Microfossil Analysis Research Articles

Reconstructing the spectrum of human-plant interactions in two pre-Hispanic populations in Central Chile (Southern Andes). A case of study utilizing microfossils recovered from dental calculus

It is now accepted that the study of both cultivated and wild plant resources is crucial for understanding prehistoric subsistence systems. The detection of individual plant species in the archeological record provides information about the practices and knowledge of these ancient people. In this context, this article, studies the shifts in subsistence patterns during the Ceramic Sequence (400 BCE – 1400 CE) in the Maipo-Mapocho Basin (Southern Andes). With the use of a reference collection and analysis of micro-fossils recovered from dental calculi, we were able to record the consumption of several wild species not detected previously. We conclude that despite the intensification of agriculture that occurred among human groups in the basin around 900 CE, they continued to procure certain wild plant species.

A bio-chronostratigraphic study of the upper Miocene from the northern Caltanissetta Basin, Sicily (core 3AGN2S04). Implications for dating the Messinian Salinity Crisis onset

The late Miocene deposits from core 3AGN2S04, located in the northern Caltanissetta Basin (Sicily), display the pre-Messinian Salinity Crisis (MSC) and the MSC events. The present study describes the entire core in terms of lithology, biostratigraphy and magnetostratigraphy and aims to enlighten the relationship between MSC evaporite cyclicity and astronomical forcing. The lithological and micro−/macro-paleontological descriptions document the MSC record, with Stage 1 (onset and Calcare di Base member), Stage 2 (Messinian Erosional Surface) and part of Stage 3 (Upper Gypsum and Lago Mare). Detailed micro-fossil analyses of the pre-evaporites reveal several biostratigraphic events that permit correlations to the well-dated Mediterranean planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphic zonation of the late Tortonian and Messinian. An integrated bio-cyclostratigraphic analysis allows bed-to-bed correlations of core 3AGN2S04 with the reference sections of Falconara/Gibliscemi (Sicily) and Sorbas (Spain), but also with various other sections from the Caltanissetta Basin. Our cyclostratigraphic correlations show a stratigraphical gap in the core between the late Tortonian Terravecchia Formation and the pre-evaporitic Messinian Tripoli Formation. This hiatus is probably related to the tectonically active geological setting of the northern Caltanissetta Basin. Finally, we show that the repercussions of the paleoenvironmental evolution towards evaporitic deposition and the MSC onset seem to have been diachronous throughout the various perched basins on Sicily characterized by different paleobathymetries. In particular, the onset of the Calcare di Base took place around 40–100 ka before the deposition of the first gypsum bed of the Primary Lower Gypsum units.

Reconstruction of sedimentation conditions in paleo-reservoirs of the northern part of the Sambian Peninsula based on the comprehensive study of the Kulikovo section

A comprehensive analysis of the deposits of the paleo-reservoir represented in the Kulikovo section (the northern part of the Sambian Peninsula) has been carried out. According to results of radiocarbon dating, the deposits formed approximately from 14100 to 12900 cal yr BP. The most detailed data were obtained for the lower part of the section (depth 192–141 cm), comprising the Older Dryas and the first half of the Allerød. Results of a comprehensive lithological, diatom, spore-and-pollen analysis and algo-zoological microfossil analysis allowed us to identify 8 stages of the sedimentation conditions of the paleo-reservoir.

Carbonate rocks in northern of West Jiwo Hills Bayat: The indication of thrust belt development in southern Central Java

Bayat, Klaten, Central Java, is one of three locations in Java with complete types of rocks exposed at the earth’s surface. All those rocks are scattered over a short distance in Bayat, revealing past processes of rock deformation (folding, fracturing, and faulting) and present-day processes of rock weathering and erosion. In this study, we present how clastic carbonate rock of the Oyo Formation at northern Jiwo Hills could be separated about ±15 km northern from its platforms as an indication of thrust fault growth. This study uses aerial photography for photogrammetry (drones) combined with structural geology and microfossil analyses (to know the exact formation) from the outcrop observation. Recent studies have certified that drones are one reliable observation tool in various aspects with better resolution, especially in structural geology studies. Aerial photogrammetry is very well done to see the exact condition of a wide area combined with high resolution on an outcrop scale. The result shows that the carbonate rocks are from Oyo Formation (N9–N11) with the Middle Neritic bathymetric zone. The structural geology phenomenon kinematically indicates the impact of the transpressional movement called flower structure. Based on subsurface interpretation, the authors hypothesize this area was the product of an imbrication thrust stack uplifted basement as the result of the thrust fault rather than horst or paleo-basement high.

Palynological and microfossil-based environmental reconstruction at 7,147–6,435 cal yr BP of the Lagoa Comprida coastal lagoon in the restinga de Jurubatiba National Park, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The restinga vegetation and environment dynamics during the Mid-Holocene have been reconstructed through microfossil analysis of a 153 cm-long core from the Lagoa Comprida coastal lagoon of the Parque Nacional Restinga de Jurubatiba (Restinga de Jurubatiba National Park), in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The analysis was supported by core stratigraphy, 14C dating, and evaluation of microfossil frequency and concentration. Core sediments were dated from ∼7,147 to 6,435 cal yr BP. Four zones of environmental changes were characterized. A high concentration of marine diatoms was recorded in the basal portion of the core, suggesting possible sea-water influence, corroborating a Holocene Marine Transgression event. The marine diatoms disappeared from the record before ∼7,005 cal yr BP when a major inflow of freshwater began. Palynoforaminifers remained until ca. 6,470 cal yr BP, revealing a mixohaline environment. The restinga vegetation was present in the surroundings from the beginning of the record. The open-scrub plant community was predominant, mainly characterized by Solanum, Borreria, Euphorbia, Pteridium, Garcinia, Guapira and Protium. This plant formation is the most representative vegetation physiognomy in the area nowadays. Clusia lanceolata was well established during the period studied but has since changed its distribution limit to being dominant further south, in the municipality of Maricá.

Lake and crannog: A 2500-year palaeoenvironmental record of continuity and change in NE Scotland

Wetland environments have been important resources for human habitation since prehistoric times and in parts of northern Europe these have witnessed the construction of artificial islet settlements, known as ‘crannogs’ in Scotland and Ireland. This paper presents a high-resolution multi-proxy palaeoenvironmental study from the Loch of Leys, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, the site of a recently excavated crannog that provides a chronological context for its inhabitation. The combined datasets demonstrate that the first occupation from AD 20–210 coincided not only with a transitional phase from lake to wetland (mire) but also with the timing of the first major Roman campaigns in northeast Scotland. Techniques including microfossil analysis, geochemistry, IR-spectroscopy and physical properties integrated with archaeological and historical records have helped to better define both natural changes that took place in the wetland environment and human activity (agriculture, fires, metal working) spanning the Roman Iron Age through to the present. This has allowed a better understanding of the responses of existing Iron Age communities to Roman military activity (e.g. through continuity or change in land use) as well as the resources exploited in frontier zones during the Roman and post Roman eras. This has wider significance not just for Scotland but also for other parts of Europe that had similar frontiers and conflict zones during the Roman period.

Microfossil analysis of dental calculus and isotopic measurements reveal the complexity of human-plant dietary relationships in Late Bronze Age Yunnan

Microfossil analysis of dental calculus and isotopic measurements reveal the complexity of human-plant dietary relationships in Late Bronze Age Yunnan

Botanical remains of the last 1800 years from Tarawa, Republic of Kiribati, reveal ancient aroid (Cyrtosperma merkusii and Colocasia esculenta) pit cultivation and other cultigens

Recent advances in the study of the antiquity and development of ancient Pacific Island agriculture have been made at sites across much of the region by the application of a range of microfossil techniques, namely analysis of pollen, phytoliths, and starch. Unlike in Melanesia and Polynesia, the application of these techniques in Micronesia is limited. Here we report on microfossil analysis of Micronesian archaeological pit deposits from Tarawa atoll, in the Gilbert Islands (western Kiribati), covering the last 1,800 years. Results show local pit cultivation of Cyrtosperma merkusii and Colocasia esculenta. Together with microfossils of other subsistence taxa, namely Cocos nucifera, Morinda citrifolia, and Pandanus tectorius, and 14C dated macrofossil charcoal of Artocarpus altilis, the evidence is consistent with the atoll subsistence tradition of Remote Oceania. Because plants have differential production and preservation of pollen, phytoliths, and starch, the study shows the value of using combined analyses of these microparts.

Upper Aptian–lower Albian of the southern-central Araripe Basin, Brazil: Microbiostratigraphic and paleoecological inferences

The aim of this study was to produce an integrative analysis of macroinvertebrates (decapods, gastropods, and bivalves) and microfossils collected in the Romualdo Formation, south-central Araripe Basin. Additionally, we provide the first report of calcareous nannofossils, a diverse and unique association of the marine ostracods Dicrorygma cf. minuta, Perissocytheridea spp., Dicrorygma (Orthorygma?) dimorpha, and Paracypris sp. and benthic and planktonic foraminifera. The Santo Antonio section contains assemblages of Tethyan origin that indicate an unstable paleoenvironment formed by hypersaline lagoons with two marine ingressions. Planktonic foraminifera assemblages comprised of Hedbergella aptiana and Pseudoguembelitria sp., suggest that the first marine ingression occurred in the Aptian (possibly late Aptian – planktonic foraminifera biozone Paraticinella rohri), while the second occurred during the early Albian (biozone CC8), as indicated by calcareous nannofossils (Hayesites albiensis). The fossil assemblages that characterize the Romualdo Formation, provide new biostratigraphic information and point towards the probable Aptian–Albian boundary in the Santo Antônio section.

Biostratigraphy and Paleobathimetry Microfossil Foraminera in the Sentolo Formation on the Jambon Line, Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta Province

Foraminifera microfossils can be used to determine the age of rocks and the depositional environment of an area. The research location is part of Sentolo Formation. Our stratigraphic data located on the Jambon section, Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta Province. The appearance of the research area is in the form of well-exposed and ideal cliffs and the lithology of the formation has the potential for rock content rich in foraminifera microfossils. This is the reason for the microfossil analysis of planktic and benthic foraminifera in the study area. The purpose of this study is to determine the age and depositional environment. The research method was carried out by measuring the stratigraphic sections, sampling, and doing paleontological analysis based on planktic and benthic foraminifera. The results showed that the biostratigraphy can be divided into Globigerina venezuelana Zone (N18) & the Globorotalia plesiotumida Zone (N19), as well as the paleobathimetry, belongs to upper - lower bathyal.

A Ceramic and Plant and Parasite Microfossil Record from Andarayan, Cagayan Valley, Philippines Reveals Cultigens and Human Helminthiases Spanning the Last ca. 2080 Years

Understanding the timing and nature of ancient agricultural development in the Philippines is hindered by a paucity of direct evidence of crops, that is, plant remains identified to taxa. Here we present analysis of plant microfossils (pollen, phytoliths, and starch) with the addition of ceramic and parasitological analyses of archaeological samples from Andarayan, Cagayan Valley, Northern Luzon to shed light on human activity in the region. Combined with previous ceramic and alluvial records from this area, the results are consistent with a continuity of a Neolithic subsistence tradition throughout the Cagayan Valley and its tributaries for the last 4000 to 500 years. Rice (Oryza sativa), taro (Colocasia esculenta), and cf. cassava (Manihot esculenta) starch provide evidence for cultivation of these taxa in the catchment. As plant taxa vary considerably in their production and preservation of different tissue types, the study also shows the value of a combined plant microfossil approach to cast the net widest when looking for direct evidence of horticulture. The parasitological analysis, showing a range of helminth parasites of humans and their commensals (dogs, pigs, and rats), to our knowledge represents the first ancient helminth eggs reported for the Philippines.

Carbon cycle dynamics and ecology revealed by the carbon isotopic composition of single organic microfossils during the Late Devonian Biotic Crisis.

We apply a new approach for the δ13 C analysis of single organic-walled microfossils (OWM) to three sites in the Appalachian Basin of New York (AB) that span the Late Devonian Biotic Crisis (LDBC). Our data provide new insights into the nature of the Frasnian-Famennian carbon cycle in the AB and also provide possible constraints on the paleoecology of enigmatic OWM ubiquitous in Paleozoic shale successions. The carbon isotope compositions of OWM are consistent with normal marine organic matter of autochthonous origins and range from -32 to -17‰, but average -25‰ across all samples and are consistently 13 C-enriched compared to bulk sediments (δ13 Cbulk ) by ~0-10‰. We observe no difference between the δ13 COWM of leiospheres (smooth-walled) and acanthomorphic (spinose) acritarch OWM, indicating that our data are driven by ecological rather than taxonomic signals. We hypothesize that the offset between δ13 COWM and δ13 Cbulk is in part due to a large δ13 C gradient in the AB water column where OWM utilized relatively 13 C-enriched dissolved inorganic carbon near the surface. Thus, the organisms producing the balance of the total organic carbon were assimilating 13 C-depleted C sources, including but not limited to respired organic carbon or byproducts of fermentation. We also observe a systematic decrease in both δ13 COWM and δ13 Cbulk of 3‰ from shoreward to open-ocean facies that may reflect the effect of 13 C-enriched dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) derived from riverine sources in the relatively enclosed AB. The hypothesized steep carbon isotope gradient in the AB could be due to a strong biological pump; this in turn may have contributed to low oxygen bottom water conditions during the LDBC. This is the first time single-microfossil δ13 Corg analyses of eukaryotes have been directly compared to bulk δ13 Corg in the deep-time fossil record.

Mineralogy and microfossils as key drivers for the characterization of the Phoenician Red Slip Ware from Cádiz (Andalusia, Spain)

This study examined a set of Red Slip Ware (RSW) from Cánovas del Castillo and a sector of the Phoenician necropolis of San Severiano/Guardia Civil (Cádiz, Spain), dating back to the 8th – and 6th century B.C. Optical Microscopy (OM), X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) and Electron Microscopy coupled with EDS system (SEM-EDS) allowed to characterize their mineralogy, chemistry, microfossils content and firing conditions as well as to explore technological procedure and selection of raw materials. Petrographic analysis indicated the occurrence of two fabrics and a loner sample. Paleontological analysis of well-preserved microfossils revealed that benthic organisms were prevalent in the two main fabrics, while planktonic specimens were dominant in the loner. The destabilization of microfossil chambers combined with XRPD data suggested temperatures of firing in the range of 750–850 °C and the use of Ca-rich illitic clays. X-ray maps showed a Fe-enrichment in the Red Slip surface. This study showed an interesting correlation between framboidal iron oxides, monazite, microfossils and raw materials, and thus supported the use of sedimentary rocks of the bay of Cádiz, excluding the loner for which a foreign origin was suggested. Finally, the results highlighted the influence of Phoenicians in one of the most western colony, producing their ceramic marker between two centuries.

Nonpyrogenic charring of Late Pleistocene large mammal remains in northeastern Russia

Mammal remains preserved in the permafrost zone often bear traces of postmortem transformations, reflecting aspects of the palaeoenvironment and the processes that took place during the accumulation of host sediments. Multidisciplinary studies including radiocarbon dating, infrared spectroscopy, and microfossil analyses and grain size of infilling sediments from remains allow recognition of their stratigraphical and palaeogeographical origins and facilitate reconstructions of taphonomic pathways and the pre‐burial environments. Here, as exemplified by skulls of woolly rhinoceros, cave lion, and ancient bison, some distinct features of postmortem changes such as nonpyrogenic charring and vivianite encrustation indicate that the remains have undergone a complex range of burial processes in aerobic and anaerobic conditions in the Pleistocene landscapes of Arctic northeastern Russia. We hypothesize that these processes were mainly confined to the warmer intervals in the Late Pleistocene.

Limestone Microfacies Punung Formation at Bangbang River, Sumbermanjing Wetan, Malang, East Java

Malang and Wonosari areas are located in Southern Mountains of Java, and their rock variations are comparable. Study focuses on limestone found at Sumbermanjing Wetan, Malang, that has been identified as part of Wonosari Formation. This place is closer to Punung area as viewed from the type location. Limestone microfacies approach is used to determine whether the limestone belongs to Wonosari or Punung formations. Methods used to identify standard microfacies types and facies zone are measured stratigraphy, petrographic analysis, and microfossil analysis. Measured stratigraphy was conducted along Bangbang River, and seven limestone samples were collected for analysis. Findings showed three standard microfacies types: SMF-5 characterized by packstone or rudstone with a mudstone matrix, SMF-8 characterized by wackstone or floatstone with complete fossils, and SMF-18 characterized by grainstone or packstone with abundant foraminifera or algae. Limestone belongs to facies zone (FZ) 7 - 8, which is characterized by presence of packestone, wackestone, clay sized limestone, and benthic algae foraminifers. Limestone ages range from Middle to Upper Miocene (N12 - N16), were formed in an inner Neritic. Limestone is equivalent to Wonosari and Punung Formations, based on standard microfacies type, facies zone, and age range. When lignite intercalation are present, the limestone is equivalent to the Punung Formation.

High‐resolution facies analysis of a coastal sabkha in the eastern Gulf of Salwa (Qatar): A spatio‐temporal reconstruction

AbstractSabkhas are key landforms along the southern coast of the Arabian Gulf and represent modern analogues for depositional and diagenetic processes controlling properties and quality of ancient hydrocarbon‐bearing carbonates. While previous investigations of coastal sabkhas in Qatar have mainly focused on dolomitization processes, presented here is one of the first studies reconstructing facies changes and coastal formation in great detail. In the sabkha of Al‐Kharayej (Gulf of Salwa), fifteen different facies types were distinguished based on twelve sediment cores, two trenches, as well as grain‐size distribution, X‐ray powder diffraction, thin section and microfossil analyses. Age estimates were based on seventy‐eight 14C‐AMS and optically stimulated luminescence data. The sabkha parasequence comprises pre‐transgressive dune sands, a thin, transgressive layer of reworked dune material, a mid‐energy open‐coast to open‐lagoon facies, a low‐energy lagoon facies, saline lake facies (salina: swallow‐tail gypsum and gypsum mush) and the supratidal sabkha characterized by diagenetic overprinting (buckled gypsum crusts and halite crust). Transgressive marine flooding created open‐coast to open‐lagoon sedimentation after ca 7000 cal yr bp, followed by initial spit formation at the northern sabkha end at the beginning of the relative sea‐level highstand (6000 cal yr bp). This main outer spit prograded southward and a more narrow, low‐energy spit, diverted landward, closing a small lagoon in the northern sabkha 4500 to 4000 cal yr bp. The falling relative sea‐level and longshore drift intensified the southward extension and widening of the main spit, and the main lagoon became more shallow. At 2000 to 1500 cal yr bp, the outer spit had almost closed the main lagoon, leading to salina and, finally, sabkha conditions. It is shown how specific local conditions (coastline orientation; wind, wave, tidal energy, longshore drift; depositional relief; sediment sources) created a spit‐controlled sabkha that is genetically distinct from the classical model of shore‐perpendicular accumulation of coarser sediment during high tides or storms.

From Hangovers to Hierarchies: Beer production and use during the Chalcolithic period of the southern Levant – New evidence from Tel Tsaf and Peqi‘in Cave

The production of alcoholic beverages is connected to a wide range of activities associated with growing social complexity. Beer production has a long history in the southern Levant, where the first evidence appeared during the later Epipalaeolithic period. However, there is meager evidence between then and the Early Bronze Age period, when advanced regional trade systems developed. To fill this gap, the current paper presents evidence for beer production and consumption based on microfossil analysis of two ceramic strainers unearthed at two Chalcolithic sites: Tel Tsaf (ca. 5200–4700 cal. BC), a settlement site in the Jordan Valley with evidence for large scale storage and long-distance ties, and Peqi‘in Cave (ca. 4500–3900 cal. BC), a burial site in the Upper Galilee. The microfossils (phytoliths, starch granules, yeast cells, and fibers) indicate that both strainers once contained fermented beverages made from Triticeae (wheat/barley), Panicoideae, and Cyperus tubers. These results suggest that beer production and consumption using strainers may have been regularly practiced during different phases of the Chalcolithic, and beer appears to have played an important role in various social settings for communication among social groups as well as between the living and the deceased.

Investigation of sedimentary records of Hurricane Irma in sinkholes, Big Pine Key, Florida

Few paleotempestological studies have focused on coastal sinkholes, a common feature in Florida, which can receive and preserve storm overwash sediments. The major goal of this research is to improve our understanding of the characteristic signatures of storm sediments in sinkholes thereby determining reliability of these environments as proxies for hurricanes. Hurricane Irma as a category 5 storm provides an excellent case study for characterizing storm deposits in sinkholes on Big Pine Key. We cored at four sinkholes along a 350 m transect normal to the shoreline. Core sediments were characterized using physical description, short-lived radioisotope dating, sediment grain size analysis, loss-on-ignition, microfossil analysis, and x-ray fluorescence elemental analysis. We found that Irma deposits had higher abundances of marine foraminifera, less total organic matter and elevated Si/Al and Ca/Ti ratios, compared to pre- or post-Irma sediments. In addition, there was a thinning of the storm sediments along the inland transect. Consequently, we propose that sinkholes, particularly those that are closer to the shoreline, can provide reliable sites for paleotempestology studies.

Early Pliocene calcareous and siliceous microfossils of the Sawai Bay Formation, Car Nicobar Island, northern Indian Ocean

The present contribution provides a study of calcareous nannofossils and siliceous microfossils from the Sawai Bay Formation on Car Nicobar Island, northern Indian Ocean. Two stratigraphically short sediment intervals near Sawai Bay have been examined. Qualitative and quantitative microfossil analyses show the Sawai Bay ‘A’ Section to be devoid of siliceous microfossils, while 24 well-preserved calcareous nannofossil taxa are identified. The Sawai Bay ‘B’ Section yields 18 calcareous nannofossil, 33 radiolarian and 25 diatom taxa. The calcareous nannofossil index taxa ( Ceratolithus armatus Müller, 1974a and C. cristatus Kamptner, 1950) indicate both sections to be from zones NN12 (CN10b) and NN13 (CN10c) of early Pliocene (Zanclean) age. The radiolarian taxa, i.e., Didymocyrtis avita Riedel, 1953, Euchitonia spp., Siphocampe lineata (Ehrenberg) Nigrini, 1977, Stichocorys peregrina Riedel, 1953, Semantis spp. and Stylochlamydium sp. are common in the Sawai Bay ‘B’ Section, which is assigned to Zone RN9. Most of the diatom taxa are represented by representatives of the genera Actinocyclus Ehrenberg, 1837, Azpeitia Peragallo in Tèmpere and Peragallo, 1912, Coscinodiscus Ehrenberg, 1839a, Grammatophora Ehrenberg, 1841 and Triceratium Ehrenberg, 1839b, with the benthic diatom species Triceratium favus Ehrenberg, 1839b being predominant (~35% of the total diatom count). Siliceous microfossils are also represented by silicoflagellates dominated by Dictyocha spp. and sponge spicules dominated by astrophorids.

Ancient plant DNA reveals High Arctic greening during the Last Interglacial.

Summer warming is driving a greening trend across the Arctic, with the potential for large-scale amplification of climate change due to vegetation-related feedbacks [Pearson et al., Nat. Clim. Chang. (3), 673-677 (2013)]. Because observational records are sparse and temporally limited, past episodes of Arctic warming can help elucidate the magnitude of vegetation response to temperature change. The Last Interglacial ([LIG], 129,000 to 116,000 y ago) was the most recent episode of Arctic warming on par with predicted 21st century temperature change [Otto-Bliesner et al., Philos. Trans. A Math. Phys. Eng. Sci. (371), 20130097 (2013) and Post et al., SciAdv (5), eaaw9883 (2019)]. However, high-latitude terrestrial records from this period are rare, so LIG vegetation distributions are incompletely known. Pollen-based vegetation reconstructions can be biased by long-distance pollen transport, further obscuring the paleoenvironmental record. Here, we present a LIG vegetation record based on ancient DNA in lake sediment and compare it with fossil pollen. Comprehensive plant community reconstructions through the last and current interglacial (the Holocene) on Baffin Island, Arctic Canada, reveal coherent climate-driven community shifts across both interglacials. Peak LIG warmth featured a ∼400-km northward range shift of dwarf birch, a key woody shrub that is again expanding northward. Greening of the High Arctic-documented here by multiple proxies-likely represented a strong positive feedback on high-latitude LIG warming. Authenticated ancient DNA from this lake sediment also extends the useful preservation window for the technique and highlights the utility of combining traditional and molecular approaches for gleaning paleoenvironmental insights to better anticipate a warmer future.