Early Cambrian brachiopod-dominated shell concentrations from North-East Greenland: Environmental and taphonomic implications

Abstract

The occurrence of a series of thin but persistent early Cambrian (Cambrian Age 4) brachiopod shell concentrations extending along a transect of some 150 km in NE Greenland, indicates the ability of the group to form widespread, skeletal pavements very early in the history of the phylum, its gregarious behaviour and ability to harness available nutrients. These extensive shell pavements within the Bastion Formation mark biological events within the basin, the abundance of shells perhaps associated with oscillating redox conditions prompting the dissolution of phosphate and its spread across the shelf. The shells were subsequently reworked and deposited by episodic distal storm surges with some winnowing.