Trace fossils and their relationship to the sediment in the Beacon supergroup

The trace fossils in Devonian age sediments of the Lower Beacon supergroup were observed and measured to determine their relationship to sediment. Although they are not age diagnostic, the trace fossils give many significant clues as to the type of environment in which the animals lived since a change in the type of trace fossil indicates a change in conditions, even though the sediment remains the same. The trace fossils include vertical, sheetlike, septate burrows which tend to weather out as ribbon-like structures on the surface of sandstone beds (Heimdallia chatwini). Arthropod trackways (Diplichnites) and other trace fossils were also studied. Many photographs and measurements were taken. The areas visited included Mt. Fleming, the Heimdall Glacier region and Plane Table in the Asgaard Range, Table Mountain near the Ferrar Glacier, and Mt. Crean in the Skelton neve.