Paleoecologic and Biostratigraphic Significance of Trace Fossils From Shallow- to Marginal-Marine Environments From the Middle Cambrian (Stage 5) of Jordan

Abstract

The Hanneh Member (Cambrian Stage 5) of the Burj Formation and the Umm Ishrin Formation of Jordan represent a transgressive-regressive succession that contains twenty-eight ichnotaxa, including vertical burrows (Arenicolitesisp.,Diplocraterionisp.,Gyrolithes polonicus,Rosseliaisp.,Skolithos linearis, escape trace fossils), horizontal simple burrows and trails (Archaeonassa fossulata,Gordia marina,Helminthoidichnites tenuis,Palaeophycus tubularis,Planolites beverleyensis,P. montanus), plug-shaped burrows (Bergaueria sucta), horizontal branched burrows (Asterosomaisp.,Phycodesisp.,Treptichnuscf.T. pedum), bilobate structures (various ichnospecies ofCruzianaandRusophycus), and trackways and scratch marks (Diplichnitesisp.,Dimorphichnuscf.D. obliquus,Monomorphichnusisp.). Eleven trace-fossil assemblages are identified. TheArenicolitesisp. andDiplocraterionisp. assemblages occur in transgressive tidal dunes and bars whereas theRosseliaisp. assemblage characterizes areas between tidal dunes. TheCruziana salomonisassemblage reflects a wide variety of environmental settings including channels within tidal-bar complexes, bottomsets of tidal dunes, and interdune areas. TheGordia marinaassemblage is present between dune patches. TheGyrolithes polonicusassemblage penetrates into firmground mudstone below the maximum flooding surface. TheBergaueria sucta,Archaeonassa fossulata,Rusophycus aegypticusandCruziana problematicaassemblages occur in different subenvironments of the progradational delta.Cruziana salomonisandRusophycus burjensis, originally considered indicative of an early Cambrian age, are actually middle Cambrian in their type locality. Occurrences ofCruziana jordanicaandRusophycus aegypticusprovide evidence that these ichnospecies are of the same age in Jordan and may co-exist in terms of stratigraphic distribution withC. salomonisandR. burjensis.