CHARACTERIZATION OF INCHNOGENERA TRACE FOSSILS IN SEDIMENTARY FACIES; A CASE STUDY OF TOMAYODE FIELD, NIGER DELTA NIGERIA

Abstract

To provide a comprehensive explanation of the properties and relevance of trace fossils ichnogenera in the Niger Delta sedimentary facies necessitate this study. The provided core photographs containing identified trace fossils were qualitatively analysed and described using ichnofacies characteristics, appearance, lithology, grain size, structures, and depositional environments. Teichichnus and Ophiomorpha burrows have been identified as ichnogenera. They were found in heterolithic fine-grained sandstone with interbedded mudstone that exhibits hummocky and swaley cross – stratifications, as well as ripples cross – laminations, which are frequently encountered in marine shoreface environments. Ophiomorpha and Teichichnus are believed to have been produced by soft-bodied organisms such as crustaceans. They are deposit-feeding organisms with documented evidence of coexistence. The stratigraphic records left by these trace fossils are of particular interest to geologists and other scientists because they aid in palaeo-environmental evaluation, which is a precursor to hydrocarbon generation and accumulation, and subsequent exploration and exploitation.