocorallium isp. with retrusive limbs occur in 10–20-cm-thick composite beds: the bottom layers contain abundant Planolites and Thalassinoides trace fossils, and the top layers are built of horizontally bedded pelitic limestone and contain less bioturbational structures. The first specimens of Rhizocorallium isp. occur just 2–3 cm above the lower surfaces of the top layers. The horizontal protrusive sections are 1 cm high and 1 cm wide. At some sites, the horizontal tunnels end, and the limbs become first obliquely retrusive (45°) at a distance of 1.5–2.5 cm, and then vertically retrusive at a distance of 4–6 cm, or at once vertically retrusive at a similar …
Genesis of the Lower Triassic bonebeds from Gogolin (S Poland): The impact of microbial mats on trapping of vertebrate remains
Three bone-bearing horizons, consis ting of seven bone-bearing beds with fi sh and reptile remains, were recently discovered in the Uppermost Röt (Buntsandstein, Lower Tri assic) peritidal and shallow marine carbonates in the vi- cinity of Gogolin (S Poland). The aim of this study is to reco gnize the genesis and deposi tional environments of the bonebeds. Detailed fi eldwork, microfacies analysis, and SEM-EDS anal ysis reveal that the vertebrate remains occur to a great extent alongside evidence for former microbial activity. The reptile remains represent at least Dactylosaurus and Nothosaurus (Sauropterygia) genera, while the fi sh remains belong to the Chondrichthyes and Actinopterygii. …
Unraveling the origin of the Late Triassic multitaxic bone accumulation at Krasiejów (S Poland) by diagenetic analysis
Abstract A study of aquatic and terrestrial vertebrate remains from a bonebed in the Late Triassic continental succession near Krasiejow (S Poland) shows it was deposited by a single catastrophic event, perhaps a flood. Hardparts of Metoposaurus, Paleorhinus, and Stagonolepis show sedimentary infill and geochemical evidence for early diagenesis at different times and in different microenvironments. The infills in the aquatic animal bones (sediment, pyrite and calcite) show deposition in a freshwater environment, while those in the terrestrial Stagonolepis remains (mainly barite) point to an arid terrestial environment. The trace element content of the remains, together with the absence of a…