--> Abstract: Exploring Minimum Geographic Ranges and Diversity Dynamics of Western Interior Ammonoids (Late Cretaceous) Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Paleogis, Spreadsheets, and Recreational Topographic Mapping Software, by Richard A. MacKenzie1 and Margaret Yacobucci; #90078 (2008)

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Exploring Minimum Geographic Ranges and Diversity Dynamics of Western Interior Ammonoids (Late Cretaceous) Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Paleogis, Spreadsheets, and Recreational Topographic Mapping Software

Richard A. MacKenzie1 and Margaret Yacobucci2
1Geology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
2Geology, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH

Maps displaying the minimum geographic ranges for all Cretaceous Western Interior ammonites have been constructed from a digital inventory using GIS techniques. The inventory was compiled from over 200 sources including several museum collections, published databases, and relevant publications to provide information on over 20,000 individual ammonite occurrences in over 2,000 different localities. The inventory is divided into three sections each providing a required type of information needed to construct an ammonite’s minimum geographic range. Fossil Identification contains all available information on an ammonite specimen’s identity including specie variations. Contained in this section is also information on the publication or museum collection the information was taken from, and the identifier of the fossil. Geospatial information is completed down to the highest level available including Global Positioning System (GPS). This section also contains information indicating the modern geospace coordinates where the fossil was discovered, and the paleo-geospace Lat/Lon coordinates where the fossil came to rest postmortem. All localities were mapped in current Geo-space using ArcView 3.2 and ArcMap 9.1 GIS software and then were rotated to their paleocontinental position using Scotese PaleoGIS software. Temporal data is recorded to the highest level provided including current standard biozones and sub-zones. Also provided in this section are lithologic data if included in the source. The inventory was constructed using a simple spreadsheet format with EXCEL 2003 providing easy sorting and modification. It is hoped that this inventory and subsequent bioigeographic range maps will provide information on morphologic variation in geospace, geographic range variation comparison with an ammonoids diversity dynamics, and the geography of mass extinction and recovery.

 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90078©2008 AAPG Annual Convention, San Antonio, Texas