Biogenic structures in outcrops and cores. I. Approaches to ichnology

Fossilized traces, or trace fossils (=ichnofossils), are difficult to identify and classify phylogenetically but can be assigned relatively easily to various taxonomical, behavioural preservational, and environmental categories. Analyses of these aspects of trace fossils, in turn, can yield information that is invaluable in sedimentary geology. The most significant contributions of trace fossils have been in paleoecology, sedimentology and environmental reconstruction, including recognition of local and regional-temporal facies changes, patterns of bioturbation, and documentation of individual paleoecological parameters. Trace fossils are potential indicators of bathymetry, currents, food supplies, aeration, rate of deposition, depositional history, and substrate stability: to some extent, they may also be useful in establishing ancient temperature and salinity regimes.