Studies dealing with the colonization window typically emphasize two major features: duration (short term vs. long term) and frequency of colonization (episodic vs. continuous). However, our understanding of tide-influenced meander loops requires consideration of an additional feature, the architecture of the colonization window, which comprises not only the spatial dimension and geometry of the colonization surface, but also its evolution through time. Tide-influenced meander-loop systems show a heterogeneous trace-fossil distribution that reflects the variety of processes operating along the point-bar and overbank colonization surfaces. Ichnofabric analysis of tide-influenced meander-loop deposits from the Upper Cretaceous Tremp Formation (Pyrenees, Spain) provides valuable insights into the sedimentary and ichnological dynamics of these marginal-marine systems and allows the importance of stratal geometry controlling the colonization window to be evaluated. Six ichnofabrics are identified in point bars and associated overbank deposits. These ichnofabrics differ in bioturbation index (e.g., higher in the upper part than the lower-middle parts of point bars), preservation of primary sedimentary fabric (typically preserved in the lower-middle parts of point bars), inferred behavior and trophic types (e.g., dominance of dwelling or feeding structures in the lower-middle and upper parts of point bars, respectively), and other features such as depth of penetration, ichnotaxonomic composition, presence or absence of root trace fossils and/or mottling, or number of superimposed suites. The key environmental factor controlling the nature and distribution of ichnofabrics is the morphology of the point-bar lateral-accretion surfaces and their evolution through time. The architecture of the colonization window is here linked to the helicoidal flow and discharge changes in meandering channels, and the successive development of lateral accretion units with time.

Microbially induced sedimentary structures (MISS) are abundant in Ediacaran and lower Cambrian successions. However, the relationship between MISS distribution and facies has not been thoroughly explored in Ediacaran–Cambrian successions in South America. This study documents the occurrence of MISS and other potential biogenic structures from the late Ediacaran Serra de Santa Helena Formation in the Bambuí Group of eastern Brazil. This unit overlies the Cloudina-bearing Sete Lagoas Formation and is a mixed carbonate-siliciclastic succession devoid of macroscopic body fossils. Potential microbial structures include wrinkled structures such as “elephant-skin” and Kinneyia-like textures, as well as pustular structures and abundant positive epirelief discoidal structures. Another putative biogenic structure is a mm-wide meandering groove resembling a simple locomotion trail of a small vagile benthic metazoan. Microbial surface textures (i.e., “elephant skin” and Kinneyia-type wrinkles) were mainly observed in heterolithic deposits, usually at the interface between sandstone and siltstone/shale. On the other hand, discs show a facies-independent distribution, observed in heterolithic as well as carbonate and marl deposits. Petrographic analyses of these discs suggest that they have complex origins and some of them may be diagenetic structures. Thus, while facies may have strongly controlled the preservation of MISS-related structures and textures in the Serra de Santa Helena Formation, their abundance and diversity in tidal flat deposits indicate the wide distribution of matgrounds in these shallow marine paleoenvironments. Also, we demonstrate how detailed description and classification of simple features, such as discoidal structures, is an important task for paleoenvironmental reconstruction of marine ecosystems at the Ediacaran–Cambrian transition when the microbially bounded substrates played important roles in the dynamics of coastal environments.

The sedimentary environments and redox conditions of the Lower Triassic Osawa Formation in the Southern Kitakami Terrane were reconstructed based on lithofacies, trace fossils, and other paleontological content. The muddy and sandy lithofacies of the Osawa Formation lack evidence of storm waves despite the presence of storm-induced turbidites, suggesting that the oldest deposits of the Osawa Formation were deposited in the proximal part of the outer shelf. In turn, water depth increased from the lower to upper part of the formation, ultimately recording the distal part of the outer shelf. In addition to sandy lithofacies caused by turbidity and traction currents, multiple sandy layers within the muddy lithofacies would have originated via supply into the prodelta setting from a fan delta system. Collapses of the delta front or river system floods could have generated hyperpycnal flows, resulting in abundant supplies of mud and organic matter. Trace fossil analyses revealed that the degree of bioturbation (ichnofabric indices) dramatically decreased as water-depth increased, indicating a steep oxic-dysoxic gradient along the onshore-offshore transect. Diagenetic pyrite framboids indicative of dysoxic/anoxic benthic conditions are abundant at greater water depths. Abundant pyrite framboids less than 6 µm in diameter suggest intermittent euxinicity. With an increase in global weathering, abundant sediment supply including organic matter from the fan delta system could have contributed to the development of ocean redox stratification, which appears to have impacted on the adaptation of both nektic and benthic animals of this area during the Early Triassic.