Ichnologic and sedimentologic datasets from the Ediacaran–Cambrian Chapel island formation, Newfoundland, Canada

Abstract

Extensive ichnologic and sedimentologic datasets were gathered from six localities (Fortune Head, Fortune North, Grand Bank Head, Lewin's Cove, Little Dantzic Cove, and Point May) of the Ediacaran–Cambrian Chapel Island Formation at Burin Peninsula, southeastern Newfoundland, eastern Canada. 1708.2 m of sedimentary strata were logged at a centimeter scale (1:40) using a Jacob staff, in addition to 11.08 m of strata reported at a millimeter scale (1:1.67). Sedimentary logs focus on: (1) bed geometry; (2) bed thickness; (3) bed grain size; (4) sandstone/ mudstone ratio; and (5) sedimentary structures. For each log, trace-fossil datasets were reported, consisting of: (1) bioturbation intensity in cross-section (1596 data points); (2) bed surface bioturbation intensity (1481 data points); (3) stratigraphic position of individual trace fossils; (4) trace-fossil width (3164 data points); (5) trace-fossil depth (1539 data points); and (6) ichnotaxonomic classification (3510 trace fossils identified at ichnospecies rank). The datasets are of importance to researchers interested in the palaeoecological signals depicted in this classic Ediacaran–Cambrian succession or in the compilation of worldwide data for deciphering macro-evolutionary trends in early animal life.