Vertebrate fossil diagenesis of the Leon Ravine accumulation (Lajedo de Soledade, Apodi, Rio Grande do Norte): insights on the fossilization from Quaternary deposits in Brazil

• Published in: Journal of Sedimentary Environments 2024-09, Vol.9 (3), p.525-537
• Main Authors: Prado de Oliveira Martins, Gustavo, de Araújo-Júnior, Hermínio Ismael, Costa dos Santos, Anderson, de Oliveira Porpino, Kleberson
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: cities; Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Environment; Evolutionary Biology; Geography; Sedimentology; towns; Urban Geography; Urbanism (inc. megacities
• ISSN: 2662-5571; 2447-9462
• DOI: 10.1007/s43217-024-00188-4

Caves and ravines are important features in karst environments, although studying fossil diagenesis in ravines remains less explored than in caves. This study aims to address this gap, examining the fossil diagenesis, depositional patterns, and paleoclimatological data, focusing on the Leon Ravine within the Lajedo de Soledade site in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Additionally, it compares these data with information from other preservational contexts in South America to elucidate the characteristics of fossilization and paleoclimate during the Quaternary period. The Leon Ravine experienced recurrent dry and flooding events, influencing the preservation of the original bone structures, particularly dependent on the timing of permineralization and recrystallization processes. Comparison with other data in South America revealed that carbonate permineralization and oxide replacement are the most common processes. Oxide permineralization is not as frequent but is especially common in osteocyte lacunae and canaliculi. Fractures are also common, but there are various mechanisms behind their formation. Evidence of humid and dry events is discernible across most locations, evidenced by distinct clues. These results reveal a large area in South America where consistent fossil-diagenetic and paleoclimatic conditions occur during the Quaternary.