Biostratinomic processes for the development of mud-cast logs in Carboniferous and Holocene swamps
- Auburn Univ., AL (USA)
Prostrate trees are common features of fossil forest litters, and are frequently preserved as mud-casts. Specimens of Carboniferous mud-cast trees and a mud-filled incipient cast of a Holocene Taxodium have been investigated to determine the biostratinomic processes responsible for their formation. These processes are complex. Hollowing of tree trunks may take place during life or by degradation after death. Once the trunk has fallen, the hollow cavity is supported by surrounding wood and/or bark tissues and acts as a conduit for sediment-laden waters. Leaf litter may be preserved on bedding surfaces. The infilling sequence of horizontal, parallel bedded, fine-grained sediment is deposited from suspended load during multiple overbank flooding events. These results differ from experimentally produced pith casts in which the sediment grain size is of fine sand. In Holocene specimens, alluvial mud within the log may provide a substrate for infaunal invertebrates. No evidence of infaunal burrowing in Carboniferous analogues exists.
- OSTI ID:
- 6852141
- Journal Information:
- Palaois; (USA), Journal Name: Palaois; (USA) Vol. 4:4; ISSN PALAE
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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