Older than the Dinosaurs: Amazing Permian Tetrapod and Insect Tracks from central Germany

The middle to late Permian Hornburg Formation (Fm) (Saxony-Anhalt, Germany) unveils a complete fan- and playa-system and its biota, which is rarely preserved in central Europe. The successions represent an exceptional window into the continental environments and biotas of the Euramerican Permian Pangean palaeoequatorial northern trade wind zone. In September 2022 and 2023, excavations (ca. 60 m2) in the NE corner of the abandoned “Quarry Held”, Wolferode (Upper Hornburg Fm), unearthed a variety of well-preserved trace fossils (more than 65 excavation boxes) including tetrapod trackways, tetrapod scratch marks (probably swimming traces), insect trackways, insect body imprints, jellyfish imprints and microbially induced sedimentary structures. The scientific documentation included the generation of photogrammetric 3D models of fossils and the whole excavation site. The fossil-bearing strata is approximately 6 m thick and includes laminated silt and clay stones; intercalated sandstone channels show internal cross bedding structures, and on the bottom desiccation crack fillings, ice crystal casts, flute casts and/or load casts. The trace fossil content of these dry evaporitic red beds is exceptional on a worldwide scale and is much-needed for the Permian tetrapod biostratigraphy. It will also add to the interpretation of ancient food chains and environments. The excavation will be continued in 2024 and is open for volunteers.