Trace fossils and trackways in the Upper Freshwater Molasse of Central andEastern Switzerland

Authors
Citation
T. Bolliger, Trace fossils and trackways in the Upper Freshwater Molasse of Central andEastern Switzerland, N J GEO P-A, 214(3), 1999, pp. 519-536
Citations number
21
Categorie Soggetti
Earth Sciences
Journal title
NEUES JAHRBUCH FUR GEOLOGIE UND PALAONTOLOGIE-ABHANDLUNGEN
ISSN journal
00777749 → ACNP
Volume
214
Issue
3
Year of publication
1999
Pages
519 - 536
Database
ISI
SICI code
0077-7749(199912)214:3<519:TFATIT>2.0.ZU;2-T
Abstract
A summary of the fossil record of tracks and traces within sediments of the Upper Freshwatermolasse (OSM) of central and eastern Switzerland is given. Tracks and trace fossils of the OSM were often neglected or rarely conside red to be worth to have a closer look at. However, trace fossils are often encountered within OSM sediments, especially when carefully searched for. M ost sedimentation took place in an environment relatively rich in oxygen, t herefore in- and epifaunal life was common. Unfortunately, unlike under mar ine conditions, preservation and also the variety of shape of these traces is usually poor. In some cases, the producing organisms may be identified, especially in semianoxic sediments, where preservation is best. Rare highli ghts are findings of fossil tracks of vertebrate and invertebrate animals.