Abstract

Two beds with unique fossil fish preservation occur within the predominantly evaporite-rich, fossil poor Angelo Member in the Green River Formation in Fossil Basin, Wyoming. These two beds, termed “Ghost Fish” beds, contain fossil fish that are two-dimensional carbonaceous compressions with no bone and detailed soft part preservation. These beds were measured and samples were collected from 8 quarries and 19 additional locations. Stratigraphic sections and fossil content were recorded at each quarry location. Analysis included XRD, stable isotope, XRF, TOC, and SEM analysis. Results were inputted into tables, graphs, and spatial maps to show trends, interpret the paleoenvironment, and examine the unique preservation. Interpretation of the results suggests freshwater entering the lake from the SW region of the study area during the UGF bed deposition. This research suggests that the unique style of preservation found in the Ghost Fish beds is the result of high alkalinity, salinity, and microbial mat activity.

LLU Discipline

Geology

Department

Basic Sciences

School

School of Medicine

First Advisor

Nick, Kevin E.

Second Advisor

Gaines, Robert R.

Third Advisor

Leggitt, V. Leroy

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Level

M.S.

Year Degree Awarded

2017

Date (Title Page)

3-2017

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Green River Formation; Fossils; Paleoecology; Marine animals - fossil

Subject - Local

Ghost Fish beds; Microbial mat activity; Carbonaceous compressions; Fossil fish preservation

Type

Thesis

Page Count

144

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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