Alfredo Alejandro Martín , Silvina de Valais , Ignacio Díaz-Martínez , Patricio Guillermo Villafañe , Gabriel Ricardo López Isla , Paolo Citton
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Here we report tetrapod tracks from a stratigraphic level of Maastrichtian age in the Yacoraite Formation (Maimará ichnosite, Jujuy Province, Argentina). The ichnological material consists of convex hyporeliefs whose formation was induced by growth of microbial mats in an upper subtidal-lower intertidal setting. Ichnological features that are recognized in tracks and traces allowed to include them into the categories of ‘punting tracks’ and ‘buoyancy tracks’. These categories suggest swim behaviours of the producers, which are tentatively interpreted as crocodylomorphs. Reconstruction of the filling process leading to tracks preservation and inclusion into the geological record enabled reconstructing at least two different phases of mats development, one dominated by chemical precipitation and the other by trapping and binding of coated grains and other particles. These two phases of mat growth are related to slightly changing energetic conditions of the palaeoenvironment and further support a marine origin for the unit. Finally, it is suggested that biologically induced, in-situ mineral precipitation promotes fast formation of overtracks through early lithification achieving preservation of tetrapod tracks well before their complete filling.
期刊介绍:
Cretaceous Research provides a forum for the rapid publication of research on all aspects of the Cretaceous Period, including its boundaries with the Jurassic and Palaeogene. Authoritative papers reporting detailed investigations of Cretaceous stratigraphy and palaeontology, studies of regional geology, and reviews of recently published books are complemented by short communications of significant new findings.
Papers submitted to Cretaceous Research should place the research in a broad context, with emphasis placed towards our better understanding of the Cretaceous, that are therefore of interest to the diverse, international readership of the journal. Full length papers that focus solely on a local theme or area will not be accepted for publication; authors of short communications are encouraged to discuss how their findings are of relevance to the Cretaceous on a broad scale.
Research Areas include:
• Regional geology
• Stratigraphy and palaeontology
• Palaeobiology
• Palaeobiogeography
• Palaeoceanography
• Palaeoclimatology
• Evolutionary Palaeoecology
• Geochronology
• Global events.