| Title | In situ Modelling of conodonts using x-ray micro-tomography |
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| Author | Gadd, M G ; Peter,
J M; Gaidies, F; Gouwy, S |
| Source | Explore no. 174, 2017 p. 22 |
| Links | Online - En ligne
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| Image |  |
| Year | 2017 |
| Alt Series | Earth Sciences Sector, Contribution Series 20160424 |
| Publisher | Association of Applied Geochemists |
| Document | serial |
| Lang. | English |
| Media | paper; on-line; digital |
| File format | pdf |
| Province | Yukon |
| Area | Peel River |
| Subjects | metallic minerals; paleontology; conodonts; biostratigraphy; mineralization; fossil distribution, strata; fossil morphology; fossil descriptions |
| Illustrations | photomicrographs |
| Program | Targeted Geoscience Initiative (TGI-4) Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide Ore Systems |
| Released | 2017 03 01 |
| Abstract | The understanding of whether or not the multiple Ni-Mo-Zn-PGE mineralized showings and prospects that are exposed over several hundred kilometers in the Yukon, Canada are part of a single
time-stratigraphic layer would have major exploration implications for this style of mineralization. A new method for imaging condont elements reported here may provide age constraints for these mineralized shales. Conodont elements are feeding
apparatuses of eel-like marine vertebrates comprised of the mineral hydroxylapatite (but commonly altered to fluorapatite during diagenesis). They are widespread throughout Paleozoic strata and are commonly used as index fossils for Paleozoic epochs.
We have identified, during optical microscopic examination of polished thin sections, the presence of abundant conodont elements within Devonian-aged hyper-enriched black shale (HEBS) Ni-Mo-Zn-PGE deposits in the Yukon Territory, Canada, that were
previously overlooked. These conodont elements may provide key information on regional biostratigraphic correlation of the geographically widespread mineralized layer. Correct identification of conodont subspecies requires documentation of 3D
morphology, but extraction of conodont elements from indurated shales is typically problematic and requires the use of harmful, environmentally deleterious reagents (e.g., hydrofluoric acid). The conodont elements are very delicate and physical and
chemical extraction methods may fracture or destroy ornamentation. Our previous attempts at extraction using electric pulse disaggregation resulted in the destruction of these microfossils. However, recent advances in high-energy x-ray micro-computed
tomography allow detailed, ultra-high-resolution (5 micron), 3D models of the conodont elements inside intact rock samples (Fig. 1) to be constructed. Such models could potentially be used to identify key conodont subspecies, which are typically
confined to narrow zones within Paleozoic epochs and thus provide age constraints for the HEBS layer that are currently lacking. High-energy x-ray micro-computed tomography has other important use application to support mineral exploration. For
example, these methods can be used to image indicator minerals to characterize surface textures and determine distance of transport from source. |
| Summary | (Plain Language Summary, not published)
This short technical note outlines a method used to obtain in situ microfossil images. These images can be used to place age constraints on the
rocks. |
| GEOSCAN ID | 299856 |
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