Chapter 16 - Continental Ichnology: Fundamental Processes and Controls on Trace Fossil Distribution

Abstract

This chapter brings into attention the fundamental controls and processes that are unique to continental ichnology. These are necessary to understand if trace fossils are to be used effectively to interpret the palaeoenvironmental, palaeohydrologic, palaeoecologic, and palaeoclimatic settings of continental deposits. New directions in continental ichnology that focus on understanding the distribution of ancient terrestrial and aquatic trace-making organisms in continental deposits are discussed in the chapter. Sediment characteristics, soil moisture, water-table levels, and ecological associations control the lateral and vertical distribution of modern trace-making organisms within an environment. Trace fossils in the geologic record can be used to interpret the palaeoenvironmental, palaeoecologic, palaeohydrologic, and palaeoclimatic settings because a well-defined relationship exists between climate, hydrology, soils, environment, and all biodiversity. Trace fossils also relate information about soil formation and development, the type of biologic activity, topography of the landscape and its relationship to groundwater profile, and duration of time for which a body of sediment has been stable at the surface with respect to sedimentation rate. Thus, trace fossils in the continental realm are proxies for biodiversity in terrestrial and aquatic palaeoenvironments not recorded by body fossils; above- and below-ground palaeoecological associations; palaeosol formation; palaeohydrology and palaeo-groundwater profiles; and seasonal and annual palaeoclimate indicators and climate change.