Ichnology, Sedimentology and Paleontology of Eocene Calcareous Paleosols From a Palustrine Sequence, Argentina

Abstract

Other| February 01, 2002 Ichnology, Sedimentology and Paleontology of Eocene Calcareous Paleosols From a Palustrine Sequence, Argentina RICARDO N. MELCHOR; RICARDO N. MELCHOR 1CONICET & Universidad Nacional de La Pampa, Av. Uruguay 151, 6300 Santa Rosa, La Pampa, Argentina Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar JORGE F. GENISE; JORGE F. GENISE 2CONICET & Departamento de Icnología, Museo Paleontológico “Egidio Feruglio”, Av. Fontana 140, 9100 Trelew, Chubut, Argentina Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar SERGIO E. MIQUEL SERGIO E. MIQUEL 3CONICET & Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia”, Av. Ángel Gallardo 470, 1405 Buenos Aires, Argentina Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar PALAIOS (2002) 17 (1): 16–35. https://doi.org/10.1669/0883-1351(2002)017<0016:ISAPOE>2.0.CO;2 Article history accepted: 05 Jul 2001 first online: 03 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share MailTo Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation RICARDO N. MELCHOR, JORGE F. GENISE, SERGIO E. MIQUEL; Ichnology, Sedimentology and Paleontology of Eocene Calcareous Paleosols From a Palustrine Sequence, Argentina. PALAIOS 2002;; 17 (1): 16–35. doi: https://doi.org/10.1669/0883-1351(2002)017<0016:ISAPOE>2.0.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyPALAIOS Search Advanced Search Abstract Integrated analysis of the ichnology, sedimentology, geochemistry, and fossil content of three trace fossil-bearing calcareous paleosols from the early Eocene Gran Salitral Formation is used to reconstruct the detailed paleoenvironmental and paleoecological setting of this insect-dominated ichnofossil association. This continental sequence, located in southwestern La Pampa province (Argentina), is composed of palustrine marls and minor lacustrine mudstones and sandstones arranged in shallowing-upward cycles. The ichnologic association is the first comprehensively described from a palustrine sequence and could be used for future comparisons with other similar assemblages. The ichnofauna is dominated by bee cells, Celliforma germanica, C. roselli, and Rosellichnus isp.; Teisseirei barattinia, an insect trace fossil that is redescribed and recorded for the first time outside its type locality; Taenidium barretti; and Skolithos linearis. The ichnologic association also includes ovoid structures, ornamented burrow fillings, and plant trace fossils (rootlets, rhizoliths, and a tree / shrub stump). Abundant freshwater (Pomacea sp.) and terrestrial gastropods (Plagiodontes spp., Bostryx sp., and Bulimulus sp.) are used to characterize the paleoenvironmental setting. The weakly developed paleosols are interpreted as Inceptisols, developed in a low-gradient lake margin periodically exposed to pedogenesis with low (probably saline) vegetation and sparse shrubs. They developed under a semi-arid and warm climate (mean annual temperature higher than 20°C). Short saline / alkaline conditions were prevalent during lake lowstands, accompanied by incipient karst development. The association of trace fossils is attributed provisionally to the Coprinisphaera ichnofacies, although its distinctive features and recurrence in time and space may deserve recognition as a separate ichnofacies. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.