European Deposits Research Articles

Synopsis of valid species-group taxa for freshwater Gastropoda recorded from the European Neogene.

Here we present a complete list of all valid species-group taxa of freshwater gastropods reported from Miocene and Pliocene deposits in Europe. The last comparable work dates back to the 1920s and covered about 1,600 names. The extensive literature research underlying the present work revealed considerable changes in the taxonomic and systematic frameworks of Neogene freshwater gastropods and yielded a total number of 2,156 accepted taxa. Each taxon is accompanied by a full citation of its first description; where the information is available, page number and illustration reference are provided. First descriptions available as open-access full-text sources on the web were linked via hyperlink to the first page of the publication.

Basal dinosauriform and theropod dinosaurs from the mid–lateNorian (LateTriassic) ofPoland: implications forTriassic dinosaur evolution and distribution

AbstractThe rise of dinosaurs during theTriassic is a widely studied evolutionary radiation, but there are still many unanswered questions about early dinosaur evolution and biogeography that are hampered by an unevenly sampled Late Triassic fossil record. Although very common in westernNorthAmerica and parts ofSouthAmerica, dinosaur (and more basal dinosauriform) remains are relatively rare in the Upper Triassic deposits ofEurope, making any new discoveries critically important. One of the most diverse dinosauriform assemblages fromEurope comes from thePoręba site inPoland, a recently described locality with exposures of theZbąszynekBeds, which have a palynomorph assemblage characteristic for the mid–late Norian in the biostratigraphic schemes of theGermanicBasin. Using a synapomorphy‐based approach, we evaluate several isolated dinosauriform specimens fromPoręba. This assemblage includes a silesaurid, a herrerasaurid and remains of another type of theropod (potentially a neotheropod). ThePoręba herrerasaurid is the first record of this rare group of primitive dinosaurs fromEurope and one of the youngest records worldwide, whereas the silesaurid is the youngest record of a silesaurid fromEurope. These findings indicate that silesaurids persisted alongside true dinosaurs into the mid–lateNorian ofEurope and that silesaurid–herrerasaurid–neotheropod assemblages (which are also known from theNorian ofNorthAmerica, at low latitudes) were more widespread geographically and latitudinally than previously thought. Silesaurid–herrerasaurid–neotheropod assemblages may have been a common ecological structuring of dinosaurs during their early evolution, and their widespread distribution may indicate weak palaeolatitudinal controls on early dinosaur biogeography during the latestTriassic.

The earliest European record of a Stone-curlew (Charadriiformes, Burhinidae) from the late Oligocene of France

We describe novel material of a small fossil burhinid (Stone-curlew, thick-knee; Aves: Charadriiformes) from the late Oligocene (ca 23 Ma) of Coderet-Bransat in the Allier Basin of central France. This site is one of the renowned Saint-Gerand-le-Puy fossil localities, which have yielded thousands of fossil bird specimens. This is the first record of the Burhinidae to be described from Paleogene and Neogene deposits of Europe, and, together with the late Oligocene–early Miocene burhinid from Australia, are the earliest records worldwide. Although Genucrassum bransatensis gen. et sp. nov. differs from extant burhinids in some presumably plesiomorphic features of the humerus and carpometacarpus, we show that the postcranial elements considered here are remarkably uniform within Burhinidae even in late Oligocene taxa.

The Sarmatian (late Middle Miocene) avian fauna from Gratkorn, Austria

Among the rich late Middle Miocene vertebrate fauna from Gratkorn [MN(7+)8] in Styria, Austria, birds are among the rarest of vertebrate fossils. Only isolated elements—13 bones and two claws—have been recorded, most of which are fragmentary, thereby hampering systematic determinations. However, four different taxa have been identified as representing at least three different species of galliforms (Miogallus altus, cf. Palaeocryptonyx edwardsi, cf. Palaeocryptonyx sp.) and the mousebird Necrornis cf. palustris. All of these taxa have been known to be present before from Middle Miocene deposits in Europe, but there existence has been proven for the first time in Austria.

Environmental dynamics and luminescence chronology from the Orlovat loess-palaeosol sequence (Vojvodina, northern Serbia)

The Carpathian Basin contains some of the best preserved loess deposits in Europe, including some of the continent's longest and best resolved climate records. Large areas of the basin have been intensively investigated in recent years, although deposits in the east remain largely unstudied, despite considerable regional variation in climate records. Here we discuss the sedimentary record exposed in the Orlovat brickyard using detailed litho- and pedo-stratigraphic, enviromagnetic parameters and luminescence dating. The results show an atypical Late Pleistocene succession for the Carpathian Basin. Notably, the normally widespread pedocomplex V-L1S1 is missing. This contrasts with other parts of the sequence, which appear highly resolved, such as the thicker pedocomplex V-S1 and the detailed transitions between modern pedocomplexes V-S0 and the last glacial loess unit V-L1. The luminescence chronology demonstrates a lack of intensive pedogenesis during the Early Holocene and raises an important general question about the beginning of Holocene soil formation in the region. The later Holocene soil formation adds to a growing body of evidence that suggests more complex terrestrial responses of climate to global climate change. This evidence weakens the validity of previously generalized direct stratigraphic correlations between regional terrestrial environmental archives, and global marine and ice core records. Copyright # 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Redefinition of the Genus Typhlocypris Vejdovský, 1882 (Ostracoda, Candonidae).

The taxonomy of the genus Typhlocypris Vejdovský, 1882 is reviewed. New morphological information on Typhlocypris eremita (Vejdovský, 1882), the type species of the genus, is provided, and a new reference material is presented. The generic diagnosis is emended with details derived from the developmental trajectory of the valves, from the juvenile stage A-3 to the adult. Those criteria clearly differentiate Typhlocypris from the related genus Pseudocandona Kaufmann, 1900. As here redefined, Typhlocypris is a phylogentic lineage of the subfamily Candoninae containing extant species presently living in aquatic subterranean habitats and fossil species recovered from non-marine Late Palaeogene to Neogene and Quaternary deposits in Europe and western Asia. The type species of Typhlocypris is considered a metaspecies, taxonomically treated as T. eremita (sensu lato), which includes populations resembling the newly designated reference material. The homeomorphic triangular valve shape of the Candoninae is discussed. Careful examination of the valve morphology of Typhlocypris combined with the analysis of limb traits helps to distinguish representatives of this genus from unrelated phylogenetic groups presenting similar triangularly shaped valves. It is emphasised that for a useful description of Typhlocypris taxa both transmitted light and scanning electron microscopy are necessary.

First fossil pollen record of the Northern Hemisphere species Aglaoreidia cyclops Erdtman, 1960 in Australia

Sánchez Botero, C.A., Oboh-Ikuenobe, F.E. & Macphail, M.K., 2013. First fossil pollen record of the Northern Hemisphere species Aglaoreidia cyclops Erdtman, 1960 in Australia. Alcheringa 37, 1–5. ISSN 0311-5518. Aglaoreidia cyclops Erdtman, 1960 is a fossil pollen species associated with upper Eocene to lower Oligocene freshwater deposits in Europe and North America. Specimens preserved in upper Eocene lignites near Norseman, Western Australia, are the first record of this Northern Hemisphere species both in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere. This new report widens the biogeographic distribution originally considered for this species. The stratigraphical and environmental characteristics of A. cyclops also make it an excellent stratigraphic indicator of upper Eocene freshwater deposits in Western Australia. Carlos A. Sánchez Botero [casmwc@mail.mst.edu], Francisca E. Oboh-Ikuenobe [ikuenobe@mst.edu] Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, 129 McNutt Hall, Rolla, MO 65409, USA; Mike Macphail [mike.macphail@anu.edu.au] Department of Archaeology and Natural History, College of Asia and the Pacific, Australian National University Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia. Received 12.10.2012; revised 6.3.2013; accepted 7.3.2013.

Elsterian‐Holsteinian deposits at Kås Hoved, northern Denmark: sediments, foraminifera, ostracods, and stable isotopes

The coastal cliff section at Kås Hoved in northern Denmark represents one of the largest exposures of marine interglacial deposits in Europe. High‐resolution analyses of sediments, foraminifera, ostracods, and stable isotopes (oxygen and carbon) in glacial‐interglacial marine sediments from this section, as well as from two adjacent boreholes, are the basis for an interpretation of marine environmental and climatic change through the Late Elsterian‐Holsteinian glacial‐interglacial cycle. The overlying glacial deposits show two ice advances during the Saalian and Weichselian glaciations. The assemblages in the initial glacier‐proximal part of the marine Late Elsterian succession reveal fluctuations in the inflow of sediment‐loaded meltwater to the area. This is followed by faunal indication of glacier‐distal, open marine conditions, coinciding with a gradual climatic change from arctic to subarctic environments. Continuous marine sedimentation during the glacial‐interglacial transition is presumably a result of a large‐scale isostatic subsidence caused by the preceding extended Elsterian glaciation. The similarity of the climatic signature of the interglacial Holsteinian and Holocene assemblages in this region indicates that the Atlantic Ocean circulation was similar during these two interglacials, whereas Eemian interglacial assemblages indicate a comparatively high water temperature associated with an enhanced North Atlantic Current. The foraminiferal zones are correlated with other Elsterian‐Holsteinian sites in Denmark, as well as those in the type area for the Holsteinian interglacial in northern Germany and the southern North Sea. Correlation of the NW European Holsteinian succession with the marine isotope stages MIS 7, 9 or 11 is still unresolved.

Investigation on the gemological, physical and compositional properties of some opals from Slovakia ("Hungarian" opals)

The physical and compositional properties of some “Hungarian” opals have been investigated through several methodologies such as optical analysis, specific gravity, refractive indices, AvaSpec spectroscopy, XRPD, IR and Raman spectroscopy, LA-ICP-MS. The “Hungarian” opal deposits, now in Slovakia, represented the largest and most significant gem opal deposits in Europe from the Roman Times to XIXth century. The analysed opals include brown semiopals, white opals and hyalite. In general, chromophore elements like V, Cr, Cu, Ti, Co are present in very low concentrations and do not influence the physical properties of the opals. Elements like Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, Sc, Cr and Fe have been detected, in variable amounts, in all the investigated samples. The semiopals can be used as ornamental and semiprecious material, are mostly made up by CT opal close to pure tridymite and lower amounts of goethite, show high trace elements contents while the REE pattern show a clear Eu negative anomaly. These opals probably formed during an hydrothermal, or late magmatic stage. The white opals are made up by amorphous opal (A), show appreciable play of color and iridescence and are surely the most relevant for gemological purposes. The most pure white opals show low contents of trace elements and a rather homogeneous composition, that can be used as geographical marker. Conversely some opals affected by contamination from host rocks show much higher trace element contents. White opals probably formed during a low temperature tectonic event. The samples of hyalite are yellowish, opaque and greasy. They are made up by CT opal show relevant content of B and As while the other trace element are quite low, and are probably of volcanic origin.

EUROPE Cheaper energy, including shale gas, needed to counter high costs, business leaders say

For decades, the Middle East has had it. North America has just gotten hold of it again. And now Europe needs it: cheap energy. If the region doesn’t find an inexpensive source soon, it will fail to compete globally, Europe’s business leaders say. Among those surveyed by Accenture, a consulting firm, 58% are pessimistic that industry in the European Union will in three years’ time be cost-competitive from an energy perspective. The chemical industry is sending a similar message. “Further unilateral increases in EU energy costs would make many basic chemicals made in the EU uncompetitive, with knock-on effects down the whole value chain,” Kurt Bock, chairman of chemical maker BASF and head of Europe’s main chemical trade association, stated recently in a letter to European Council President Herman Van Rompuy. Bock’s proposed solutions include the exploitation of shale gas deposits in Europe and more consistent energy policies across the ...

Investigating in situ variability and homogenisation of key quality parameters in continuous mining operations

The delivery of in-spec qualities out of the mine is essential for an efficient and environmental friendly operation of the subsequent beneficiation process. One goal of the extraction and production process in mining operations is to reduce the deposit inherent grade variability to a usually contractual defined level. The design of blending opportunities along the mining chain plays a key role in homogenising variability and improving the prediction of key parameters, such as the calorific value in the case of coal deposits. Geological conditions of deposits to exploit are becoming more complex. Typical currently exploited coal deposits in Europe are already characterised by multiple seams with multiple splits, each split representing a different variability in seam geometry and quality. Modern methods of conditional simulation in geostatistics allow for generating several spatial models or possible scenarios for large deposits capturing in situ variability. Integrating simulated models with the excavation sequence and transport and blending models of the mining operation leads to valuable insights into the expected performance as a function of the technical design and operational mode. The presented case study uses the technique of conditional simulation in geostatistics to investigate the variability of the calorific value in exploiting a complex lignite deposit. The study analyses the behaviour along the extraction, transportation and blending process in a continuous mining environment. Results provide valuable inside into the performance of a continuous mining system in terms of homogenisation and allow identifying sources for controlling variability. Conclusions can be drawn to adjust the mine design and scheduling of key equipment as well as to adjust the operation mode according to the customer’s requirements in terms of coal quality variability.

A re-evaluation of goniopholidid crocodylomorph material from Central Asia: Biogeographic and phylogenetic implications

Central Asia is a key area for crocodylomorph evolution, lying midway between the highly documented deposits in Europe and North America, but crocodylomorph fossils from this part of the world are rare. Included among these are specimens collected in the 1970s and 1980s by the Soviet-Mongolian Expeditions in the Jurassic and Cretaceous of Mongolia, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan. Three species, “Sunosuchus” shartegensis, Kansajsuchus extensus, and Turanosuchus aralensis are redescribed and subjected to phylogenetic analysis for the first time. “Sunosuchus” shartegensis and Kansajsuchus are relatively derived goniopholidids, and part of a pan-east-Laurasian radiation of goniopholidids from which the European goniopholidids subsequently radiated. No characters can be used to distinguish “Sunosuchus” shartegensis from “S.” thailandicus; the two species are therefore synonymized. Turanosuchus aralensis is here considered a nomen dubium. Cladistic analysis suggests that Sunosuchus is polyphyletic, indicating a hig...

An aminostratigraphy for the British Quaternary based on Bithynia opercula

Aminostratigraphies of Quaternary non-marine deposits in Europe have been previously based on the racemization of a single amino acid in aragonitic shells from land and freshwater molluscs. The value of analysing multiple amino acids from the opercula of the freshwater gastropod Bithynia, which are composed of calcite, has been demonstrated. The protocol used for the isolation of intra-crystalline proteins from shells has been applied to these calcitic opercula, which have been shown to more closely approximate a closed system for indigenous protein residues. Original amino acids are even preserved in bithyniid opercula from the Eocene, showing persistence of indigenous organics for over 30 million years. Geochronological data from opercula are superior to those from shells in two respects: first, in showing less natural variability, and second, in the far better preservation of the intra-crystalline proteins, possibly resulting from the greater stability of calcite. These features allow greater temporal resolution and an extension of the dating range beyond the early Middle Pleistocene. Here we provide full details of the analyses for 480 samples from 100 horizons (75 sites), ranging from Late Pliocene to modern. These show that the dating technique is applicable to the entire Quaternary. Data are provided from all the stratotypes from British stages to have yielded opercula, which are shown to be clearly separable using this revised method. Further checks on the data are provided by reference to other type-sites for different stages (including some not formally defined). Additional tests are provided by sites with independent geochronology, or which can be associated with a terrace stratigraphy or biostratigraphy. This new aminostratigraphy for the non-marine Quaternary deposits of southern Britain provides a framework for understanding the regional geological and archaeological record. Comparison with reference to sites yielding independent geochronology, in combination with other lines of evidence, allows tentative correlation with the marine oxygen isotope record.

Karst subsidence as a control on the accumulation and preservation of aeolian deposits: A Pleistocene example from a proglacial outwash setting, Ebro Basin, Spain

AbstractMeltwater flows emanating from the Pyrenees during the Pleistocene constructed a braided outwash plain in the Ebro Basin and led to the karstification of the Neogene gypsum bedrock. Synsedimentary evaporite dissolution locally increased subsidence rates and generated dolines and collapses that enabled the accumulation and preservation of outwash gravels and associated windblown deposits that were protected from erosion by later meltwater flows. In these localized depocentres, maximum rates of wind deceleration resulted from airflow expansion, enabling the accumulation of cross‐stratified sets of aeolian strata climbing at steep angles and thereby preserving up to 5 m thick sets. The outwash plain was characterized by longitudinal and transverse fluvial gravel bars, channels and windblown facies organized into aeolian sand sheets, transverse and complex aeolian dunes, and loess accumulations. Flat‐lying aeolian deposits merge laterally to partly deformed aeolian deposits encased in dolines and collapses. Synsedimentary evaporite dissolution caused gravels and aeolian sand deposits to subside, such that formerly near‐horizontal strata became inclined and generated multiple internal angular unconformities. During episodes when the wind was undersaturated with respect to its potential sand transporting capacity, deflation occurred over the outwash plain and coarse‐grained lags with ventifacts developed. Subsequent high‐energy flows episodically reached the aeolian dune field, leading to dune destruction and the generation of hyperconcentrated flow deposits composed in part of reworked aeolian sands. Lacustrine deposits in the distal part of the outwash plain preserve rhythmically laminated lutites and associated Gilbert‐type gravel deltas, which developed when fluvial streams reached proglacial lakes. This study documents the first evidence of an extensive Pleistocene proglacial aeolian dune field located in the Ebro Basin (41˙50° N), south of what has hitherto been considered to be the southern boundary of Pleistocene aeolian deposits in Europe. A non‐conventional mechanism (evaporite karst‐related subsidence) for the preservation of aeolian sands in the stratigraphic record is proposed.

The oldest known Lophopidae planthopper (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha) from the European Palaeocene

Cintux menatensis nov. gen., nov. sp., the oldest representative of the planthopper family Lophopidae, is described based on the specimen from the Palaeocene of Menat (Auvergne, France). The formerly proposed evolutionary relationship of the family is reviewed in the light of the record of lophopids in European deposits. The biogeographic pattern and host plant relationships of these insects are briefly discussed. The taphonomic features of the fossil specimen are examined under Low Vacuum SEM and the results of X-Ray EDS analysis are presented.

Evolution of multilevel caves in the Sierra de Atapuerca (Burgos, Spain) and its relation to human occupation

The evolution of the Torcas cave system (Sierra de Atapuerca) is analysed in order to shed light on the formation of the Atapuerca archaeological sites and human occupation in the area, critical for identifying the paths of the first human dispersal into Europe. The geomorphological analysis of the endokarst system and the regional base levels has revealed a multilevel cave system, with drainage directions from south to north, where old karst springs fed the Pico River. Using morphological and topographic evidence we have correlated the fluvial terraces situated at relative heights of +84–80m and +78–70m above the Arlanzón River (main course), with the first and second cave levels, respectively, both of Early Pleistocene age. The fluvial levels T4 (+60–67m) and T5 (+50–54m) are linked with the third level (Early–Middle Pleistocene), which contains fluvial deposits probably related to terrace T6 (+44–46m). Progressive fluvial incision allowed humans to gain access to the cave system through several entrances from ~1.22Myr until the end of the Middle Pleistocene, when these cave entrances became filled, forming the most interesting hominid-bearing deposits in Europe.

How diverse is the temnospondyl fauna in the Lower Triassic of southern Germany?

Among the few fossiliferous Lower Triassic deposits in Europe, the Lower to Middle Buntsandstein of the German southwest has yielded a range of interesting finds. A review of the pub- lished and new material gives the following results: (1) The oldest identified remain is a mandible of a small stereospondyl from the Bernburg Formation (Induan); (2) A new palate from the early Olene- kian (Badischer Bausandstein) stems from a basal capitosaur similar to Wetlugasaurus; (3) In the late Olenekian (Hardegsen Formation), two well-defined temnospondyl genera are present: the basal capitosauroids Meyerosuchus fuerstenbergianus and Odenwaldia heidelbergensis. Large remains formerly referred to Mastodonsaurus either pertain to a different family or are undiagnostic, pushing the first occurrence of mastodonsaurids into the Anisian. These finds highlight the presence of large aquatic predators by early Triassic time, revealing an increasing diversity of aquatic predators from the Induan to the Anisian. The documented faunal changes involved patterns of immigration and extinction/emigration rather than endemic evolution within the basin. In contrast to the northern parts of the basin, the genera Trematosaurus, Parotosuchus, and Sclerothorax are absent in the southern part, where Meyerosuchus and Odenwaldia existed.

Sedimentation rhythmicity as a reflection of astronomical cyclicity

The Mesozoic-Cenozoic rhythmic continental sedimentary rocks are analyzed for every particular period and epoch from the Triassic to the Pliocene. The maximal distribution areas of rhythmic deposits are within the latitudinal zone of 20°-40°. Investigation of rhythmic Mesozoic-Cenozoic carbonate-containing deposits of Europe and North America enables us to attribute rhythmicity to climate change owing to insolation and eustatic variations of oceanosphere’s level, on the one hand, and to compare duration values of the rhythmic unit and rhythmic sequence with cycles of orbital precession, ecliptic plane inclination, and the eccentricity of the Earth’s orbit, on the other hand.

Formation of the Wiesloch Mississippi Valley-type Zn-Pb-Ag deposit in the extensional setting of the Upper Rhinegraben, SW Germany

The Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) Zn–Pb–Ag deposit in the Wiesloch area, Southwest Germany, is controlled by graben-related faults of the Upper Rhinegraben. Mineralization occurs as vein fillings and irregular replacement ore bodies consisting of sphalerite, banded sphalerite, galena, pyrite, sulfosalts (jordanite and geocronite), barite, and calcite in the Middle Triassic carbonate host rock. Combining paragenetic information, fluid inclusion investigations, stable isotope and mineral chemistry with thermodynamic modeling, we have derived a model for the formation of the Wiesloch deposit. This model involves fluid mixing between ascending hot brines (originating in the crystalline basement) with sedimentary formation waters. The ascending brines originally had a near-neutral pH (around 6) and intermediate oxidation state, reflecting equilibrium with granites and gneisses in the basement. During fluid ascent and cooling, the pH of the brine shifted towards more acidic (around 4) and the oxidation state increased to conditions above the hematite-magnetite buffer. These chemical characteristics contrast strongly with those of the pore and fracture fluid residing in the limestone aquifer, which had a pH between 8 and 9 in equilibrium with calcite and was rather reduced due to the presence of organic matter in the limestone. Mixing between these two fluids resulted in a strong decrease in the solubility of silver-bearing sphalerite and galena, and calcite. Besides Wiesloch, several Pb–Zn deposits are known along the Upper Rhinegraben, including hydrothermal vein-type deposits like Badenweiler and the Michael mine near Lahr. They all share the same fluid origin and formation process and only differ in details of their host rock and fluid cooling paths. The mechanism of fluid mixing also seems to be responsible for the formation of other MVT deposits in Europe (e.g., Reocin, Northern Spain; Treves, Southern France; and Cracow-Silesia, Poland), which show notable similarities in terms of their age, mineralogy. and mineral chemistry to the MVT deposit near Wiesloch.

Dimension socio-économique et symbolique des dépôts funéraires aristocratiques d’Europe occidentale (VIIIe-Ier s. avant J.-C.)

During the whole span of the Iron Age, from 8th to 1st century BC, the funerary deposits in Europe underwent various changes, the most characteristic of which squares with the emergence of the princely system in the final Hallstatt period (6th century BC). The splendour of the burial deposits found in princely tombs, compared to the apparent modesty of those in previous or subsequent periods, has given rise to the elaboration of different social models. Some scholars interpret these findings as the concentration of power in the hands of a restricted number of chiefs, becoming more and more wealthy ; or as the manifestation of a social model becoming more complex by the emergence of an additional hierarchical rank. These models are however based on the direct analysis of funerary deposits. Generally, funerary objects are analysed in accordance with their primary function, meaning that they are interpreted according to their traditional use in everyday life, whatever the discovery context. It is via this analogical comparison that the function of objects can be determined and conclusions are thus drawn about the role played by the elite. Objects of Mediterranean origin, found in funerary protohistorical contexts in Western Europe have been studied using this basis. This paper underlines a new approach that takes into consideration the double appropriation of new objects by the elite, as markers of both individual and collective identity. This process combined with a perpetual revision of the composition of burial sets from each chronological phase, appears to be the most appropriate method to examine objects in their social dimension and thus answer legitimate concerns for the emergence of a more socially orientated archaeology.