2007 GSA Denver Annual Meeting (28–31 October 2007)

Paper No. 10
Presentation Time: 11:00 AM

VERTEBRATE TRACKS AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE AT THE MAMMOTH SITE (LATE PLEISTOCENE) OF HOT SPRINGS SOUTH DAKOTA


FALKINGHAM, Peter, Palaeontology Research Group, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Williamson Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom, MANNING, Phillip L., School of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, The University of Manchester, Williamson Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13, 9PL, United Kingdom, AGENBROAD, Larry D., Profesor Emeritus Geology Department, Northern Arizona University; Director, Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, SD, PO Box 692, Hot Springs, SD 57747, THOMPSON, Kristine M., Mammoth Site of Hot Springs South Dakota, PO Box 698, 1800 Truck Route 18, Hot Springs, SD 57747 and SCHNEIDER, John M., Geology and Geological Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, 501 E. St. Joseph Street, Rapid City, SD 57701, phil.manning@manchester.ac.uk

The Mammoth Site is a hydrogeologic trap of Pleistocene fauna. The locality represents a site of death, decomposition, and depositional entombment of a population of Columbian mammoths and 82 other identified species.

Previous research in the late Pleistocene sediments at the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, South Dakota has yielded only footprints that are inferred to be proboscidean, which is in stark contrast to the comparatively large number of vertebrate fossils found. We report here the discovery of numerous avian tracks, considerably expanding the paleontological database for vertebrates at the Mammoth Site.

Tracks inferred to be proboscidean occur throughout laminated sediments and are apparent in cross section. Excavation techniques traditionally cut across the bedding planes as fossils are exposed. Excavation was conducted along bedding planes in the center section of the sinkhole, exposing multiple layers of track bearing mudstones. Vertebrate tracks and trackways affirm the sedimentological conditions were sufficient in this area for footprint preservation, although many tracks may represent undertracks. Further investigation and excavation along bedding planes should yield more information about the fauna of the Mammoth Site.