Theses and Dissertations

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7305-5370

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Clary, Renee M.

Committee Member

Nagel, Athena O.

Committee Member

Schmitz, Darrel

Committee Member

Phillips, George

Date of Degree

12-13-2024

Original embargo terms

Visible MSU only 2 years

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Campus Access Only

Major

Geoscience (Geology)

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Department of Geosciences

Abstract

This study focused on the paleontological characterization of upper Cretaceous deposits present at a lime quarry in Clay County, Mississippi. The quarry has been in operation for several decades, but no formal research has been conducted in the locality. Thus, the aims of this project were to conduct a complete stratigraphic, biostratigraphic, and paleontologic analysis of the site to contribute to the record of natural and geologic history represented in the outcrop belt of the Demopolis Formation. Findings indicate the site was a shallow marine, outer shelf setting that underwent multiple rhythmic clastic dilution cycles. It supported a diverse benthic community with a nektonic presence as well. Current data strongly suggests the section represents a depositional period that occurred roughly 75 million years ago and lies broadly between the mid to upper intervals of the Demopolis Formation, likely in the upper to uppermost portion of the Muldrow member.

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