Trace fossils and Palaeoenvironments in the Middle Cambrian at Äleklinta, Öland, Sweden

Abstract: The Middle Cambrian at Äleklinta, Öland, consists predominantly of a heterolitic sequence with interbedded shale and siltstone. The sediments were deposited in a westfacing marine bay by northeastern, sometimes reversing currents. Long periods of slow mud settling alternated with short periods of silt influx. Water depth was below wave base and stream-ripples, micro-ripples and occasional wave-ripples were formed. The contact to the superimposed stinkstone above is erosional. The ichnofauna is dominated by Teichichnus and Planolites. Other trace fossils are Cruziana, Rusophycus, Protichnites and Halopoa.