Bacterialike (filamentous) structures associated with pyritized burrow linings, Arnheim Formation (Upper Ordovician), southeastern Indiana

Conference · Thu May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1986 · Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5300772

Blackwell, W H; Martin, A J

Much naturally occurring pyritization is biologically mediated, with specific types of bacteria (sulfate reducers) promoting the reactions. Among the criteria required for pyritization in a marine environment are the presence of: (1) interstitial iron ions, (2) a primarily anaerobic (reducing) environment; (3) an organic-rich substrate, and (4) sulfate-reducing bacteria (releasing sulfide). However, the direct connection between pyritization and bacteria (microfloral remains) is difficult to visualize in the fossil record. This study focuses specifically on pyritized burrow linings that occur in strongly bioturbated wackestones from the Arnheim Formation (Cincinnatian Series, Upper Ordovician). Specific reducing microenvironments (i.e. mucoidal burrow linings) were the sites of early diagenetic pyritization in otherwise oxygenated, organic-rich sediments. Material examined under both the light and electron microscopes revealed occasional evidence of pyrite associated with filamentous structures. These structures possess a shape and size consistent with certain types of bacteria. This relationship, bacterialike structures with pyrite, may be more common in the fossil record than previously suspected.

• Research Organization: Miami Univ., Oxford, OH
• OSTI ID: 5300772
• Report Number(s): CONF-860624-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States) Journal Volume: 70:5
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
CARBONATE ROCKS
FEDERAL REGION V
FOSSILS
GEOLOGIC AGES
GEOLOGIC FORMATIONS
GEOLOGY
INDIANA
NORTH AMERICA
ORDOVICIAN PERIOD
PALEOZOIC ERA
ROCKS
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
STRATIGRAPHY
USA