Preliminary assessment of the use of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) in conodonts

Perez-Huerta, A., Cusack, M. and Mendez, C.A. (2012) Preliminary assessment of the use of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) in conodonts. Lethaia, 45(2), pp. 253-258. (doi: 10.1111/j.1502-3931.2011.00277.x)

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Abstract

Conodonts are extensively used as ‘geochemical tools’ in palaeoenvironmental reconstructions in Palaeozoic and Triassic strata. The retention of a primary geochemical signal is substantially dependent on the ultrastructural integrity and crystallinity after diagenesis. Direct assessments of the preservation potential of the polycrystalline matrix are scarce with the exception of the application of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The possible application of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) is introduced for well-preserved Pennsylvanian platform conodont elements as a novel in situ technique based on successful previous results for biogenic carbonates. EBSD shows the presence of no diffraction in central regions of all studied elements of Idiognathodus and Adetognathus, with possible implications for geochemistry analysis. The absence of diffraction could be attributed to the existence of an amorphous phase, water (+OH) or a process of hypocalcification related to the development of ‘growth cavities’ in the lamellar crown tissue. Overall results indicate the suitability of using EBSD to extract crystallographic information from conodonts and potentially for other apatite (micro-) fossils.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Cusack, Professor Maggie
Authors: Perez-Huerta, A., Cusack, M., and Mendez, C.A.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences > Geography
Journal Name:Lethaia
Publisher:Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
ISSN:0024-1164
Published Online:20 June 2011

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