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Until the late 20th century, the idea of identifying wildfires in deep time was not generally accepted. One of the basic problems was the fact that charcoal-like wood fragments, so often found in sedimentary rocks and in coals, were termed fusain and, in addition, many researchers could not envision wildfires in peat-forming systems. The advent of Scanning Electron Microscopy and studies on modern charcoals and fossil fusains demonstrated beyond doubt that wildfire residues may be recognized in rocks dating back to at least 350 million years. Increasing numbers of studies on modern and fossil charcoal assemblages from the 1970s through the 1990s established the potential importance of wildfires in the fossil record, using Carboniferous examples in particular. Since the 1990s, extensive progress has been made in understanding modern wildfires and their byproducts. New techniques to study ancient charcoals have allowed considerable progress to be made to integrate modern and ancient fire studies, both before and after the evolution of mankind. Four important developments have made a reassessment of Carboniferous wildfires necessary: the recognition of the role of atmospheric oxygen in controlling the occurrence of wildfire; the development of new microscopical techniques allowing more detailed anatomical data to be obtained from charcoal; the integration of molecular studies with the evolution of fire traits; and new developments in or understanding of post-fire erosion/deposition systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shallow-water carbonate rocks constitute a crucial component of large guyots, arising in distinct environments and harboring valuable insights into the evolutionary stages of seamount islands as well as the tectonic conditions of the underlying oceanic plate. Laser Ablation Multi-Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS) was used to conduct in situ U–Pb isotope dating of carbonate minerals with low uranium content collected from Weijia Guyot. This dating approach yielded crucial evidence for the vertical development of the seamount. Our study indicates that shallow-water carbonate rocks in Weijia Guyot had a temporal range between 91 My and 137 My. The carbonate rocks underwent two growth phases, Hauterivian to Barremian and Cenomanian to Turonian, with a hiatus of approximately 20 My. Since the Hauterivian age, the shield volcano of Weijia Guyot is essentially complete, with its seamount top exposed at or near sea level and receiving its first stage of shallow-water carbonate sedimentation. Based on the dating of both shallow-water carbonate rocks and hawaiite within the Weijia Guyot, it is inferred that approximately 10 My elapsed from shield-building volcanism to late alkalic volcanism. During the Turonian age, the main reason for the second phase of shallow-water carbonate rocks in the seamounts was the regional tectonic uplift triggered by the drift of the Weijia Guyot along with the Pacific Plate toward the Society hotspot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fang'an gold deposit in the Wuhe area, Anhui Province, is located in the area adjacent to the Bengbu Uplift and Wuhe Platform Depression in the southeastern part of North China. This study aimed to determine the deposit's mineralization age and the source of its metallogenic materials and mineralization processes through investigations into its geological characteristics, Rb–Sr isotopes, and S–Pb isotopes. The orebodies of the Fang'an gold deposit in the Neoarchean Xigudui Formation primarily exhibit a vein-type structure. The ore-forming process can be divided into four stages: (i) the quartz stage (Py1); (ii) the quartz–pyrite stage (Py2); (iii) the polymetallic sulfide stage (Py3); and (iv) the carbonate stage. Of these, the main mineralization stage is also the main period in which gold mineralization occurs. In situ sulfur isotope results of pyrite (Py1 to Py3) in the first three mineralization stages, suggesting a contribution of sulfur from crust–mantle magmatic fluids. The δ34S values for Py2 (average 5.51‰) are higher than Py1 (average 4.45‰) and showed that the magmatic fluids mixed with meteoric waters. The δ34S values for Py3 (average 5.18‰) are lower than Py2 (average 5.51‰), revealing that it related fluid immiscibility. The lead isotopic compositions of sulfides within the ores possessed 206Pb/204Pb ratios ranging from 16.759 to 16.93, 207Pb/204Pb ratios ranging from 15.311 to 15.402, and 208Pb/204Pb ratios ranging from 37.158 to 37.548. These lead data were plotted close to the Xigudui Formation, relatively distant from the Mesozoic granites, indicating that the Xigudui Formation was the source of lead for the Late Mesozoic ores of the deposit. Taken together, due to the degassing of mantle-derived magma in the shallow parts of the crust, it can be determined that the sources of ore-forming sulfur and lead were crust–mantle magmatic activities in the Wuhe area. Rb–Sr dating of pyrite from Fang'an gold deposit reveals that the mineralization occurred at 126.89 ± 0.58 Ma. Considering the previous research into the dating of magmatic rocks in the Wuhe area, we propose that the genesis of the Fang'an gold deposit is closely associated with magmatic activities in the area at around 130 Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Longshou Shan, located in western China, plays a crucial role in connecting the Tarim Continent with the North China Craton. It provides valuable insights into the Cenozoic intracontinental deformation, the complex dynamics of Eurasian tectonics, and the relationship between the pre-Cenozoic Tethys and Central Asian orogenic systems. Consequently, comprehending the evolution of the Phanerozoic era in this region holds immense significance. Zircon (U-Th)/He (ZHe) dating was conducted on three granite samples (n = 18) collected from the Longshou Shan. The ZHe dates of these granite rocks range from 7.2 to 517.7 Ma, showing a negative correlation with eU values. Furthermore, a limestone sample from the Longshou Shan yielded ZHe (n = 4) ages of 172.0–277.1 Ma and AHe (n = 4) ages of 17–111.9 Ma. The area has undergone complex tectonic processes involving multiple phases of uplift and burial. Using both forward and inverse modeling methods, we aim to establish plausible thermal histories. Our models reveal: (1) Late Paleozoic unroofing; (2) Early Mesozoic cooling and Late Mesozoic regional stabilization; and (3) Cenozoic reheating and subsequent cooling. By investigating the intricate thermal history of the Longshou Shan through multi-method modeling, we compare different approaches and assess the capabilities of single ZHe dating for understanding a thermal history. This research contributes to unraveling the region's geological complexities and aids in evaluating various modeling methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Qinling Mountain Range (QMR), where more than 500 hominin fossils and Paleolithic sites have been preserved, was a major center of hominin evolution and settlement and an important link for the hominin migration and dispersal between the north and the south during the Pleistocene in China. The rich culture remains and the related data make it possible and meaningful to study the characteristics and mechanisms of hominin occupation and dispersal in the region. This paper has summarized and analyzed the geographical distributions and chronologies of 55 dated hominin fossils and Paleolithic sites in the QMR to date. By combining them with the evidence from the loess–paleosol sequence, a relatively continuous and chronological sequence of hominin occupation and dispersal has been established, in which we have identified five stages, viz. ~before 1.2 Ma, the sporadic occurrence stage of early hominin occupation; ~1.2–0.7 Ma, the initial expansion stage; ~0.7–0.3 Ma, the stability and maintenance stage; ~0.3–0.05 Ma, the large-scale expansion stage; ~0.05–0.01 Ma, the sharp decline stage of the record of hominin occupation. We conclude that the environmental and ecosystem changes associated with the MPT drove early hominins to disperse southwards across the QMR. In addition, the evidence suggests that the hominin occupation and dispersal here was broadly continuous during both glacial and interglacial scales from early to late Pleistocene, and that the southern QMR provided a glacial refuge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Easternmost Mediterranean is a transition region from the ocean to the continent where the spreading and collision zones of the lithospheric plates join. The methodology of paleomagnetic mapping of the transition zones is based on combining geological and geophysical techniques for continental and oceanic platforms: magnetic data interpretation, paleomagnetic reconstructions, results of magnetized rock radiometric dating, satellite data analysis, tectonic–structural reconstructions, biogeographical studies, and utilization of different geophysical survey results. The satellite-derived gravity map reflects practically all significant tectonic units in the region, which assists us in the supposed paleomagnetic mapping. The satellite-derived and aeromagnetic maps with the tectonic features and the map of Curie discontinuity of Israel indicate the complexity of this region. Advanced magnetic data analysis supported by paleomagnetic data attraction and other geological–geophysical methods allowed the revealing of the block of oceanic crust with the Kiama paleomagnetic zone relating to the Early Permian age. A narrow reversely magnetized Earth crust block was revealed in the Lower Galilee. Some examples of advanced magnetic anomaly analysis are presented for several areas where the magnetization vector inclination is other than the modern direction: the Sea of Galilee, Carmel, Rosh-Ha-Ayin, Malqishon, and Hebron. In Israeli land, for the combined paleomagnetic mapping, the well-studied using paleomagnetic and radiometric methods (as well as tectonic–structural) areas were selected: (1) Makhtesh Ramon, (2) the Sea of Galilee with the adjoining zones, (3) Carmel, (4) Hula, and (5) Hermon. It is shown that the regional analysis of paleomagnetic data distribution played an essential role in detecting the influence of the recently recognized counterclockwise rotating mantle structure on the near-surface layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hymenophyllaceae (filmy ferns), with ca. 430 species, are the most species-rich family of early diverging leptosporangiate ferns but have a poor fossil record dating back to the Late Triassic period. Traditionally, Hymenophyllaceae comprise two species-rich genera or clades: Hymenophyllum (hymenophylloids) and Trichomanes sensu lato (s.l.) (trichomanoids). Unequivocal fossils of Hymenophyllum have been reported from the Early Cretaceous of central Mongolia and the early Eocene of Okanogan Highlands, Washington, USA. However, despite being a highly diversified lineage with an estimated 184 extant species, Trichomanes s.l. lack a definitive fossil record, which severely affects the reliability of the molecular dating of this group. Here, we report the first unequivocal fossil record of Trichomanes s.l. as T. angustum comb. nov. on the basis of fertile material with tubular involucres and long exserted receptacles from the mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber, Myanmar. This species was previously tentatively assigned to Hymenophyllites due to a lack of fertile evidence. Inferred to be an epiphytic fern, T. angustum further enriches the species diversity of the epiphytic palaeocommunities in the mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber, which are mainly composed of Porellalean leafy liverworts and Dicranalean and Hypnodendralean mosses. Fossil records indicate that Hymenophyllaceae probably originated in the tropical Pangea at the latest in the Triassic when all continents were coalesced into a single landmass and had already accumulated some notable diversity in low-middle latitude areas of Laurasia by the mid-Cretaceous period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strata in the Shita Mountain, Yunkai region, are predominantly composed of clastic rocks with intercalated limestones. However, the precise stratigraphic age remains uncertain due to the scarcity of fossils. Previously, conglomerate layers in this region were considered indicative of the Yunan Orogeny during the Cambrian–Ordovician transition. However, through the identification of 12 lithofacies types and 5 lithofacies combinations in the conglomerate layers of the Shita Mountain section, it has been confirmed that these layers represent a fan delta depositional environment characterized by debris flow, traction flow, torrent, and rock flow. Based on the presence of brachiopod fossils dating to the Early–Middle Ordovician, we propose a novel two-episode model for the Yunan Orogeny. The first episode corresponds to submarine fan deposition, while the second episode involves tectonic uplift and a short-term sedimentary hiatus. Further analysis of the detrital zircon provenance reveals a strong affinity among the Yunkai area, India, Antarctica, the Lhasa, the Himalayas, Southern Qiangtang, and Western Australia during the Early–Middle Ordovician transition under the Gondwana assemblage background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This archaeometric study aims at characterizing the archaeological finds belonging to the lithic industry from La Calvera rock shelter (Camaleño, Cantabria) and at hypothesizing the possible provenance of each material. The site, located in the mountainous area of Picos de Europa National Park (more than 1000 m a.s.l.) close to the megalithic complex of Peña Oviedo, is characterized by the presence of hearths and charcoal remains, ancient pottery, and a rich lithic assemblage composed of siliceous rocks dating back to >8000 BP and linked to the first Holocene occupations of the Cantabrian Mountains. For the study of the rock shelter's lithic assemblage, a multi-analytical approach was used: SEM-EDS and XRD analyses were performed to define the microtextural characteristics of samples and to identify the amorphous/crystalline phases; physical and mechanical tests were conducted to define the petrophysical properties (density, porosity, imbibition and saturation indexes, mechanical strength) of the samples. Preliminary data of chemical compositions, obtained by portable XRF, are also presented. The results show that the different siliceous materials (quartzite, cherts, hyaline quartz) can be distinguished through the basic analytical techniques used here. In addition, most of the archaeological samples have mineralogical and petrographic features similar to the natural samples coming from nearby outcrops, corroborating the hypothesis of a local material supply. The presence of local sources of useful raw materials could have favoured the site's occupation. Finally, the diverse compositional and textural feature of the analysed materials result in different mechanical properties (porosity, density, hardness, workability), so they likely had different uses and technical functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eumelanin, a macromolecule widespread in all the living world and long appreciated for its protective action against harmful UV radiation, is considered the beneficial component of the melanin family (ευ means good in ancient Greek). This initially limited picture has been rather recently extended and now includes a variety of key functions performed by eumelanin in order to support life also under extreme conditions. A lot of still unexplained aspects characterize this molecule that, in an evolutionary context, survived natural selection. This paper aims to emphasize the unique characteristics and the consequent unusual behaviors of a molecule that still holds the main chemical/physical features detected in fossils dating to the late Carboniferous. In this context, attention is drawn to the duality of roles played by eumelanin, which occasionally reverses its functional processes, switching from an anti-oxidant to a pro-oxidant behavior and implementing therefore harmful effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lichenometry, a method for dating rock surface exposure mainly in high latitudes and mountain environments, is based on estimates of lichen growth rates, but over the last 70 years it has been severely criticised. Its chief limitation is its questionable reliability due to three main problems: the species belonging to the Rhizocarpon subgenus, most often used by lichenometrists, are hard to identify; growth studies have highlighted the intrinsic variability of growth both seasonally and annually, with species sensitively responding to a wide range of environmental factors; and the same sensitive dependence also applies to the time taken for colonization on fresh rock surfaces. These problems cast doubt on many absolute dating studies and critics have suggested that, at best, the technique should only be used for relative dating. This paper provides guidance on identification procedures and suggests alternative dating methods based on lichen size-frequency distributions and cross-dating with other lichen species, thus avoiding reliance on a single species or support from other methods. With appropriate development, it is hoped that these approaches can provide a way forward that allows the technique to contribute more reliably to the dating of rock surfaces in regions where there are few other dating options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The family Cydnidae (so-called burrower bugs) contains 76 fossil species primarily assigned to two subfamilies, Amnestinae and Cydninae. Only five fossil species were undoubtedly classified within the subfamily Sehirinae. Eocenocydnus lisi, described from the Late Eocene of the Isle of Wight, United Kingdom, was also tentatively placed in this subfamily. All other burrower bug subfamilies have no described fossil species to date. To verify the systematic position of E. lisi within the family Cydnidae, a parallel, cross-eyed viewing method was used. It is the first case incorporating this method into insect fossil morphological studies. It allows the recognition of many more morphological details than directly viewing a two-dimensional flat image. The fossil burrower bug Eocenocydnus lisi described from the Late Eocene of the Isle of Wight, UK, is analysed using a parallel, cross-eyed viewing method. The species, tentatively placed in the subfamily Sehirinae, is redescribed and its systematic position is discussed. Newly recovered morphological characteristics allow it to be placed in the tribe Cydnini of the subfamily Cydninae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lushan Massif has been considered an extensional dome which represents a typical extensional structure in South China. However, the composition and structure of the Lushan Massif are still unclear. In this study, we identified the eastern detachment fault (EDF) for the first time. In addition, many sinistral strike-slip structures have also been recognized in the Lushan area, such as the Xingzi shear zone (XZSZ) and Lianhua shear zone (LHSZ). Detailed field observation and structural analysis revealed that the former sinistral faults are tectonic boundaries of the later Lushan extensional dome (LSED). The tectonic evolution sequence was established after the structural analysis combined with zircon U-Pb dating and mica 40Ar-39Ar dating of metamorphic rocks, veins, and intrusive rocks from the strike-slip fault and detachment fault. The Lushan Massif has undergone sinistral ductile shearing within 162–150 Ma. The LSED was then formed in an extensional tectonic setting from 140 to 114 Ma. Together with the regional geological setting, we believe that the sinistral strike-slip structures, represented by the XZSZ and LHSZ, are coeval with the Tanlu fault system and could be controlled by a transpressional stress field resulting from the subduction of the Pacific Plate. The LSED was formed in a back-arc extension setting resulting from the rollback of a subducted slab. The tectonic transition from compression to extension in the South China Block took place at 150–140 Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Urals is one of the reference mobile belts of the mafic type characterized by a wide development of ophiolites which are associated with numerous deposits of chromites of significant industrial importance. In this regard, the estimation of the age of the rocks of the ophiolite association will be useful for analyzing the regularities of the formation of chromite deposits. This work presented the results of age dating of the rocks of the chromite-bearing Kluchevskoy mafic–ultramafic massif, one of the most representative of all the ophiolite-type massifs in the Urals, by two isotopic methods. The U–Pb (SHRIMP-II, VSEGEI) dating of the zircon dominated assemblage from rocks of different composition of both crustal and mantle sections of the Kluchevskoy ophiolite massif yielded similar dates ranging from 456 to 441 Ma. The study of the composition of silicate inclusions in zircon grains of this assemblage showed that they are represented by typical metamorphic minerals: low-T amphibole, albite, and an epidote-group mineral. The P–T conditions of zircon crystallization established via the examination of the composition of minerals in these inclusions showed that the crystallization of the predominant fraction of zircons coincides in time with the lower epidote–amphibolite and upper green-schist facies metamorphism of rocks happening under the decompression conditions, i.e., during their exhumation from the deep crustal level (8–13 km). A small amount of zircons of late generation showed a wide spread in age (277.4–318.1 Ma). The time of their crystallization corresponds to the stage of metamorphism associated with the collision orogeny in the Ural mobile belt. The more ancient 147Sm–143Nd age of 514 Ma should be assumed as the formation time of the rocks (or its upper age boundary). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: The widely developed thrust structures in the Jingzhushan Formation of late Cretaceous in Nyima Basin are related to the collision which leads to orogeny between the Lhasa and Qiangtang blocks. Clarifying the tectonic properties of the Nyima Basin is of great significance to characterize the evolution of the collision between the Lhasa block and the Qiangtang block. (2) Methods: Combined with mineralogy and petrology and U-Pb zircon dating of extrusive rocks, a detailed magnetic fabric test and rock magnetic experiment were carried out on the red sandstones of the Late Cretaceous Jingzhushan Formation in Nyima Basin. (3) Results: The sedimentary magnetic fabrics developed at the three sampling locations in the southern part of the basin are related to paleocurrents. The strained magnetic fabrics developed at one sampling site in the north, including pencil-like fabrics and tensile linear fabrics, are related to SE-NW tectonic stress. The average magnetic susceptibility value of the strained fabric with sandstone is lower than that of the sedimentary fabric, and its size is controlled by mica paramagnetic minerals. Ferromagnetic minerals are magnetite or hematite. In addition, the age of sandstone in the Jingzhushan Formation from the Nyima Basin matches the age of the eruptive rock in the Jingzhushan Formation from Coqen Basin, which is 92 Ma. (4) Conclusions: The strained fabric is developed near the thrust fault, which can explain the widely developed thrust structures in the basin. The Nyima Basin of the Jingzhushan Formation in the Late Cretaceous was an ocean-continent transitional foreland basin developed under the background of arc-arc "soft collision". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the course of attempting to date the host rocks of Viburnum metal deposits from the US state of Missouri, the purpose was here a detailed examination and contribution of the constitutive minerals of glauconite-rich pellets to the isotopic dating of these deposits. The glauconite pellets of Cambrian sediments hosting metal concentrates were dated here by the K-Ar method to complement earlier published Rb-Sr data. The study confirmed that the preparation and purification step of such glauconite pellets is especially critical with the need for a specific cleaning step to not only remove the detrital counterparts but also all Sr-rich components occurring as accessory minerals such as the carbonates, sulfates and oxides that apparently "contaminated" the Rb-Sr results. The K-Ar data and the previously released Rb-Sr results obtained on strictly the same glauconite-rich separates outline clear age discrepancies that can be summarized by higher, "older" K-Ar age data at about 440, 415 and 390 Ma, and lower, "younger" Rb-Sr data at about 400 and 370 Ma. The glauconite separates of most samples being apparently not contaminated by various detrital K-rich crystals, the two dating methods should have been affected similarly. The analytical dispersion seems, then, to result from a diagenetic event that affected the Rb-Sr system more than the K-Ar system by a plausible addition/subtraction of one or several Sr-rich and Rb-poor and, therefore, K-poor minerals. In turn, the studied pellets were apparently impregnated after deposition by flowing metal-rich fluids in a low-temperature environment not affected by a significant thermal impact. The Bonneterre Formation acted apparently as a regional drain for metal-rich fluids that percolated throughout the region at a probable burial depth of less than 2000 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The easternmost Mediterranean is a distinct transition zone from the ocean to the continent located at the junction between the largest Earth's lithospheric segments: Eurasian and African. The methodology of paleomagnetic mapping of such transition zones is based on integrating the mapping techniques for both continental and oceanic platforms: paleomagnetic reconstructions, results of radiometric dating of magnetized rocks, tectonic-structural reconstructions, biogeography, and utilization of the results of various geophysical surveys. The geodynamic-paleomagnetic mapping makes it possible to reveal the multilevel structural heterogeneity and display complex elements of the geodynamics of different ages inherent in this transition zone. The region of northern Israel is the most complex area in the easternmost Mediterranean. For the combined paleomagnetic mapping, well-studied paleomagnetically and radiometrically areas were selected: (1) the Carmel area, (2) the Atlit area (internal part of the Carmel area), (3) the Sea of Galilee with the adjoining zones (primarily, the Kinnarot Valley), and (4) the area of the Hula Basin with adjacent areas of the Golan Plateau, Hermon Mt., and Galilea uplift. The constructed paleomagnetic profiles for the Carmel area (on the top of the accumulative surface of the Lower Cretaceous traps) and the Kinnarot Valley—Sea of Galilee—Hula Basin, evidently indicate the complex history of the paleogeodynamic evolution of the region. These studies demonstrate the effectiveness of paleomagnetic mapping integrated with paleomagnetic profiles crossing these geologically complex areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tianshui-Sunjiaxia area is located in the connection zone of West Qinling Orogen and North Qilian Orogen, which could provide great insights into the amalgamation processes between the northern and southern blocks of China. Three subduction- and rift-related rocks gneissic granite from North Qilian arc-interarc belt (NQAI) granite and metabasalt from North Qinling back-arc basin (NQBA) are distinguished across the connection zone. The gneissic granite was generated by melts from older crustal materials of Longshan Group with the addition of a relatively juvenile basaltic source from the lower crust during the collision process. The Liwanxincun metabasalt reflects the mixing of the partial melting of the shallow asthenospheric mantle and the metasomatized mantle in a back-arc extension setting. The LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating of gneissic granite (068, 069) yields crystallization ages of 457.0 ± 1.6 Ma and 445.9 ± 2.1 Ma. The study area is divided into six tectonic units in Early Paleozoic time involving NQAI (Yanjiadian-Xinjie) continental arc, interarc rift basin (Maojiamo-Xiwali), continental arc (Chenjiahe-Wangjiacha); NQBA back-arc rift basin (Huluhe-Hongtubao), island arc and ophiolitic melange belt (North Qinling-Shangdan). A tectonic model is proposed in which the NQAI continental arc (Yanjiadian-Xinjie) might represent the early period of subduction of North Qilian Ocean (NQO) and the interarc rift is the product of the extension triggered by southward subduction of NQO. The ongoing subduction of NQO then leads to the formation of Chenjiahe-Wangjiacha continental arc, as well as the Hongtubao back-arc spreading ridge in NQBA back-arc basin (Huluhe). The tectonic evolution of the connection zone is closely associated with the closure of the North Qilian Ocean and North Qinling-Shangdan Ocean in the context of the convergence process of micro-continental blocks, including North China block, Longshan group and North Qinling Terrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Dates obtained by optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) of rock artefacts and the underneath soils were shown to be in very good agreement with the archeological evidence. Highly satisfying results contribute to the understanding of a megalithic sanctuary. Ossimo-Pat megalithic sanctuary (Valle Camonica, BS, Italy) is one of the most relevant archaeological findings of the southern alpine region, for the variety of its structures and the quality of its engraved monoliths. Its unique state of preservation gives the opportunity to apply the luminescence dating of the rock surface method. Here, we investigate the use of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) for dating five cobbles from the site and compare cobble-surface derived ages to quartz OSL ages from sediments and to archaeological evidences. The obtained ages confirm the archaeological studies and open the way to a new hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although an increasing number of studies are combining skeletal and neural morphology data in a phylogenetic context, most studies do not include extinct taxa due to the rarity of preserved endocasts. The early Eocene avifauna of the Fur Formation of Denmark presents an excellent opportunity for further study of extinct osteological and endocranial morphology as fossils are often exceptionally preserved in three dimensions. Here, we use X-ray computed tomography to present additional material of the previously described taxon Scandiavis mikkelseni and reassess its phylogenetic placement using a previously published dataset. The new specimen provides novel insights into the osteological morphology and brain anatomy of Scandiavis. The virtual endocast exhibits a morphology comparable to that of modern avian species. Endocranial evaluation shows that it was remarkably similar to that of certain extant Charadriiformes, yet also possessed a novel combination of traits. This may mean that traits previously proposed to be the result of shifts in ecology later in the evolutionary history of Charadriiformes may instead show a more complex distribution in stem Charadriiformes and/or Gruiformes depending on the interrelationships of these important clades. Evaluation of skeletal and endocranial character state changes within a previously published phylogeny confirms both S. mikkelseni and a putative extinct charadriiform, Nahmavis grandei, as charadriiform. Results bolster the likelihood that both taxa are critical fossils for divergence dating and highlight a biogeographic pattern similar to that of Gruiformes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphology and nomenclature are essential issues of botany, in which both extant and fossil plant taxa follow the same nomenclature code. Devonian (419.2–358.9 Ma) herbaceous lycopsid Barsassia, one of the earliest coal-forming plants in geological history, possesses a characteristic, easily recognized, step-like stem and has been thought to be an index fossil for dating and correlating the Middle Devonian strata, especially those in the paleoblocks of Siberia, Kazakhstan, Xinjiang, and North China. Here, we systematically study the Devonian lycopsid Barsassia in terms of its morphology and nomenclature, based on the new materials from the Middle Devonian Hujiersite Formation of West Junggar, Xinjiang, China, and the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Shenzhen Code). Barsassia ornata is determined as the type species of the genus, and a neotype is designated for that name. Barsassia ornata consists of fan- or rectangular-shaped leaves with awl-shaped or finger-like distal tips. Its leaves are pseudo-whorls and imbricately arranged on the stem surface forming distinct step-like structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Contrary to traditional views, fossil bones have been shown to occasionally retain original cells, blood vessels, and structural tissues that are still comprised, in part, by their original proteins. To help clarify how such remarkable preservation occurs, we explored the fossilization history of a famous Tyrannosaurus rex specimen previously shown to yield original cells, vessels, and collagen protein sequences. By analyzing the trace element composition of the femur of this tyrannosaur, we show that after death its carcass decayed underwater in a brackish, oxic, estuarine channel and then became buried by sands that quickly cemented around the bones, largely protecting them from further chemical alteration. Other bones yielding original proteins have also been found to have fossilized within rapidly-cementing sediments in oxidizing environments, which strongly suggests that such settings are conducive to molecular preservation. Many recent reports have demonstrated remarkable preservation of proteins in fossil bones dating back to the Permian. However, preservation mechanisms that foster the long-term stability of biomolecules and the taphonomic circumstances facilitating them remain largely unexplored. To address this, we examined the taphonomic and geochemical history of Tyrannosaurus rex specimen Museum of the Rockies (MOR) 1125, whose right femur and tibiae were previously shown to retain still-soft tissues and endogenous proteins. By combining taphonomic insights with trace element compositional data, we reconstruct the postmortem history of this famous specimen. Our data show that following prolonged, subaqueous decay in an estuarine channel, MOR 1125 was buried in a coarse sandstone wherein its bones fossilized while interacting with oxic and potentially brackish early-diagenetic groundwaters. Once its bones became stable fossils, they experienced minimal further chemical alteration. Comparisons with other recent studies reveal that oxidizing early-diagenetic microenvironments and diagenetic circumstances which restrict exposure to percolating pore fluids elevate biomolecular preservation potential by promoting molecular condensation reactions and hindering chemical alteration, respectively. Avoiding protracted interactions with late-diagenetic pore fluids is also likely crucial. Similar studies must be conducted on fossil bones preserved under diverse paleoenvironmental and diagenetic contexts to fully elucidate molecular preservation pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mushgai Khudag complex consists of numerous silicate volcanic-plutonic rocks including melanephelinites, theralites, trachytes, shonkinites, and syenites and also hosts numerous dykes and stocks of magnetite-apatite-enriched rocks and carbonatites. It hosts the second largest REE–Fe–P–F–Sr–Ba deposit in Mongolia, with REE mineralization associated with magnetite-apatite-enriched rocks and carbonatites. The bulk rock REE content of these two rock types varies from 21,929 to 70,852 ppm, which is much higher than that of syenites (716 ± 241 ppm). Among these, the altered magnetite-apatite-enriched rocks are characterized by the greatest level of REE enrichment (58,036 ± 13,313 ppm). Magmatic apatite from magnetite-apatite-enriched rocks is commonly euhedral with purple luminescence, and altered apatite displays variable purple to blue luminescence and shows fissures and hollows with deposition of fine-grained monazite aggregates. Most magmatic apatite within syenite is prismatic and displays oscillatory zoning with variable purple to yellow luminescence. Both magmatic and altered apatite from magnetite-apatite-enriched rocks were dated using in situ U–Pb dating and found to have ages of 139.7 ± 2.6 and 138.0 ± 1.3 Ma, respectively, which supports the presence of late Mesozoic alkaline magmatism. In situ 87Sr/86Sr ratios obtained for all types of apatite and calcite within carbonatite show limited variation (0.70572–0.70648), which indicates derivation from a common mantle source. All apatite displays steeply fractionated chondrite-normalized REE trends with significant LREE enrichment (46,066 ± 71,391 ppm) and high (La/Yb)N ratios ranging from 72.7 to 256. REE contents and (La/Yb)N values are highly variable among different apatite groups, even within the same apatite grains. The variable REE contents and patterns recorded by magmatic apatite from the core to the rim can be explained by the occurrence of melt differentiation and accompanying fractional crystallization. The Y/Ho ratios of altered apatite deviate from the chondritic values, which reflects alteration by hydrothermal fluids. Altered apatite contains a high level of REE (63,912 ± 31,785 ppm), which are coupled with increased sulfur and/or silica contents, suggesting that sulfate contributes to the mobility and incorporation of REEs into apatite during alteration. Moreover, altered apatite is characterized by higher Zr/Hf, Nb/Ta, and (La/Yb)N ratios (179 ± 48, 19.4 ± 10.3, 241 ± 40, respectively) and a lack of negative Eu anomalies compared with magmatic apatite. The distinct chemical features combined with consistent Sr isotopes and ages for magmatic and altered apatite suggest that pervasive hydrothermal alterations at Mushgai Khudag are most probably being induced by carbonatite-evolved fluids almost simultaneously after the alkaline magmatism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phyllodocida is a clade of errantiate annelids characterized by having ventral sensory palps, anterior enlarged cirri, axial muscular proboscis, compound chaetae (if present) with a single ligament, and of lacking dorsolateral folds. Members of most families date back to the Carboniferous, although the earliest fossil was dated from the Devonian. Phyllodocida holds 27 well-established and morphologically homogenous clades ranked as families, gathering more than 4600 currently accepted nominal species. Among them, Syllidae and Polynoidae are the most specious polychaete groups. Species of Phyllodocida are mainly found in the marine benthos, although a few inhabit freshwater, terrestrial and planktonic environments, and occur from intertidal to deep waters in all oceans. In this review, we (1) explore the current knowledge on species diversity trends (based on traditional species concept and molecular data), phylogeny, ecology, and geographic distribution for the whole group, (2) try to identify the main knowledge gaps, and (3) focus on selected families: Alciopidae, Goniadidae, Glyceridae, Iospilidae, Lopadorrhynchidae, Polynoidae, Pontodoridae, Nephtyidae, Sphaerodoridae, Syllidae, Tomopteridae, Typhloscolecidae, and Yndolaciidae. The highest species richness is concentrated in European, North American, and Australian continental shelves (reflecting a strong sampling bias). While most data come from shallow coastal and surface environments most world oceans are clearly under-studied. The overall trends indicate that new descriptions are constantly added through time and that less than 10% of the known species have molecular barcode information available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Fossil click beetles from the family Elateridae are frequent in Mesozoic deposits, especially in Russia and China. In order to understand their relationship to extant species, we need to search for evolutionary important characters that unite these dinosaur-era beetles with extant forms. We show that about one third of the identifiable click-beetles described from Mesozoic Chinese deposits are in fact members of other related families. Our results strengthen the view that these beetle groups are significantly older than often assumed, being present in the Early Jurassic. This is an important result as it indicates that molecular studies based on modern species do not replace paleontology—both are needed, even in the future. Recent molecular studies have suggested that the clicking beetle families Elateridae, Eucnemidae, Throscidae, and Cerophytidae evolved in the Jurassic and diversified in the Cretaceous. These studies paid little attention to fossils, using them only as dating tools. The identification of Elateridae fossils is challenging, as external synapomorphies are not known for this family. Elateridae can be identified only as something not belonging to the other related families, all of which have diagnostic synapomorphies. Most subfamilies and tribes of Elateridae do possess definite diagnostic characters, however, making their identification feasible. We checked the 28 Elateridae described from Chinese Mesozoic deposits. Twelve were Elateridae, seven were Eucnemidae, and one was a Throscidae. Three species could be Eucnemidae, but showed aberrant characters. Five species could not be placed and may not belong to Elateroidea at all. On the basis of these results we suggest that all previously described Elateridae fossils should be re-checked. They should be searched for synapomorphies defining Eucnemidae, Throscidae, and Cerophytidae. If such characters are not present, a click beetle type of fossil can be placed in Elateroidae incertae sedis. The Mesozoic Chinese Elateridae fossils all belong to clades that do not exist today, whereas the Mesozoic Eucnemidae subfamilies are extant ones. This may be the source of the disagreement between Elateridae fossil age and datings based on molecular studies. One new combination was made: Desmatus ponomarenkoi (Chang, Kiretjshuk & Ren, 2009) NEW COMBINATION (= Paradesmatus ponomarenkoi Chang, Kirejtshuk & Ren, 2009). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a geological review and results of the structural, metamorphic, and geochronological studies of the Pechenga frame outcrops located in the NW part of the Central-Kola terrain and the Ingozero massif outcrops situated in the northeastern part of the Belomorian mobile belt of the Kola Region (NW Baltic Shield). As a result of the work, the deformation scales and ages of the geological processes at the Neo-Archaean–Paleoproterozoic stage of the area's development were compiled, and the reference rocks were dated. The petrochemical and geochemical characteristics of the Ingozero rocks are similar to those of tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite (TTG) complexes established on other Archaean shields. The isotope U–Pb dating of individual zircon grains from the biotite gneisses provided the oldest age for magmatic protolith of the Ingozero gneisses, which is 3149 ± 46 Ma. Sm–Nd model ages showed that the gneisses protolite initial melt formed at 3.1–2.8 Ga. Ages of metamorphic processes were determined by using isotope U–Pb dating ID TIMS (isotope dilution thermal ionization mass spectrometry): Biotite gneisses—2697 ± 9 Ma; amphibole–biotite gneisses—2725 ± 2 Ma and 2667 ± 7 Ma; and biotite–amphibole gneisses 2727 ± 5 Ma. Ages of granitoids, which cut the deformed gneisses, are 2615 ± 8 Ma and 2549 ± 31 Ma for plagiogranites and pegmatoid veins in gneisses, respectively. The following age sequence of geological processes was established by using U–Pb zircon dating: 2.8 Ga—The time of the garnet–biotite gneiss metamorphism; 2722 ± 9 Ma—The granodiorite crystallization time; 2636 ± 41 Ma—The aplite emplacement age and 2620 ± 16 Ma—The age of pegmatites origin, which marked final stages of the Archaean evolution; 2587 ± 5 Ma—The age of gabbros emplacement and 2507 ± 7 Ma—The age of gabbros metamorphism; 2522–2503 Ma—The origin time of the iron quartzite interpreted as the age of gabbros and biotite gneiss metamorphism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present coupled textural observations and trace element and geochronological data from metasomatic monazite and zircon, to constrain the timing of high-grade Na-metasomatism (albitization) of an Archean orthogneiss in southwest Montana, USA. Field, mineral textures, and geochemical evidence indicate albitization occurred as a rind along the margin of a ~3.2 Ga granodioritic orthogneiss (Pl + Hbl + Kfs + Qz + Bt + Zrn) exposed in the Northern Madison range. The metasomatic product is a weakly deformed albitite (Ab + Bt + OAm + Zrn + Mnz + Ap + Rt). Orthoamphibole and biotite grew synkinematically with the regional foliation fabric, which developed during metamorphism that locally peaked at upper amphibolite-facies during the 1800–1710 Ma Big Sky orogeny. Metasomatism resulted in an increase in Na, a decrease in Ca, K, Ba, Fe, and Sr, a complete transformation of plagioclase and K-feldspar into albite, and loss of quartz. In situ geochronology on zoned monazite and zircon indicate growth by dissolution–precipitation in both phases at ~1750–1735 Ma. Trace element geochemistry of rim domains in these phases are best explained by dissolution–reprecipitation in equilibrium with Na-rich fluid. Together, these data temporally and mechanistically link metasomatism with high-grade tectonism and prograde metamorphism during the Big Sky orogeny. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]