Search

A comprehensive account is given of the discovery and study of the fossil footprints of vertebrates in the British Isles. Brief summaries are given of work published in journals that are generally available to the geologist at large; however, since many papers were published in obscure books and journals, the illustrations in these are reproduced and the papers themselves directly quoted wherever appropriate. A number of specimens important in the history of British vertebrate ichnology are illustrated for the first time; in particular, the holotype of Chelichnus ingens Binney (1856), the “Kegworth footprint” from Leicestershire, the supposed “monotreme footprint” of Seeley (1899), and the first Iguanodon footprint to be described from Sussex (Tagart, 1846). Illustrations are given for the first time of footprints from the Forest Marble of Wiltshire thought to be those collected by Scrope (1831), of a footprint from the Permian of Warwickshire, mentioned by Vernon (1912), and of a footprint from Caithness. The account is extensively supplemented by text-figures of principal footprint types and, so far as possible, the present whereabouts of figured or described specimens is indicated. (Many, unfortunately, are lost.) An exhaustive bibliography of fossil vertebrate footprints from the British Isles is presented. Particular attention is paid to the important discoveries in the Cheshire Basin by the amateur geologists of the Liverpool region. An account of the work of Henry C. Beasley (1836–1919), the most eminent British worker in this field, is given for the first time; his portrait, and photographs relating to his work in the Storeton quarries, are published for the first time. The stratigraphical and palaeoecological significance of the footprints is assessed wherever possible and reasons are presented why a more extensive resumption of work in this field is desirable.

The occurrence of striated floors, produced by the Gondwana ice sheets, is briefly described in this paper. Several striated localities crop out in the second plateua of the State of Parana (Brazil), some of them being unusually well preserved. The striations occur on pre-Gondwana surfaces of the Devonian Furnas Formation, as well as on the periglacial deposits of the Itaare Formation (Upper Carboniferous), which also bears the glacial sequences. Many outcrops are directly overlain by typical tillites, making possible a comparison between the direction of the glacial lineations, and the long axis pebble orientation of those rudaceous deposits. The average pebble long axis dip direction for the Cancela Tillite is S 11 ° E, while the glacial striations direction is S 2° E, the difference being only 9°. The ice movement deduced for the Cancela Tillite was toward N 11 ° W. Besides the results obtained from the tillite fabric, additional data were gathered from sedimentary structures of the periglacial deposits. Thus, crossbedding measurements, carried on in the outwash sandstones associated to several Gondwana glaciations, afforded the following average result: N 5° W. General results, as compared together, show a reasonable agreement between both the results of glacial deposits and of the periglacial ones. As the present writers are gathering more data, it is assumed that definite and more reliable results may be given in forthcoming papers.

This book, containing the proceedings of the NATO Palaeoclimates Institute held at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, January 7-12, 1963, comprises no less than 54 contributions, divided over thirteen chapters. The nature of the papers varies from strictly local studies to studies of world-wide interest. Summarizing, the book contains a wealth of information for any of the readers of this journal. Each chapter opens with a general introduction by the Editor, which is especially useful since most of the papers lack a summary. In the genuine intention to serve readers by interrupting the chapters as little as possible, the bibliographies are assembled at the end of each chapter. In practice, however, this was found rather unpractical and through the general great divergency between the successive papers, for a volume like the present it neither led to the desired result. It is questionable as to whether it has been wise to link an international scientific conference of this kind to a military alliance. On the other hand, it is now interesting to look for a counter-move to this challenge from e.g., S.E.A.T.O., the Warsaw-pact countries or the group of non-allied countries, since, after all, competition in this way is much to be preferred over that of a force of arms.

Eleven papers making up the Tertiary Sea Level Symposium (spring 1967) are presented herewith. Their combined effect is to produce a “first approximation”, Tertiary history of sea level involving a more-or-less steady drop, of 70–100 m, beginning about the middle of Miocene time. This history requires a careful reconsideration of identifications of high marine terraces as having been formed in the Quaternary Period. The concept of possible glacio-eustatic oscillations, in the Tertiary, is explored in one paper. Data from Antarctica and the surrounding ocean show that a major influence on Miocene and later sea levels was the advent of extensive glaciation.

A brief survey of the possibilities and problems of palynology as a contributor to the progress of palaeogeography, palaeoclimatology and palaeoecology is presented. Also shown is how these fields and other branches of the earth sciences which contribute to environmental geology may, in their turn, help to advance palynology. The paper constitutes an introductory text to a collection of papers which fill a special issue of the journal Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, entitled “Palynological contributions to environmental geology”.

Only a few papers have, so far, been published about the Upper Palaeozoic of Tunisia, but those which appeared, mentioned the presence of generally fossiliferous deposits, mainly of Permian age. The book by Glintzboeckel and Rabaté gives a short review of the microfauna and microfacies of the Permo-Carboniferous in the south of Tunisia. They distinguish three provinces: (1) The Upper Permian of the Djebel Tebaga, in the area of Medenine, where a thick shale formation is found that has been laid down in a rapidly subsiding basin. (2) The reef facies of the Upper Permian in the Bir Soltana area, southwest of the Djebel Tebaga. (3) The Permo- Carboniferous in the marginal Gefara (Namurian, Moscovian, Upper Carboniferous, Lower Permian, doubtful Middle Permian, Upper Permian), mainly represented by limestones. The affinities of the southern Tunisian microfacies with those in other Mediterranean areas are striking. A most useful table is presented, showing the correlation with contemporaneous deposits in the U.S.A., Turkey, Carnian Alps, eastern Europe, the U.S.S.R. and China. The successions in the various areas are given, unconventionally, in a horizontal rather than in a vertical order. In addition to this table there are valuable tables showing the stratigraphic distribution of the most important microfossils in each of the three provinces. Despite the relatively small amount of text in the book, neither authors nor publishers seem to have paid much attention to careful and consistent copyediting and proof-reading. The main part of the book consists of 233 photomicrographs, united to 108 plates. They are printed on art paper; on this basis, the quality of reproduction could have been better.

This book, containing the proceedings of the NATO Palaeoclimates Institute held at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, January 7-12, 1963, comprises no less than 54 contributions, divided over thirteen chapters. The nature of the papers varies from strictly local studies to studies of world-wide interest. Summarizing, the book contains a wealth of information for any of the readers of this journal. Each chapter opens with a general introduction by the Editor, which is especially useful since most of the papers lack a summary. In the genuine intention to serve readers by interrupting the chapters as little as possible, the bibliographies are assembled at the end of each chapter. In practice, however, this was found rather unpractical and through the general great divergency between the successive papers, for a volume like the present it neither led to the desired result. It is questionable as to whether it has been wise to link an international scientific conference of this kind to a military alliance. On the other hand, it is now interesting to look for a counter-move to this challenge from e.g., S.E.A.T.O., the Warsaw-pact countries or the group of non-allied countries, since, after all, competition in this way is much to be preferred over that of a force of arms.

In this paper the results of a pollen-analytical study of three bore holes of lake deposits in the Fuquene-Valle de Ubate area, Colombian Cordillera Oriental (5° N; elev. 2,580 m) are given. By means of 14C dates and comparison with other pollen diagrams and dates from the Eastern Cordillera, it was possible to correlate the local pollen zones and chronostratigraphical units with the European chronostratigraphical sequence. The longest diagram (Fuquene II) represents some 30, 000 years, including part of the Middle Pleniglacial, the Upper Pleniglacial, the Late Glacial and the Holocene. During the Middle Pleniglacial, Polylepis wood was an important constituent of the vegetation. During climatic extremes of the Upper Pleniglacial an open paramo vegetation existed. During the main part of the Upper Pleniglacial (from ca. 21,000 to ca. 13,000 B.P.) the lake level was low and the climate dry. The lake level rose again in the beginning of the Late Glacial, and the area around the lake became forested. At the beginning of the El Abra Stadial (Late Dryas Stadial) there was a marked cooling and the lake became lower once more; this had a great impact on the vegetation which became partly open again. The beginning of the Holocene is marked by a gradual increase of forest elements, especially of Quercus (oak.) Oak forests dominated the area during the greater part of the Holocene. During the “hypithermal”, elements growing today at a lower level, such as Cecropia, Acalypha (and possibly Alchornea), must have been growing in the area, intermixed with the oak forest. At the same time there was a considerable increase of Urticaceae in the undergrowth of these forests. The vegetation zones were probably situated several hundreds of metres higher than they are at the present time. The influence of man on vegetation had started already before the beginning of our era, but there is a sudden increase of this influence (e.g., increase of Dodonaea, decrease of Quercus and Urticaceae) somewhere around 2,000 B.P. Later on, the diagram shows the rapid ultimate decline of the forest elements and an increase of Gramineae. Today nothing is left of the original oak forests and their place is taken by arable land or by secondary plant communities with low brushwood. In the lake sediments, thin layers of volcanic ash were found dated approximately 9,000 B.P., 11,000 B.P., and 21,000 B.P., respectively; a series of three ash-layers was deposited between approximately 22,000 B.P. and 26,000 B.P. and one possibly at approximately 30,000 B.P. These layers have been found in several other sections in the Eastern Cordillera and are the basis for a tephrochronology.

This paper deals with the results of pollen analysis of a 70-m thick series of peat, calcareous mud and clay near Granada in southern Spain (Fig.1). The upper 20 m of the section represent the Holocene and Weichselian (last Glacial), the part below 20 m is believed to represent the Eemian (last Interglacial), the Saalian and part of the Holsteinian Interglacial. During Glacial times the local type of vegetation corresponded with that of an open steppe with stands of Pinus . During Interglacial times a more oceanic Quercus-Pinus forest with Ericaceae was present. If the interpretation of the lower part is correct, Tsuga and Cedrus occurred in southern Spain as late as the Holsteinian.

This paper presents an unusual level of the “stromatolite series” found in the Atar Group on the northern border of the syneclise of Taoudenni (Mauritania, western Sahara). This level is formed of a sequence where an alternation of micritic limestones, stromatolitic reefs and calcareous siltstones can be seen. Analysis of the reefs shows that they are composed of a base formed by planar of slightly undulating laminations and columns of large diameter, with numerous thin parallel columns (Jurusania) between and upon them. On the flanks of the reef, the columns are closed together, surrounded and covered by continuous laminations which formed a carapace to the reef. The spaces between the columns are filled with desiccation sheets of different sizes, composed of dolomitic limestone. A comparison with recent stromatolites shows that in a sublittoral, slightly agitated environment, the reefs are formed and differentiated in relation to the current velocity and sediment movement (“energy”, Gebelein , 1969 ). In spite of some analogy between modern and Precambrian stromatolites in environmental conditions, the absence of true columns and the restricted distribution of the forms make actual stromatolites quite different. An appendix is added presenting three form-species of columns encountered in the study of the reefs.

This paper describes a Pleistocene section of terrace V of the Dniester River, near the town of Tiraspol; it is assigned by the authors to be of Mindel age in the broad meaning of the term. The Tiraspol section is correlated with other sections of central and western Europe.

Summarizing the data of Cretaceous palaeomagnetic investigation and KAr age determination so far obtained, a hypothetic bend of the main island Japan was examined in detail in this paper. From the analysis it was found first that the bending motion initiated from the beginning of Cretaceous time about 120 m.y. ago, secondly that Japanese Island had been a comparatively straight land mass before this bending occurred, and thirdly that the active period of this motion had continued at least up to 80 m. y. ago. Rate of the rotation of northern Japan relative to southern Japan was also estimated to be 2.9°/m.y. in that active period.

An extensive collection of palaeomagnetic samples of Upper Permian and Lowet Triassic rocks has been accumulated in the region of the Czechoslovakian western Carpathian Mountains. The original objective was to attempt an empirical correlation of rocks on the basis of normally and reversely magnetized zones, or to define rocks with reverse magnetization which could belong to the Permian if this period were to be characterized solely by reverse magnetization. This paper points out some hitherto unclarified global aspects and endeavours to solve such a problem; the boundary between the Permian and the Triassic has not yet been determined by using palaeomagnetism. On the other hand, abundant statistical palaeomagnetic material is available which data can be interpreted in relation to the rotational effect of Alpine tectonics. In these preliminary results systematic deviations of palaeomagnetic declination in samples from the Choc nappe could be discerned, and they are considered to be the result of Alpine tectonic movements of rotational character. This geophysical interpretation confirms the geological concept of overthrust structure for the western Carpathian region. In conclusion a brief mention is made about the fact that, even during global interpretation of palaeomagnetic pole positions, the possible effect of horizontal rotational movements of entire rock blocks should be taken into consideration. This is of special importance in regions of high tectonic mobility, and must be taken into account in explaining the differences in pole positions viewed from different continents (e.g., in connection with continental drift).

The present paper (presented at the VIII INQUA Congress in Paris 1969) deals with the eustatic changes since the maximum lowering of the ocean level during the glaciation maximum about 18,000 B.C. (20,000 B.P.). The eustatic curve is believed also to depict the climatic changes quite closely. For the period 11,750 B.C.– 200 B.C., the eustatic curve is derived from southern Scandinavia by a calculation of the eustatic and isostatic factors, respectively, in shorelevel displacement curves from several points in the direction of tilting from strongly uplifted to slightly subsided isobase latitudes ( Morner 1969a). The eustatic curve obtained is highly fluctuating, though with a small amplitude. The present position was reached 1,700-1,400 B.C. (PTM-7 at + 0.4 m). With information from Vendsyssel (in comparison with other parts of the Kattegatt area), the Gulf of Mexico and the shelf off northeast America (excluding the isostatic factor) the eustatic curve was extended back in time to the glaciation maximum about 18,000 B.C., where a eustatic sea level of about — 85–90 m was found. At about 13,000–12,800 B.C. a 10 m drop in sea level was found, corresponding to the second glaciation maximum during the Late Wurm-Weichsel-Wisconsin.

Palaeocurrents and palaeoclimate of the Lower Devonian sediments of the Parnaiba Basin in northeastern Brazil were deduced from sedimentary structures (especially cross-bedding) and texture analyses. The well-planed pre-Devonian erosion surface is interpreted as a pediplain. For the development of this erosion surface the operation of processes controlled by semiarid climatic conditions is suggested. Subsequently a thick weathering mantle developed under humid climatic conditions. The regolith was removed by marine transgression which produced the Serra Grande and Pimenteira Formations. Two main palaeocurrent directions prevaiied in the sedimentary environment. The currents for the lower part of the Serra Grande Formation were to west-southwest, while for the upper part of this formation as well as for the Pimenteira Formation the prevailing currents were to the northwest. The former palaeocurrents came from the land, while the latter ones were supposed to have been parallel to the coast. The data presented in this paper together with those from the Furnas Formation (Parana Basin) are tentatively used in order to establish some relationship with palaeomagnetic data concerning the geographical position of South America relative to the equator during the Lower Devonian. However, before a complete picture on the palaeogeographical distribution of land masses and sedimentary basins in this geological period is attained, further studies are necessary on other Devonian areas of South America.

A plot of known exposures of coastal sediments, showing approximate age and present elevation, provides one approach to the history of sea level, in the southeastern states, through Late Cretaceous and Tertiary time. Five important pre-Pleistocene points appear on this plot; on semi-log paper, they define two straight-line segments. The first segment covering Late Cretaceous and Tertiary pre-Miocene time, indicates a drop of sea level or an equivalent rise of the land area of about 50 m in 70 · 10 6 years, or 0.7 mm/10 3 years. The second segment, for Mio-Pliocene time, indicates an additional drop in sea level of about 75 m in 25 · 10 6 years, or about 3 mm/10 3 years. Pleistocene fluctuations are not included in this plot. The first segment is thought to represent a net isostatic rebound due largely to erosional unloading of the southern Appalachians. The second segment is thought to represent a glacio-eustatic change, probably due to ice accumulation in near-polar areas such as Antarctica. Because the control points are few and uncertain, only a very rough approximation to sea-level history can be obtained in the area of interest. There is a very real possibility that local structural effects have contributed an unknown bias to the results. In any event, it does not seem possible to separate various types of epeirogenic and tectonic influences. Nevertheless, the two line segments are sufficiently different in slope and character to require two different processes, and the glacio-eustatic explanation for the second segment is the most attractive one available. Two highly simplified equations are developed, one describing each line segment. Use of these equations produces two interesting hypotheses: ( a ) total net isostatic rebound in the southern Appalachians due to erosional unloading, has been 500–600 m since later Pennsylvanian time; and ( b ) if glacio-eustatic events had not modified the isostatic curve, since Middle Miocene time, sea level would now stand at about +68 m.

Twenty-one species of mammals were excavated from the Hell Gap archeological site in southeastern Wyoming (altitud 1,525 m), containing strata from the Late Glacial (Hell Gap to Folsom occupation levels) and Postglacial periods (cultures above the Hell Gap occupation level). Three rodent species ( Marmota flaviventris, Citellus richardsonii , and Microtus montanus ) from the Late Glacial deposits do not presently exist in the Hell Gap region, but are found in the montane areas of Wyoming above 1,800 m ( Long , 1965). Their presence at the site during the Late Glacial is evidence supporting pollen-analytical studies which suggest that montane life zones may have existed 600 m below the present levels and that mean annual air temperatures averaged more than 3.5°C cooler than today. Suggestions are made in this paper for future mammalian ecological and paleoclimatic studies, in order that the short-term and small-scale climatic functuations which characterized the Postglacial Period can be distinguished, and that further corroboration of pollen studies can be made.

This paper deals with the observations made during field study of the sedimentary edges on the Eglab basement (Algerian Sahara). These observations provide more details on the glacial effects which concerned western Africa at beginning of the Paleozoic. The Eocambrian tillite is located with reference to other known glaciations of the Sahara. A stratigraphic section is given as an example: it proves the occurennce of continental glacial erosion and the presence of several different facies. Between the “Hank” and the “Tanezrouft” areas, other observations are: ( 1 ) erosion marks such as striated pavements, “roches moutonnees”, striated pebbles, … etc.; ( 2 ) the presence of several facies partly of glacial origin associated with tillite: moraines, outwash sands, microconglomeratic clays, carbonates, … etc. Some considerations are submitted on: petrographic variety, frequency of unstable elements, constant carbonated beds, deposits associated with the end of the glacial period, geographic distribution of different facies. Conclusion: the term “Eocambrian tillite” represents a geological formation which may contain genetically different facies. The interest of future detailed studies is pointed out at the scale of the glacial phenomenon: it should be useful for a better understanding of the palaeogeography and the structural configuration of an important part of Africa in Early Cambrian.

Seventeen borings for scientific purposes in the Great Hungarian Plain give us the possibility to study the development of the Pleistocene vegetation in the very middle of the European continent. Some of the borings which penetrated the complete Pleistocence sequence were very rich in fossils, especially in pollen grains. According to the pollen, the Pleistocene in the Hungarian Basin can be divided in 25 climatic cycles. The first seven cycles being on the whole warm-temperate, were ordered in the Lower Pleistocene; the next nine cycles form parts of the Middle Pleistocene and the eight following cool cycles belong to the Upper Pleistocene. The compositions of the forests and the non-arboreous vegetation in the Middle and Lower Pleistocene are exposed in details in the present paper.