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A new trace fossil from the Cambrian Bright Angel Shale, Grand Canyon, Arizona

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 July 2015

David K. Elliott  and
Daryl L. Martin
David K. Elliott
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, Box 6030, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff 86011
Daryl L. Martin
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, Box 6030, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff 86011
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Abstract

Angulichnus alternipes n. ichnogen. and n. ichnosp. is a distinctive epichnial trail from the heterolithic facies of the Middle Cambrian Bright Angel Shale at Horn Creek, Grand Canyon, Arizona. It consists of a central zig-zag furrow bordered by biserially opposed alternating tracks. Though clearly formed by a benthonic arthropod, the trail cannot be attributed to a trilobite and is therefore important as an indicator of the presence of nontrilobite arthropods in the Bright Angel Shale. It is suggested that an arthropod similar to Habelia optata from the Burgess Shale would be a convincing trail-former. Sedimentologic analysis indicates that the heterolithic facies represents storm-induced deposition of sand, followed by a low-energy period during which traces were formed as mud settled to the bottom.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Paleontology , Volume 61 , Issue 4 , July 1987 , pp. 641 - 648
Copyright
Copyright © The Paleontological Society 

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