Trace Fossil Analysis

Trace fossils record the behavior of animals at the very spot where they lived millions of years ago. Their growing interest derives from the intimate connection between ichnology and sedimentology and their combined relevance for paleoenvironmental reconstructions, basin analysis, and petroleum exploration.

This definitive textbook by a renowned field observer and analyst of trace fossils concentrates on the most distinctive examples, mostly made by infaunal invertebrates in originally soft sediments. It covers the whole geologic column and ranges from deep-sea to shallow-marine and continental environments. Seilacher's Trace Fossil Analysis is designed to foster interpretative skills using the author's own iconic drawings. They are thematically grouped in 75 plates that form the core for the descriptive text and annotated references. A glossary of ichnological terms is also provided.

From the reviews:

"This book is arranged in 15 chapters, covering topics in ichnology (the study of trace fossils). It is designed as a course book … . The text is essentially a set of extended captions for the plates, along with 43 unnumbered photographs. … is an excellent resource for teachers of paleontology and sedimentology. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students through professionals." (M. A. Wilson, CHOICE, Vol. 45 (2), 2007)

"Many books on trace fossils have been published in this decade. But Adolf Seilacher’s book is like none of them. … It is intense and detailed and clearly written. … this book is made for serious students of ichnology of all ages and stages. It is superbly organized, superbly illustrated, a treasure trove of knowledge and understanding – understanding of how trace fossils work and what they can tell us. … Photographs of outstanding specimens are scattered at key positions through the book." (Richard G. Bromley and Jesper Milan, Geological Magazine, Vol. 145, 2008)

"Trace Fossil Analysis, which grew out of courses … gave at Tübingen University, offers an excellent introduction to his approach. … contains a number of new illustrations and the text is sprinkled with fresh insights and thoughts. … an indispensable aid to anyone teaching trace fossils at the university level. … will be cherished by ichnologists, even though they already know what to expect. … handy to nonspecialists, who may not have the time, wish, or opportunity to track down Seilacher’s original Publications … ." (Sören Jensen, Science, Vol. 322, November, 2008)

"Trace Fossil Analysis is a must-buy for the personal libraries of all geologists and paleontologists interested in fossil behavior, trace fossils, and the development of the understanding of modern ichnology as seen through the eyes and mind of the person who created this science. … Finally, this text should stimulate young andnot-so-young minds … luring future generations of scientists into the study of ichnology, where there is still much to learn and understand." (Stephen T. Hasiotis, EOS, Vol. 90 (20), May, 2009)

Born in 1925, Professor Adolf Seilacher studied in Tübingen under Otto H. Schindewolf. He has taught in Frankfurt, Baghdad, Göttingen, Baltimore, and Tübingen, and has been Adjunct Professor at Yale University since 1987. In 1992, the Swedish Academy of Science awarded him the Crafoord Prize, established for fields not covered by the Nobel Prize. Professor Seilacher, perhaps the world’s most acknowledged expert in the field of trace fossils, is also known for his contributions to morphology and structuralism, biostratinomy, exceptional preservation and Ediacaran biota.