A recent study published in the journal PLOS ONE has unveiled the identification of a previously unknown marine reptile fossil using X-ray analysis. Researchers from the University of Oslo, led by Victoria S. Engelschiøn, utilized radiography to categorize the fossil, which was discovered in Edgeøya, Svalbard. The findings suggest that this innovative method has the potential to provide further insights into ancient life.
The success of X-ray techniques in examining well-preserved fossils largely depends on the condition of preservation, which can vary across different locations. Engelschiøn and her team demonstrated that fossils from the Middle Triassic Botneheia Formation in Svalbard, Norway, are particularly suitable for radiographic imaging.
The focal point of the research is a compressed marine reptile fossil enclosed in shale. It existed approximately 240 million years ago when Svalbard was submerged in an ocean. After its demise, the creature sank to the seafloor and was buried in mud, eventually becoming significantly flattened over time. Initially unearthed in 2008, the identity of this fossil has been the subject of debate. However, X-ray imaging unveiled previously unknown details, including distinct characteristics of the skull and teeth, leading researchers to conclude that this reptile most likely belongs to the ichthyosaur species Phalarodon atavus.
Additionally, the authors examined the mineralogy of fossils from this formation, identifying various sulfate minerals, notably sulfate baryte, which imparts the fossils with high X-ray contrast, enabling high-quality radiographic imaging. The exact process behind the formation of these minerals remains poorly understood, but it could be linked to conditions created by ancient volcanic activity. Therefore, this study not only showcases the efficacy of X-ray techniques for studying such fossils but also sheds light on the conditions conducive to the formation of fossils suitable for these techniques, both in Svalbard and potentially elsewhere.
The authors emphasize, “The rocks from Svalbard are replete with flattened marine reptiles. Our discovery of exceptional X-ray contrast means that we can glean far more information about these ancient predators than we previously believed.”
Reference: “Exceptional X-Ray contrast: Radiography imaging of a Middle Triassic mixosaurid from Svalbard” by Victoria S. Engelschiøn, Aubrey J. Roberts, Ruben With, and Øyvind Hammer, 31 May 2023, PLOS ONE.
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285939
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Radiography techniques
What is the significance of the research mentioned in this article?
The research mentioned in this article is significant because it utilized radiography techniques to identify a previously unidentified marine reptile fossil. This discovery provides fresh insights into ancient life and demonstrates the effectiveness of X-ray analysis in studying well-preserved fossils.
Where was the marine reptile fossil discovered?
The marine reptile fossil was discovered in Edgeøya, Svalbard, an archipelago in Norway.
How old is the marine reptile fossil?
The marine reptile fossil is estimated to be around 240 million years old, dating back to the Middle Triassic period.
What species does the identified marine reptile fossil belong to?
Based on the X-ray imaging and analysis, researchers concluded that the marine reptile fossil most likely belongs to the ichthyosaur species Phalarodon atavus.
Why are fossils from the Botneheia Formation in Svalbard suitable for radiographic imaging?
Fossils from the Middle Triassic Botneheia Formation in Svalbard, Norway, are particularly suitable for radiographic imaging due to the presence of sulfate minerals, especially sulfate baryte. These minerals enhance X-ray contrast, enabling high-quality radiographic imaging.
What does the discovery of exceptional X-ray contrast mean for studying ancient marine reptiles?
The discovery of exceptional X-ray contrast in fossils allows researchers to gain more detailed information about ancient marine reptiles. This breakthrough offers the potential to learn more about these ancient predators than previously thought possible.
What are the potential implications of this research beyond Svalbard?
This research not only showcases the utility of X-ray techniques for studying fossils in Svalbard but also identifies the conditions that can lead to the formation of fossils well-suited for these techniques. These findings could potentially be applied to other locations, providing valuable insights into ancient life elsewhere.
More about Radiography techniques
- PLOS ONE: Exceptional X-Ray contrast: Radiography imaging of a Middle Triassic mixosaurid from Svalbard
- University of Oslo: Victoria S. Engelschiøn
- Edgeøya, Svalbard: Official Website
- Middle Triassic: Wikipedia
- Ichthyosaur: Encyclopedia Britannica
- X-ray imaging: RadiologyInfo
