A remarkable fossiliferous mass flow deposit in the Eocene Eckfeld Maar (Germany)—sedimentological, taphonomical, and palaeoecological considerations

Abstract

The distal part of a mass flow deposit has been excavated across an area of 400 m2 in the basinal facies of the Eckfeld Maar. The high concentration and diversity of fossils in mainly excellent preservation (i.e. leaves, fruits/seeds, wood, molluscs, vertebrate teeth, and bones such as undeformed sculls) is unique and underline its outstanding importance concerning sedimentological, taxonomical, and palaeoecological aspects. Together with a subaerial landslide from the inner crater slope, shoreline deposits—previously acting as a highly effective taphonomic filter—were transported towards the central lake basin. Complex processes like erosion, flow turbulence, and subsequent turbidity currents produced a characteristic sedimentary sequence. The interpretation of sedimentological, taphonomical, and physiological leaf characters allows an insight into the thus preserved shore line environment and provides information on the surrounding vegetation. Embedded leaves from open stands and understorey indicate dynamic successions on rather steep and unstable inner slopes of the crater.