Abstract

A large Maastrichtian, nearly monospecific bonebed in the Lance Formation in eastern Wyoming has yielded 13,000 bones and fragments since 1996. Though excavation of the site continues, little is known of the circumstances and processes of deposition. This study aims to provide a depositional model for the bonebed. To accomplish this task we utilized 1D facies analysis of surrounding units and 3D analysis of the bonebed. The nature of the outcrop limited facies analysis to 1D. Four measured stratigraphic sections, each containing the bonebed unit, were taken and used in facies analysis. In addition, laterally continuous units were observed and mapped using real time kinematic (RTK) GPS equipment. For 3D analysis of the bonebed, we unitized a large GPS dataset collected over 20 years of excavation. Displaying and manipulating the points in ArcGIS allowed investigation of bone arrangement vertically and laterally within the bonebed. Facies analysis indicates that the local sediments of the Lance Formation were deposited on a relatively flat depositional plain as part of or near a delta. Facies assemblages are compatible with both a proximal to shore delta plain distributary and interdistributary environment and with a relatively low sinuosity meandering stream environment with periodic swampy conditions in the flood plain. The bonebed is proposed to be a result of a mass flow process resulting from the fluidization and mobilization of sediment due to seismic activity.

LLU Discipline

Geology

Department

Basic Sciences

School

School of Medicine

First Advisor

Brand, Leonard R.

Second Advisor

Chadwick, Arthur V.

Third Advisor

Nick, Kevin E.

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Level

M.S.

Year Degree Awarded

2016

Date (Title Page)

9-2016

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Paleontological excavations; Paleoecology; Facies - Geology - Wyoming; Sedimentology and deposition;

Subject - Local

Lance Formation (Maastrichtian) -- Wyoming; Facies analysis; Bonebeds; Depositional plain;

Type

Thesis

Page Count

124

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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