Trace Fossils and Marine Benthic Oxygenation

Benthic oxygenation strongly influences the character of infaunal communities and the ichnofabrics they produce in marine mud substrates. Trace fossil diversity and size parameters (burrow diameters, vertical penetration depths) provide the basis for recognizing oxygen-related ichnocoenoses, the stratigraphic distribution of which can help reconstruct temporal changes and spatial gradients in paleo-oxygenation. Although the trace fossil approach has some limitations and can be further refined, ichnologic proxies for benthic oxygenation can be applied effectively towards a better understanding of paleoceanographic conditions in ancient basins and the hydrocarbon-source potential of marine mudrocks deposited therein.