paleonet request for information

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Fellow Paleo/Ichno Folks:

My name is Trent Hall and I am in the graduate program at Auburn University in Alabama (U.S.A.) working toward my M.S. degree in Geology under the direction of Dr. Chuck Savrda. I am currently working on my thesis, which focuses on the relationship between phosphatic concretions and trace fossil preservation in marine shelf deposits of the Cretaceous Ripley Formation, Alabama coastal plain. I plan to incorporate into my thesis a broader review of different types of diagenetic mineralization and their effects on ichnofossil preservation. This review will not be limited to phosphate diagenesis; I also am exploring the relationships between ichnofossil preservation and dolomite, silica, pyrite, siderite, and calcite mineralization. I am in the process of tabulating information on deposits wherein trace fossil preservation has been impacted by mineralization*I am tabulating stratigraphic unit, age, and location, lithologic and depositional facies associations, types of ichnofossils and diagenetic mineral(s) involved, and the physical and genetic relationships between traces and mineralization.

The reason that I am writing is to request assistance in locating more literature, as well as unpublished information, concerning this subject. I already have begun to accumulate and digest pertinent literature, but I am hoping to acquire a more robust data set. I seek published papers that directly address the topic, as well as other published works wherein information on ichnofossil mineralization may be “hidden” within sedimentologic, stratigraphic, and/or paleontologic text of a different focus. I also am interested in any unpublished observations that you are willing to share.

I would greatly appreciate any guidance you can provide. If you are interested, I will be happy to provide you my tabulations and bibliography when my project draws to a close.

Thank you in advance for your time and effort!

Sincerely,

J. Trent Hall
Department of Geology and Geography
210 Petrie Hall
Auburn University
Auburn, AL 36849-5305