The Souss lagerstatte of the Anti-Atlas, Morocco: discovery of the first Cambrian fossil lagerstatte from Africa

Episodic low oxygenated conditions on the sea-floor are likely responsible for exceptional preservation of animal remains in the upper Amouslek Formation (lower Cambrian, Stage 3) on the northern slope of the western Anti-Atlas, Morocco. This stratigraphic interval has yielded trilobite, brachiopod, and hyolith fossils with preserved soft parts, including some of the oldest known trilobite guts. The Souss fossil lagerstatte (newly proposed designation) represents the first Cambrian fossil lagerstatte in Cambrian strata known from Africa and is one of the oldest trilobite-bearing fossil lagerstatten on Earth. Inter-regional correlation of the Souss fossil lagerstatte in West Gondwana suggests its development during an interval of high eustatic levels recorded by dark shales that occur in informal upper Cambrian Series 2 in Siberia, South China, and East Gondwana.

Automated summary

Episodic low oxygen levels on the sea floor in the upper Amouslek Formation in Morocco are believed to have led to exceptional preservation of animal remains, including some of the oldest trilobite guts. The Souss fossil lagerstatte represents the first Cambrian fossil lagerstatte in Africa and is among the oldest trilobite-bearing fossil lagerstatten on Earth. The inter-regional correlation of the Souss fossil lagerstatte in West Gondwana indicates its development during a period of high eustatic levels documented in dark shales in Siberia, South China, and East Gondwana.