--> Abstract: Rare Earth Element (REE) Analysis of Fossil Vertebrates for Interpretation of Paleoenvironments and Stratigraphic Correlation, by Doreena Patrick; #90033 (2004)
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Rare Earth Element (REE) Previous HitAnalysisNext Hit of Fossil Vertebrates for Interpretation of Paleoenvironments and Stratigraphic Correlation

Doreena Patrick
University of Pennsylvania, Department of Earth and Environmental Science
Philadelphia, PA
[email protected]

Rare Earth Element (REE) concentrations in fossil vertebrates can be used to infer paleo-redox conditions, detect reworking, fossil provenience and Previous HitpaleoenvironmentalNext Hit interpretations. Comparisons of modern and fossil REE concentrations show that more than 95% of REE in fossil bone maybe incorporated into bone apatite during early diagenetic recrystallization. Therefore REE signatures provide insight into the early diagenetic environment. Prevailing conditions control what is available for replacement within bone apatite during the fossilization process. Understanding the factors influencing these conditions can be used in the Previous HitanalysisNext Hit of REE signatures as a proxy to infer original Previous HitpaleoenvironmentalNext Hit conditions. In addition, REE signatures from different stratigraphic units differ, providing unique “fingerprints” of their unit and can be used for fossil provenience and stratigraphic correlation.

REE signature Previous HitanalysisNext Hit of osteological materials within the Pierre Shale has successfully been used for fossil provenience, interpretation of paleoenvironments, and paleobathymetric Previous HitanalysisNext Hit. Vertebrate material has been collected from seven lithostratigraphic units of the Pierre Shale. REE concentrations within fossils are measured using ICP-MS. Discriminant Previous HitanalysisNext Hit and Ternary Diagrams are used for interpretation of differences in REE ratios. REE Previous HitanalysisTop of fossil materials revealed that REE signatures vary stratigraphically between members and are virtually identical within the same member over a wide geographic area. These provide unique “fingerprints” for their unit and can be used for stratigraphic correlation. In addition, interpretations of REE ratios in Pierre Shale members show that REE compositions between members of the Pierre Shale appear to result from differential mixing of oxygenated and anoxic seawaters.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90033©2004 AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid