Back to search
Martín et al., 2025

The impact of microbial mats in promoting record of Maastrichtian crocodylomorph tracks from Yacoraite Formation, Argentina

Martín, A. A., de Valais, S., Díaz-Martínez, I., Villafañe, P. G., López Isla, G. R., Citton, P.
DOI
DOI10.1016/j.cretres.2024.105981
Year2025
JournalCretaceous Research
Volume165
Pages105981
Typearticle in journal
LanguageEnglish
Id51254

Abstract

Here we report tetrapod tracks from a stratigraphic level of Maastrichtian age in the Yacoraite Formation (Maimará ichnosite, Jujuy Province, Argentina). The ichnological material consists of convex hyporeliefs whose formation was induced by growth of microbial mats in an upper subtidal-lower intertidal setting. Ichnological features that are recognized in tracks and traces allowed to include them into the categories of ‘punting tracks’ and ‘buoyancy tracks’. These categories suggest swim behaviours of the producers, which are tentatively interpreted as crocodylomorphs. Reconstruction of the filling process leading to tracks preservation and inclusion into the geological record enabled reconstructing at least two different phases of mats development, one dominated by chemical precipitation and the other by trapping and binding of coated grains and other particles. These two phases of mat growth are related to slightly changing energetic conditions of the palaeoenvironment and further support a marine origin for the unit. Finally, it is suggested that biologically induced, in-situ mineral precipitation promotes fast formation of overtracks through early lithification achieving preservation of tetrapod tracks well before their complete filling.

Last change: 20.3.2025
KIKNATARCSARVTÜ Loodusmuuseumi geokogudEesti Loodusmuuseumi geoloogia osakond
All materials in the portal are for free usage according to CC BY-SA , unless indiated otherwise.
Portal is part of natianal research infrastructure and geoscience data platform SARV, hosted by TalTech.
Open Book icon by Icons8.