Preservational Heterogeneity of Marine Vertebrates in a Sequence Stratigraphic Context: Inferring Exposure and Burial Dynamics from Bone Diagenesis

Bone preservation in marine vertebrates is primarily influenced by early post-mortem conditions, particularly the duration of exposure before burial. Rapid burial results in well-preserved bone, while prolonged exposure leads to more damaged bone and complex infill patterns. This study analyzed fossil bones from three sedimentary basins—Wadi Al-Hitan (Eocene, Egypt), Calvert Cliffs (Miocene, Maryland), and Aguja Formation (Cretaceous, Texas)—to test this hypothesis. By sampling bones from different sequence stratigraphic contexts, the research demonstrated that taphonomic features like collagen shrinking, microbial tunneling, and oxidized minerals indicate subaerial exposure, even in marine settings. The findings support the notion that early diagenetic conditions predictably determine bone preservation, providing insights into cryptic sedimentary dynamics otherwise hidden in thin or condensed stratigraphic records.

Laker, R. M. (2023). Preservational Heterogeneity of Marine Vertebrates in a Sequence Stratigraphic Context: Inferring Exposure and Burial Dynamics from Bone Diagenesis [University of Chicago]. https://doi.org/10.6082/8FF4Y-Q7C58