Excavating burrowers exert an overwhelming influence on many sedimentary sequences throughout the Phanerozoic. Burrow excavation processes coupled with subsequent storm infilling of open burrow networks results in (1) obliteration or transformation of precursor sequences, (2) subsurface generation of depositional facies and stratification and (3) production of preserved depositional fabrics and faunal assemblages that are not a direct reflection of either precursor facies or the surficial depositional conditions, textures and fabrics. Analysis of affected sedimentary sequences using traditional stratigraphic, sedimentologic and paleoecologic principles will produce misleading interpretations of paleoenvironmental conditions and sequnce evolution. This project will characterize the nature, extent and rate of modification in affected modern sequences and develop and test criteria for recognition and reevaluation of affected ancient sedimentary sequences. The carbonate shelf, lagoonal and mudbank environments of south Florida will serve as study areas for the modern portion of this research program. Application to ancient sequences will use limestone lagoonal, shelf, mudbank, and mound deposits of the Lower Cretaceous of Texas, Pennsylvanian of Kansas and the Mississippian of New Mexico. Results will affect the environmental interpretation of ancient rock sequences and the assessment of their hydrocarbon potential.
