Brian Platt
Assistant Professor Of Geology & Geological Engineering of Geology and Geological Engineering
Phone Number: (662)915-5440
Email: bfplatt@olemiss.edu
https://sites.google.com/a/go.olemiss.edu/bfplatt/

Key Words: geology, sedimentary geology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, paleontology, ichnology, paleopedology, paleoenvironments, paleoclimate

Research Description: My interests encompass a broad background in sedimentary geology with extensive training in ichnology. Placing biogenic sedimentary structures within their larger sedimentological and environmental contexts drives my research in multiple avenues, all united by the theme of applying innovative methodologies and technologies to quantitatively reconstruct paleoenvironments and paleoclimates. The main focus of my research is field-based investigations into lateral and temporal patterns in continental trace-fossil assemblages and associated sedimentological and geochemical proxy data. I also enjoy supplementing trace-fossil studies with results from bioturbation experiments with modern organisms.

Some past and current research projects include:

• Studying the paleoenvironmental and chronostratigraphic context of a large dinosaur track site in southwestern Arkansas
• Studying the foraging pits constructed locally by armadillos, in terms of aiding interpretations of trace fossils and evaluating impact on modern soils
• Studying the paleoenvironmental and chronostratigraphic context of trace fossils in the Ogallala Formation in western Kansas, including well-preserved ant-nest fossils.
• Integrating sedimentary geology and trace fossils to interpret deposits of the Morrison Formation in Wyoming and Utah

Honors Theses:

Gratzer, Michael Charles (2016) Paleosol Development and Trace Fossils in the Upper Triassic Cooper Canyon Formation of the Dockum Group in Andrews County, Texas. (full text)