Triassic ichnofaunas in distal alluvial fans: Evidence from the Cerro Puntudo formation, Cuyo Basin, Argentina
Alluvial fan deposits of the Cerro Puntudo Formation (Triassic, Cuyo Basin, San Juan province) contain a low-diversity ichnofauna. The analyzed section indicates sedimentation in the most distal portion of an alluvial fan system. Palaeophycus tubularis Hall, Palaeophycus striatus Hall, and small sub...
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Autores principales: | , , , , |
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Formato: | JOUR |
Materias: | |
Acceso en línea: | http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12110/paper_00027014_v45_n2_p463_Krapovickas |
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Sumario: | Alluvial fan deposits of the Cerro Puntudo Formation (Triassic, Cuyo Basin, San Juan province) contain a low-diversity ichnofauna. The analyzed section indicates sedimentation in the most distal portion of an alluvial fan system. Palaeophycus tubularis Hall, Palaeophycus striatus Hall, and small sub-horizontal and inclined trace fossils occur in laterally extensive tuffaceous limestone, interpreted as playa-lake deposits originated by flash floods. They are attributed to the Scoyenia ichnofacies. Massive and trough cross-stratified medium- and fine-grained sandstones, filling small channelized bodies, contains a monospecific association of sparse Skolithos isp. illustrating the Skolithos ichnofacies. Low diversity, moderate abundance, and the presence of simple dwelling structures suggest an opportunistic association. Based on cross-cutting relationships among biogenic structures and preservation of morphological details, an evolution from a soft tò a relatively firm substrate is proposed. Two suites have been distinguished in connection to progressive dewatering of floodplain sediments: 1) Palaeophycus tubularis Hall and small sub-horizontal and inclined trace fossils, developed in a soft substrate, and 2) Palaeophycus striatus Hall associated with small sub-horizontal and inclined trace fossils, developed in a relatively firm substrate. © Asociación Paleontológica Argentina. |
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