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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 65 (1981)

Issue: 5. (May)

First Page: 1016

Last Page: 1016

Title: Otoliths of Brightseat Formation (Danian) of Maryland: ABSTRACT

Author(s): Jeanne Travisono

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

Otoliths are calcareous secretions accumulated within the auditory chambers of bony fishes. Resting on the sensitive inner lining of the chambers, the otoliths vibrate in response to sound waves and changes in position of the fish.

Fossil otoliths are commonly the only record of ancient fish fauna. They are generally distinctive of taxa to generic level and have good potential as biostratigraphic tools and paleoenvironmental indicators of significant sensitivity.

Otoliths range in size from less than 1 to 5 mm. They are common microfossils in Tertiary Atlantic and Gulf coastal plain sediments, including the Danian Brightseat Formation of Maryland. This study is the first attempt to classify the otoliths in the Brightseat.

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Copyright 1997 American Association of Petroleum Geologists