Geology, geography and global energy

Scientific and Technical Journal

BALTIC AMBER INDICATORS OF TERRESTRIAL GEOLOGICAL SETTING IN PALEOGENE NORTHERN EUROPE DURING

2020. №1, pp. 154-162

Smirnova Anna V. - Kaliningrad Regional Amber Museum, smirnit@gmail.com

Based on the study of the inclusions in Baltic amber there have been identified groups of indicators of geological setting in paleocoenosis of the amber forest in the late Eocene. The identification relies on data on modern animal ecology presented in Baltic amber and data on incomplete organic inclusions (pollen, stellate hairs of the oak, detritus), including trace fossils (coprolites). The following indicators have been identified: climatic environment, seasonality, paleo - landscape (dominant and rare biotopes), prevailing types of lakes, taxonomic composition and forest stratification, grazing and detritus food chains. The analysis of the identified markers has made it possible to attempt the paleontological reconstruction of biogeocoenosis of the “amber forest”. The forest was a mixed coniferous - broad - leaved community that grew in a warm, seasonal climate. The main biotopes were shady and very wet forest areas, rich in decaying organic matter, mostly dead woods. The landscape was abundant in slow - moving and standing lakes. Detritus food chains have been identified as prevailing.

Key words: балтийский янтарь, эоцен, включения беспозвоночных, ископаемые организмы, «янтарный» лес, индикация среды, биогеоценоз, реконструкция палеосреды, палеоклимат, сезонность, Baltic amber, Eocene, invertebrate inclusions, fossils, amber forest, bioindication,

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