Temporal Conundrum: The Age of Trace Fossils from Osian, Western Rajasthan, India

ABSTRACT The Cambrian-aged trace fossils were found in hillock sections near Osian, which are part of the Jodhpur Group of rocks of the Marwar Supergroup in western Rajasthan, India. These trace fossils are preserved on top of the bedding plane of the brick red coloured sandstone/siltstone, and mark the first occurrence of Treptichnus pedum, Rusophycus isp., Planolites isp, Planolites annularis, cf. Oldhamia recta, Dimorphichnus isp., horizontal burrows, and trail marks, which have been instrumental in shedding light on the integrated paleoenvironment and biological activities. Despite the considerable importance of Cambrian trace fossils, the exact temporal placement of the horizon containing these trace fossils remains a topic of significant debate in the present study. The stratigraphic architecture of the Marwar basin and the ongoing temporal issue have both been discussed in the present study. Thus, even if this study is still in its early phase, it is important and deserves attention.