A paleopedologic and ichnologic perspective of the terrestrial Pennsylvanian landscape in the distal Appalachian Basin, U.S.A.

Response of Soils and Soil Ecosystems to the Pennsylvanian–Permian Climate Transition in the Upper Fluvial Plain of the Dunkard Basin, Southeastern Ohio, USA

“…The direct exposure of soils to the atmosphere during formation makes paleosols an indispensable tool in the reconstruction of paleoclimate [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. However, soil formation is not exclusively influenced by climate; it is also a function of organisms, topography, parent material and time [1].…”

“…This variability necessitates the distinction of the products of both autogenic and allogenic processes within the soil system in order to accurately identify paleoclimate signatures. Lateral and vertical variation in paleosols identified in small-scale studies (<1 km) can be compared to evaluate the average response of soils and their ecosystems to allogenic processes over time, i.e., [6,7]. The small-scale study approach yields high resolution data normally not available from studies involving outcrops spread over larger geographic areas.…”

“…The small-scale study approach yields high resolution data normally not available from studies involving outcrops spread over larger geographic areas. Small-scale studies are vital for understanding paleosols because lateral changes in hydrology, local topography, sediment source area, proximity to channels, and organisms all affect the physical and chemical composition of soils and soil organisms [6].…”

Examining Local Climate Variability in the Late Pennsylvanian Through Paleosols: An Example from the Lower Conemaugh Group of Southeastern Ohio, USA

“…The stratigraphy of the northern portion of the Appalachian basin records climatic shifts from tropical ever-wet to sub-tropical conditions marked by moderate to strong seasonality often with significant dry periods during the deposition of the Late Pennsylvanian Conemaugh Group [1][2][3][4][5]. Paleosols have the potential to be excellent tools in the reconstructions of terrestrial paleoenvironments and paleoclimate due to the fact that they formed in direct exposure to climatic and related environmental conditions [6].…”

“…The types of nodules present, horizon depth, as well as color and chemical variations within mottles allow for a more accurate interpretation of moisture conditions as well as the occurrence of or length of wet versus dry seasons and mean annual precipitation [6,9,11]. Fossils are extremely useful in understanding the paleoenvironmental, paleoecological, and paleoclimatic conditions but taphonomic processes limit body fossil preservation overall [5]. Since body fossil preservation is rare within these types of environments, the utilization of trace fossils is especially important in environmental interpretations.…”