X-ray analysis has actually led to the categorization of a previously-unidentified marine reptile fossil found in Edgeøya, Svalbard. The focus of this study is a fossil marine reptile whose remains are compressed and enclosed in shale. The authors also examined the mineralogy of fossils from this formation, recognizing multiple forms of sulfate minerals, notably consisting of sulfate baryte, which offers the fossils really high X-ray contrast, enabling for the high quality of radiographic imaging. Thus, this research study not only shows the utility of X-ray methods for studying these fossils, but likewise identifies conditions that can form fossils appropriate for these methods, in Svalbard and possibly in other places.
Picture of specimen PMO 219.250. Credit: Engelschiøn et al. PLOS ONE, CC-BY 4.0
New research study reveals that sulfur minerals that make fossils in the Norwegian archipelago are specifically appropriate to radiography.
X-ray analysis has led to the classification of a previously-unidentified marine reptile fossil discovered in Edgeøya, Svalbard. The research was just recently published in the journal PLOS ONE. The study, conducted by Victoria S. Engelschiøn of the University of Oslo and her group, recommends that this method could expose fresh insights about ancient life in the future.
The effectiveness of X-ray strategies in investigating well-conserved fossil remains is typically based on the condition of preservation, which can vary significantly across different sites. Through this research study, Engelschiøn and her group revealed that fossils from the Middle Triassic Botneheia Formation in Svalbard, Norway, are especially suitable for radiographic imaging.
A neglect of the Muen plateau as seen from the Muen mountain on Edgeøya, Svalbard. Credit: Sofie Bernhardsen, CC-BY 4.0
The focus of this study is a fossil marine reptile whose remains are compressed and enclosed in shale. Originally excavated in 2008, the identity of this fossil has actually because been debated.
The authors likewise examined the mineralogy of fossils from this development, recognizing multiple forms of sulfate minerals, especially including sulfate baryte, which provides the fossils extremely high X-ray contrast, enabling the high quality of radiographic imaging. The formation of these minerals is little understood but could be connected to conditions produced by ancient volcanic activity. Thus, this study not only shows the utility of X-ray strategies for studying these fossils, but also determines conditions that can form fossils well-suited for these strategies, in Svalbard and possibly in other places.
The authors add: “The rocks from Svalbard have lots of flattened marine reptiles. Our discovery of the exceptional X-Ray contrast implies that we can discover much more about these ancient predators than we formerly believed.”
Recommendation: “Exceptional X-Ray contrast: Radiography imaging of a Middle Triassic mixosaurid from Svalbard” by Victoria S. Engelschiøn, Aubrey J. Roberts, Ruben With and Øyvind Hammer, 31 May 2023, PLOS ONE.DOI: 10.1371/ journal.pone.0285939.