| title: | Stratigraphical, sedimentological and palaeobiological significance of frequency patterns of Early Palaeozoic microfossils. Case studies from the Baltic region |
|---|---|
| reg no: | ETF5920 |
| project type: | Estonian Science Foundation research grant |
| subject: |
1.10. Geology |
| status: | accepted |
| institution: | Institute of Geology at Tallinn Technical University |
| head of project: | Olle Hints |
| duration: | 01.01.2004 - 31.12.2007 |
| description: | Quantitative data have extensive use in palaeoecology but may also contribute to a better understanding of environments and deposition regime, palaeobiology and stratigraphy. Frequency patterns of Early Palaeozoic microfossils are nevertheless seldom studied, especially regarding comparison and analysis of several different groups in a detailed temporal and spatial framework. Continuous deposition, low thermal and tectonic alteration, richness and excellent preservation of fossils and long study history make the Baltic region a superb test-field for detailed quantitative palaeontological analysis. Through a series of integrated case studies in the Ordovician and Silurian of Estonia and neighbouring countries, quantitative data on chitinozoans, conodonts, vertebrates, scolecodonts, ostracods and other microfossils will be obtained using common sections and sampling techniques. Temporal and spatial distribution patterns will be studied using K-bentonites and other precise time markers as stratigraphic background. The data will be analysed statistically and compared with rock properties reflecting characteristics of palaeoenvironment. The project is expected to: (1) elaborate and test common and statistically valid sampling and analysis methodology; (2) elucidate frequency dynamics of different taxonomic groups, relationships between them, and between the biota and the environment; (3) learn to make a distinction between time and facies change; (4) provide a basis for, or reject the stratigraphic usability of recurrent "zonules"; (5) draw conclusions on the formation and completeness of Baltic sedimentary record and extend these results beyond the study area; (6) interpret possible causes of microfossil frequency changes that have no obvious reflections in the sedimentary record; (7) provide a data set that is open for further tests and analysis by other palaeontologists and geologists. |
| project group | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| no | name | institution | position | |
| 1. | Olle Hints | Institute of Geology at Tallinn Technical University | senior researcher | |
| 2. | Peep Männik | TTÜ GI | vanemteadur | |
| 3. | Tiiu Märss | TTÜ GI | vanemteadur | |
| 4. | Viiu-Kai Nestor | TTÜ GI | ||