Mystery ancient marine reptile from Svalbard identified through X-ray analysis.

X-ray analysis of a previously-unidentified marine reptile fossil from Svalbard, Norway has enabled its classification as the ichthyosaur species Phalarodon atavus. The Middle Triassic Botneheia Formation of Svalbard is particularly well-suited to radiographic imaging due to the high X-ray contrast provided by sulfate minerals, notably sulfate baryte. The formation of these minerals is little understood, but could be linked to conditions created by ancient volcanic activity. This study demonstrates the utility of X-ray techniques for studying fossils and identifies conditions that can form fossils well-suited for these techniques, in Svalbard and potentially elsewhere.