Time-Stratigraphic Reconstruction and Integration of Paleopedologic, Sedimentologic, and Biotic Events (Willwood Formation, Lower Eocene, Northwest Wyoming, U.S.A.)

Authors

Thomas M. Bown, U.S. Geological Survey
Mary J. Kraus, University of Colorado

Date of this Version

1993

Comments

Published in PALAIOS, Vol. 8, No. 1 (Feb., 1993), pp. 68-80.

Abstract

Relative paleosol maturities are inversely proportional to the accumulation rates of the sediment upon which they formed, and are therefore excellent relative indicators of how much geologic time elapsed between any two horizons. An empirically-based model is advanced using paleosol maturities to estimate the relative geologic time separating any stratigraphic levels within the lower Eocene Willwood Formation. The revised Willwood time stratigraphy from this analysis helps evaluate the nature, tempo, and possible causes of three major episodes of mammalian appearance and disappearance. These faunal events are directly correlated with certain aspects of paleosol evolution in the Willwood Formation. That evolution is tied directly to climatic changes and to varying sediment accumulation rates in response to tectonism.