Characterization of the trace fossil Teredolites longissimus (Apectoichnus longissimus) from the Eocene La Meseta Formation, Seymour Island, Antarctic Peninsula

doi:10.13745/j.esf.sf.2021.7.23

Abstract

Abstract:

The ichnogenus Teredolites, produced by wood-boring marine bivalves (Teredinidae or Pholadidae), describes trace assemblage of club-shaped borings in log-ground in marine strata. Teredolites are taphonomically indicative of shallow marine environments, thus they can provide valuable information on the taxonomy and distribution of wood substrates as well as the environmental setting during the burial. This article investigates the trace fossil Teredolites longissimus (Apectoichnus longissimus) discovered in the upper part of the La Meseta Formation of Seymour Island, Antarctic Peninsula. The age of this horizon is constrained in the Late Eocene and the development and distribution features of teredinid body fossils preserved in the wood substrate indicate an incipient stage of infestation. Wood substrate and teredinid body fossils were investigated thoroughly using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). The xylic substrate was identified as Phyllocladoxylon sp. of family Podocarpaceae, which confirmed the existence of Phyllocladoxylon had lasted until the Late Eocene in Seymour Island. Framboidal pyrite was discovered in abundance inside teredinid body fossils, 39.2% of the framboids were above 10 μm in grain size, and the maximum grain size reached 44 μm; the size distribution analysis indicated they were formed under oxic condition, suggesting the paleo-ocean in the Antarctic Peninsula area was oxic at the end of the Eocene.

Key words: Teredolites, Seymour Island, Eocene, La Meseta Formation

CLC Number:

Q91
P534.61

LI Ruoshuang, LI Quanguo. Characterization of the trace fossil Teredolites longissimus (Apectoichnus longissimus) from the Eocene La Meseta Formation, Seymour Island, Antarctic Peninsula[J]. Earth Science Frontiers, 2022, 29(3): 381-391.

Figures/Tables 10

Fig.1 Location of Seymour Island, Antarctic Peninsula

Fig.2 Lithologic units of the La Meseta Formation. Modified from Reference [18].

Fig.3 Field photo of the Teredolites from the La Meseta Formation

Fig.4 Photos of the studied Teredolites from the La Meseta Formation

Fig.5 SEM images of fossil wood from relic log-ground

Fig.6 Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometric analysis of the cross section of teredinid body fossil (a) and local framboidal pyrite aggregates (b)

Fig.7 SEM images of framboidal pyrite in teredinid body fossils

Table 1 Statistical results of the size distribution of framboidal pyrite grains

样本	统计数量/个	平均粒径/μm	中间粒径/μm	最大粒径/μm	标准偏差/μm
草莓状黄铁矿	273	10.52	8.72	44	6.32

Fig.8 Grain size box-and-whisker diagram (a) and histogram (b) of framboidal pyrite

Fig.9 Mean-standard deviation (a) and mean-skewness (b) of the size distribution of framboidal pyrite grains. Adapted from [52-53].

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