X-ray imaging reveals identity of 240-million-year-old marine reptile species

This species existed around 240 million years ago when Svalbard was mostly covered by water. The species sank to the ocean floor after death, where it was buried in mud and flattened over time due to the mud's weight. 

The authors highlight that radiographic imaging is ideal for studying the remains of fossil marine reptiles compressed and encased in shale rock. These fossils were recovered from the Middle Triassic Botneheia Formation of Svalbard in Norway.

“X-ray techniques can be very effective for investigating well-preserved fossil remains, but the utility of these techniques often depends on how fossils are preserved, which varies from site to site,” noted the official statement. Remarkably, some parts of the ancient creature were found intact in shale rock, which helped to settle the debate. 

In addition, the team studied the mineralogy of fossils from this formation after identifying the remains of this marine creature. The authors noted "multiple forms of sulfate minerals, notably including sulfate baryte, which gives the fossils very high X-ray contrast, allowing for high-quality radiographic imaging."

According to the team's official statement, little is known about these mineral formations, which are most likely related to ancient volcanic activity. 

“Thus, this study not only demonstrates the utility of X-ray techniques for studying these fossils but also identifies conditions that can form fossils well-suited for these techniques, in Svalbard and potentially elsewhere,” the team states. The authors further add: “The rocks from Svalbard are full of flattened marine reptiles. Our discovery of the exceptional X-Ray contrast means that we can learn much more about these ancient predators than we previously thought.”