Using Phytoliths and Carbon Isotope Stratigraphy to Recognize Subtle Subsurface Unconformities in the Unayzah Group of Saudi Arabia
article
Unayzah Group correlation in Saudi Arabia is hindered by the lack of terrestrial fossils preserved in oxidized red-beds.
Phytoliths are biogenic siliceous plant infillings and casts resistant to oxidation. In previous studies the presence of Biogenic Silica microfossils (Phytoliths) in Unayzah Group deposits were confirmed. Although some may have been deposited by wind, we believe the bulk of the phytoliths preserved within the Unayzah red-beds comprise the remains of both hot- and cool-desert, restricted plant communities (i.e., biocoenoses) that persisted during deposition of the upper Unayzah. New Phytolith fossils observed in the present study and from Permian red-beds from Texas demonstrate a clear link with Permian plants species.
Phytoliths are biogenic siliceous plant infillings and casts resistant to oxidation. In previous studies the presence of Biogenic Silica microfossils (Phytoliths) in Unayzah Group deposits were confirmed. Although some may have been deposited by wind, we believe the bulk of the phytoliths preserved within the Unayzah red-beds comprise the remains of both hot- and cool-desert, restricted plant communities (i.e., biocoenoses) that persisted during deposition of the upper Unayzah. New Phytolith fossils observed in the present study and from Permian red-beds from Texas demonstrate a clear link with Permian plants species.
TNO Identifier
511148
Source
Search and Discovery, 2014
Article nr.
50965