Sedimentary Phosphate Method for Estimating Paleosalinities: A Paleontological Assumption

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Abstract
Paleosalinity values in certain rocks determined by the sedimentary phosphate method differ from salinity estimates based upon contained fossil assemblages, geochemical methods, and existing stratigraphic controls. Some anomalous values are related to the abundance of fossil organisms known to be concentrators of calcium phosphate. Because of the abundance and diversity of organisms which might introduce significant errors into paleosalinity estimates, the sedimentary phosphate method seemingly is of limited applicability.