ENHANCED RESOLUTION OF THE PALEOENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES OF THE SILURIAN BRASSFIELD FORMATION

The Silurian Period was a unique time of global reef building and divergence of species. The erratic environment of the Ordovician transitioned into a more stable, hospitable climate that led to new marine habitats and diversification of invertebrate fauna. These new habitats and invertebrate species were ultimately recorded in the Brassfield Formation, which is a well preserved unit exposed in southwestern Ohio. Past research has highlighted the Brassfield Formation as a key resource to understanding the paleoenvironment and species success of the Silurian. This research will enhance past studies by applying innovative paleohistologic techniques used most commonly today on vertebrate bones and teeth. The field of histology routinely uses standard chemical staining procedures necessary to detect abnormalities in human tissue. These procedures have been adapted with much success to interpret the life history recorded in the growth bands of dinosaur bones. Corals and stromatoporoids of the Silurian Period also demonstrate bands of growth history indicative of the environment in which they lived. This research will build on the past successes of paleohistologic staining, as well as incorporate techniques that apply to fossilized invertebrates. It is expected this research will promote a deeper understanding of the Silurian paleoenvironment, the success of the reef fauna, and the processes by which the Brassfield Formation came to be preserved.