Title: Message
Dear paleonetters:
I'm throwing this question out there hoping
someone can give me some hints or lead me to specific literature.
Ph and Eh play a prime role in the
fossilization process. I am working with the hypothesis that the fossilization
of a well-preserved fauna of shallow water fish, marine mammals, and abundant
diatoms was facilitated by the occurrence of high alkalinity conditions in the
marine water. Evidence suggesting this is: calcareous fauna (shells) are barren,
high diatom content (well preserved), high volcanic ash content, skeletons are
well preserved and bones are connected. some of this evidence point to multiple
causes.
I need information on the role of high
alkalinity in fast flesh decay and rapid mineralization of bones in shallow
marine waters or other environments. Does alkalinity cause soft tissue to
decompose much faster than in normal marine water? what would be the
consequences on the bones?
Perhaps some of you have comments, or done
some experiments on this, or know of a paper dealing with the issue. I will
appreciate your input.
Raśl Esperante,
PhD