Examination of the unique preservation and identification of enigmatic fossil tree specimens from Nova Scotia
Date
2025-04
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Abstract
The geological and paleobotanical history of Nova Scotia is rich and diverse. Sites such
as the Joggins Fossil Cliffs and the Sydney Coal Mines have been studied extensively, but
studies on fossil tree specimens from other localities are lacking. This study examines two
mineralized tree specimens from the Carboniferous Period, one preserved in marine gypsum
from Miller Creek (Gypsum Tree - NSM022GF16.1) and one preserved in fluvial deposits from
Cheticamp (Cheticamp Tree - NSM024GF22.1). Both specimens share a similar external
morphology, which this study aims to examine with the following questions: 1) identify the
specimens based on their vascular anatomy, 2) determine if they are taxonomically related, and
3) conduct a mineral analysis to determine the process of mineralization. An extensive literature
review was conducted to determine applicable taxonomic groups and modes of preservations.
Transverse and longitudinal thin sections were taken of both specimens, and were examined
using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The Gypsum Tree has well
preserved cell structures with pycnoxylic cell bands showing signs of soft tissue, mineralogical,
and structural deformation. The Cheticamp Tree has poorly preserved cells in pycnoxylic cell
bands and extensive mineralogical deformation, resulting in nodular growth around fragmented
permineralized nuclei. Scanning electron microscopy results show that the Gypsum Tree is
composed primarily of CaCO3 with pyrite inclusions. The Gypsum Tree is composed primarily
of iron-rich dolomite with a small pocket of exquisitely preserved cells in a SiO2 inclusion.
Based on the pycnoxylic arrangement of the secondary xylem, both specimens have been
identified as belonging to the order Cordaitales. The Gypsum Tree was likely transported from a
near-shore environment to a shallow marine depositional system before being buried and
mineralized in marine gypsum. The Cheticamp Tree likely underwent moderate decomposition
before being buried in an anoxic brackish environment, which facilitated the mineralization of
dolomite nodules. In conclusion, this study found that the two fossilized tree specimens were
taxonomically related, both belonging to the order Cordaitales. They were deposited in two
different paleoenvironments, and underwent different levels of soft tissue, mineralogical, and
structural deformation as they were mineralized.
Keywords: fossil wood, Carboniferous, Nova Scotia, taphonomy, cordaites
Description
Earth and Environmental Sciences Undergraduate Honours Thesis