Palaeoecology and palaeoenvironments of the Middle Jurassic to lowermost Cretaceous Agardhfjellet Formation (Bathonian–Ryazanian), Spitsbergen, Svalbard
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引用次数: 4
Abstract
We describe the invertebrate assemblages in the Middle Jurassic to lowermost Cretaceous of the Agardhfjellet Formation present in the DH2 rock core material of Central Spitsbergen (Svalbard). Previous studies of the Agardhfjellet Formation do not accurately reflect the distribution of invertebrates throughout the unit as they were limited to sampling discontinuous intervals at outcrop. The rock core material shows the benthic bivalve fauna to reflect dysoxic, but not anoxic environments for the Oxfordian – lower Kimmeridgian interval with sporadic monospecific assemblages of epifaunal bivalves, and more favourable conditions in the Volgian, with major increases in abundance and diversity of Hartwellia sp. assemblages. Overall, the new information from cores show that abundance, diversity and stratigraphic continuity of the fossil record in the Upper Jurassic of Spitsbergen are considerably higher than indicated in outcrop studies. The inferred life positions and feeding habits of the benthic fauna refine the understanding of the depositional environments of the Agardhfjellet Formation. The occurrence pattern of the bivalve genera is correlated with published studies of Arctic localities in East Greenland and Northern Siberia and shows similarities in palaeoecology with the former but not the latter. Ammonite biostratigraphy is used as a tool to date bivalve assemblage overturning events to help identify similar changes in other sections.
期刊介绍:
The Norwegian Journal of Geology publishes high-quality, fully peer-review papers from all geoscientific disciplines. Papers are commonly based on regional studies and should emphasise the development of understanding of fundamental geological processes. More specialised papers can also be submitted, but should be written in a way that is easily understood by nonspecialists, and illustrate the progress being made within that specific topic in geosciences. We also encourage initiatives for thematic issues within the scope of the Journal.