An Experimental and Field-Based Approach to the Taphonomy of Microvertebrate Assemblages: A Case Study in the Judith River Formation of North-Central Montana

Authors

Mara E. Brady, Macalester College

Document Type

Honors Project On-Campus Access Only

Comments

Copyright permission forms are on file with the printed document. Macalester Honors papers are available on site by appointment only.

Abstract

This study explores the origin of concentrations of small fossil bones and teeth preserved in (1) pond/lake and (2) active channel deposits in the Judith River Formation of Montana. Vertebrate fossils recovered from both types of assemblages are similar in shape and rounding, but channel concentrations are better sorted. In flume experiments, bone concentrations formed when an active flow was directed through sediment beds with initially dispersed bone material. The coarse bone fraction was minimally transported, while the fine fraction was winnowed to distal parts of the flume. These results suggest channel assemblages may be derived from pre-existing pond/lake assemblages.

Recommended Citation

Brady, Mara E., "An Experimental and Field-Based Approach to the Taphonomy of Microvertebrate Assemblages: A Case Study in the Judith River Formation of North-Central Montana" (2005). Geology Honors Projects. 1.
https://digitalcommons.macalester.edu/geology_honors/1