Abstract

Measurement of bioturbation reflects physical and biological processes operating over time and can be used to reveal information about paleo-environments. The purpose of this study was to determine the intensity of bioturbation in Triassic Moenkopi Formation at Hurricane Mesa in Southwestern Utah. This formation is interpreted as having been deposited mostly in large ancient river channels, tidal flats, delta and shallow marine environments. Five stratigraphic sections measured in the Virgin Limestone Member provided the basis for this study. Detailed descriptions and quantification of bioturbation were recorded in each of the sections. Similar treatment was given to additional study sites in the rest of the formation, above the Virgin Limestone. Treatments on selected samples were implemented to better reveal evidence of bioturbation. In these treatments samples were coated with water or oil, etched with HCL and viewed under blacklight. Integrating the results of the treatments with x-ray diffraction and petrographic analysis suggest that there was minimal bioturbation. These findings are consistent with more rapid deposition than previously reported by other researchers.

LLU Discipline

Geology

Department

Earth and Biological Sciences

School

School of Medicine

First Advisor

Brand, Leonard

Second Advisor

Buchheim, Paul

Third Advisor

Esperante, Raul

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Level

M.S.

Year Degree Awarded

2016

Date (Title Page)

3-2016

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Geology; Stratigraphic -- Triassic; Sediments (Geology) - Utah - Moenkopi Formation; Sedimentation and deposition; Bioturbation; Taphonomy; Paelontology - Triassic; Petrology- Utah - Moenkopi Formation; Formations (Geology) -- West (U.S.)

Subject - Local

Paleo-environments; Hurricane Mesa; Utah; X-ray diffraction; Petrographic analysis

Type

Thesis

Page Count

88

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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