Microfossils from the Dabis Formation (Nama Group), Ediacaran: paleoenvironmental and biostratigraphic implications.

• Grant number: 23/07995-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2023
• Status: Discontinued
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences - Geology
• Principal Investigator: Juliana de Moraes Leme Basso
• Grantee: Karina Castaldello Mazzamuto
• Host Institution: Instituto de Geociências (IGC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/21577-9 - MICROFOSSILS FROM THE DABIS FORMATION (NAMA GROUP), EDIACARAN: PALEOENVIRONMENTAL AND BIOSTRATIGRAPHIC IMPLICATION, BE.EP.IC

Abstract

A study on Ediacaran microfossils from the Dabis Formation, Nama Group, is proposed here. The general objective of this study is to advance our understanding of the paleobiology, paleoenvironmental distribution and biostratigraphic potential of microfossils from the late Ediacaran of the Nama Group. The specific objectives of this work are: a- to describe and identify the microfossils present in the Dabis Formation (Nama Group) and b- to compare the microfossil associations of the Dabis Formation with those of other Ediacaran units in Brazil, in order to establish the paleoenvironmental conditions and its potential for biostratigraphic correlations. For this, it is essential to characterize the morphology and composition of the microfossils, which will be done using microscopy methods (optical, electronic scanning and confocal laser scanning) and spectrometry (Raman and energy dispersive X-rays), in addition to the use of palynomorphic techniques for the separation of microfossils. This project is part of the International Continental Drilling Project (ICDP): "GRIND- Geological Research through Integrated Neoproterozoic Drilling", whose objective is to explore several coordinated actions, such as geochemical, geochronological, sedimentary and paleontological studies combined with high resolution and multiple proxy of sedimentary successions spanning the Ediacaran and Cambrian periods to assess connections between local and global changes in seawater chemistry with the evolution of the biosphere. Regarding paleontology, the challenge is to understand the nature and triggers of the evolution of life during the Neoproterozoic, which began with simple eukaryotic microorganisms and emerged with the diverse oxygenated ecosystems and complex multicellular life during the Ediacaran-Cambrian. Therefore, this study will allow a better understanding of the paleodiversity and paleoenvironment of the Dabis Formation and will help to establish biostratigraphic relationships and paleoenvironmental conditions that preceded the "Cambrian Explosion".