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Exceptional X-Ray contrast: Radiography imaging of a Middle Triassic mixosaurid from Svalbard
Victoria S Engelschiøn1, Aubrey J Roberts1,2, Ruben With3
1Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
Plos One
|May 31, 2023
Summary
Exceptional X-ray contrast in Triassic vertebrate fossils from Svalbard is due to sulphide and sulphate mineralization. This mineralization, including sphalerite and baryte, aids detailed anatomical study and taxonomic classification of ichthyosaurs.
Area of Science:
- Paleontology
- Geochemistry
- Mineralogy
Background:
- The Middle Triassic Botneheia Formation in Svalbard is rich in vertebrate fossils, notably ichthyosaurs.
- Fossil preservation varies, impacting the level of anatomical detail observable.
- Previous studies have identified bivalve beds and ichthyosaur remains in these formations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the exceptional X-ray contrast in vertebrate fossils from the Muen Mountain, Edgeøya.
- To analyze the mineralization processes responsible for the enhanced radiographic properties.
- To refine the taxonomic classification of the ichthyosaur specimen PMO 219.250.
Main Methods:
- Radiography imaging of fossil specimen PMO 219.250.
- Identification of mineral phases through petrographic and geochemical analyses.
- Comparative analysis of mineralization in Triassic and Jurassic specimens from Svalbard.
Main Results:
- Exceptional X-ray contrast is attributed to combined sulphide (sphalerite, pyrite) and sulphate (baryte) permineralisation and pseudomorphing.
- Radiography revealed previously unseen anatomical details in PMO 219.250, including carpals, teeth, and skull sutures.
- Specimen PMO 219.250 is referred to Phalarodon, likely P. atavus, based on dental and cranial characters.
- Mineralization processes differed between Triassic (permineralised and pseudomorphed by baryte with sphalerite) and Jurassic (baryte only) specimens.
- Lithology influenced compaction in Triassic fossils, while early baryte emplacement preserved Jurassic specimens' 3D shape.
Conclusions:
- The mineralization process, involving sulphur-rich fluids and barium, significantly enhances fossil visibility and preservation.
- This mineralization provides a level of detail comparable to famous pyritised fossil sites globally.
- Understanding these processes aids in the taxonomic identification and paleoenvironmental reconstruction of Svalbard's Mesozoic marine fauna.
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