Paleo Lab

Christopher McRoberts

Chris McRoberts

  • Distinguished SUNY Professor
  • Research Associate (American Museum of Natural History)
  • Research Associate (Binghamton University)

PhD (1994) Syracuse University

Bowers Hall, Rm. 1010, Voice: (607) 753-2925
mcroberts@cortland.edu

Curriculum Vitae

Teaching:

Research Interests:

My research interests mainly reside in the following three areas:

  • Paleobiology and paleoecology of bivalve molluscs
  • Diversity and extinction of Early Mesozoic marine invertebrate faunas
  • Biochronology of Triassic bivalve molluscs

One of my main areas of research focuses on the patterns and causes of the end-Triassic mass extinction, one of the five largest throughout the history of life. Funded by National Science Foundation grants which supports field work and research training for SUNY Cortland undergraduate students on the well preserved faunas in Austria and Italy. This interdisciplinary research combines systematic paleontology and paleoecology of bivalved molluscs, with geochemical and paleoecological analyses.

Another of my on-going projects, funded in part by the Petroleum Research Fund of the American Chemical Society and by previous National Science Foundation grants, is to examine large-scale trends in bivalve biodiversity through the marine Triassic. This research has taken me to collect fossil bivalve mollusks from the marine Triassic of many western states, Canada and Mexico and across Europe. Understanding which extrinsic or intrinsic factors may have influenced the changes in bivalve diversity through the North American Triassic provides critical information on the adaptive radiation following the largest of all mass extinctions at the end of the Permian. This research actively involves undergraduate students in all aspects of the field and laboratory work.

A small part of a very diverse and exquisitely preserved silicified fauna from the Upper Triassic (Norian) of southeast Alaska. Bivalves (on left side) represent many new taxa and contribute significantly to total taxonomic richness known from the Norian stage. From McRoberts (2017).

A third aspect of my professional interest is in the establishment and refinement of the geological timescale for the Triassic Period. In this regard, I am past Secretary General of the Subcommission on Triassic Stratigraphy (STS). Under the auspicies of the International Commission on Stratigraphy and the International Union of Geological Sciences, the STS is the international governing body that is working to define the various subdivisions (ages) of the Triassic Period.  The STS also publishes a journal, Albertiana, for which I am currently the Editor-in-Chief. Related to the establishement of a refined time-scale for the Triassicis my research involving the biochronology and systematic paleontology of Triassic thin-shelled bivalves belonging to the genera Daonella, Halobia, and Monotis.

Temporal ranges of biochronologically important thin-shelled pteriomorphian and pectinacean bivalve genera during the middle and upper Triassic.

 

Select Publications:

(see here for complete list)

  • Caruthers, A.H., Marroquin, S., Groke, D., Golding, M., Them, T., Trabucho-Alexandre, J., Veenma, Y., Owens, J., McRoberts, C., Friedman, R., Trop, J., Szucs, D., Palfy, J., Benjamin, G., Aberhan, M., and Rioux, M. 2022. New evidence for a long Rhaetian from a Panthalassan succession (Wrangell Mountains, Alaska) and regional differences in carbon cycle perturbations at the Triassic-Jurassic transition. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, vol. 577, p. 1-14. [pdf]

  • McRoberts, C., Blodgett, R., and Bird, K. 2021. Middle and Upper Triassic bivalve biostratigraphy of the Shublik Formation from the Tenneco Phoenix #1 well, offshore central North Slope, Arctic Alaska. New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science Bulletin, no. 82, p. 259-274. [pdf]
  • Jin, X. McRoberts, C., Shi, Z., Mietto, P., Rigo, M., Roghi, G., Manfrin, S., Franceschi, M., and Preto, N., 2018. The aftermath of the CPE and the Carnian/Norian transition in northwestern Sichuan Basin, South China. Journal of the Geological Society, vol. 176, p. 179-196. [pdf]
  • McRoberts, C.A. 2017. A silicified Late Triassic (Norian) bivalve molluscan fauna from the Alexander terrane, southeastern Alaska. Bulletins of American Paleontology, no.. 391, 108 pp. [link to publishers website]
  • Alsen, P., McRoberts, C.A. Svennevig, K., Bojesen-Koefoed, J., Hovikoski, J. and Piasecki, S. 2016. The Isrand Formation: a Middle Triassic Daonella-bearing, black shale unit in Kilen, North Greenland (with a note on the Triassic in Amdrup Land). Newsletters on Stratigraphy, vol. 50, no. 1, 31-46. [link to publishers website]
  • Wotzlaw, J., Guex, J., Bartolini, A., Gallet, Y., Krystyn, L. McRoberts, C., Taylor, D., Schoene. B., and Schaltegger, U., 2014. Towards accurate numerical calibration of the Late Triassic: High-precision U-Pb geochronology constraints on the duration of the Rhaetian. Geology, vol. 42, p. 571-574. [pdf]
  • Balini, M. Jneks, J.F., Martin, R., McRoberts, C.A., Orchard, M.J., and Silberling, N.J. 2014. The Carnian/Norian boundary succession at Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park (Upper Triassic, central Nevada, USA). Paläontologische Zeitschrift, doi. 10.1007/s12542-014-0244-2.[pdf]
  • Druckenmiller, P., Kelley, N., Whalen, M., McRoberts, C. and Carter, J. 2014. An Upper Triassic (Norian) ichthyosaur (Reptilia, Ichthyopterygia) from northern Alaska and dietary insight based on gut contents. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, vol. 34, p. 1460-1465. [pdf]
  • Furlong, C. and McRoberts. C.A. 2014. Commensal borings from the Middle Devonian of central New York: Ecologic and taxonomic review of Clionoides, Clinolithes, and Canaliparva n. ichnogen. Journal of Paleontology, vol. 88, p. 131-145. [pdf]
  • Hillebrandt, A.v Krystyn, L., Kürschner, W.M., Bonis, N.R., Ruhl, M., Richoz, S., Schobben, M.A.N., Urlichs, M., Bown, P.R., Kment, K., McRoberts, C.A., Simms, M. and Tomãsových, A. 2013. The Global Stratotype Sections and Point (GSSP) for the base of the Jurassic System at Kuhjoch (Karwendel Mountains, Northern Calcareous Alps, Tyrol, Austria). Episodes, vol. 36, p. 162-198. [pdf]
  • McRoberts, C., Hegna, T., Burke, J., Stice, M. Mize, S. and Martin, M. 2013. Original spotted patterns on Middle Devonian phacopid trilobites from western and central New York. Geology, vol. 41, no. 5, p. 607-610. [pdf]
  • Rigo, M., McRoberts, C.A., Ciarapica, G., Giordano, N. and Bachan, A. 2013. New Stratigraphic, paleontologic and geochemical data around the Triassic-Jurassic boundary at Portovenere (Northern Apennines, Italy). p. 489-499, In: Tanner, L., Spielmann, J. and Lucas, S. (eds.), The Triassic System. New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, Bulletin 61. [pdf]
  • McRoberts, C. Krystyn, L., and Hautmann, M. 2012. Macrofaunal response to the end-Triassic mass extinction in the West-Tethyan Kössen Basin, Austria. PALAIOS, v.  27, p. 607-616. [pdf]
  • Bachan, A., B. van de Schootbrugge, C. A. McRoberts, G. Ciarapica, and J. L. Payne. 2012. Carbon cycle dynamics following the end-Triassic mass extinction: Constraints from paired δ13Ccarb and δ13Corg records. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems. v. 13, n. 9, p. 1-24. [pdf]
  • Carter, J., et al. 2011. A Synoptical Classification of the Bivalvia (Mollusca): University of Kansas, Paleontological Insitute, Paleontological Contributions, no. 4, p. 1-47. [pdf]
  • McRoberts, C.A. 2011. Late Triassic Bivalvia (chiefly Halobiidae and Monotidae) from the Pardonet Formation, Williston Lake area, northeast British Columbia, Canada: Journal of Paleontology, v. 85, p. 615-666. [pdf 29 MB]
  • McRoberts, C.A. 2010.  Biochronology of Triassic bivalves, pp. 201-219. In: Lucas S.G. (ed.) The Triassic Time Scale. Geological Society of London Special Publication 334. [pdf]
  • Zonneveld, J.-P., Beatty, T.W., Williford, KH.., Orchard, M.J., and McRoberts, C.A. 2010. Stratigraphy and sedimentology of the lower Black Bear Ridge section, British Columbia Candidate for the base-Norian GSSP. Stratigraphy, v. 7, pp. 61-82. [pdf]
  • Ward, P.D. McRoberts, C.A., and Williford, K.  2009. Reply to comment on: “The organic carbon isotopic and paleontological across the Triassic–Jurassic boundary at the candidate GSSP section at Ferguson Hill, Muller Canyon, Nevada, USA” by Ward et al. (2007). Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, v. 273, p. 205-206.
  • McRoberts, C.A., Krystyn, L. and Shea, A. 2008. Rhaetian (Late Triassic) Monotis (Bivalvia: Pectinoida) from the eastern Northern Calcareous Alps (Austria) and the end-Norian crisis in pelagic faunas. Palaeontology, v. 51. pp. 571-535. [pdf]
  • Stanley G. D. Jr., McRoberts, C. A., and Whalen, M. T. 2008. Stratigraphy of the Triassic Martin Bridge Formation, Wallowa terrane: Stratigraphy and depositional setting, pp. 227–250. In in Blodgett, R. B., and Stanley, G. D., eds., The terrane puzzle: New perspectives on paleontology and stratigraphy from the North American Cordillera. Geological Society of America Special Paper, v 442. [pdf]
  • McRoberts, C. A., Ward, P. and Hesselbo, S. P.. 2007. A proposal for the base Hettangian Stage (= base Jurassic System) GSSP at New York Canyon (Nevada, USA) using carbon isotopes. International Subcommission on Jurassic Stratigraphy Newsletter. v. 34. pp. 43-49. [pdf]
  • Hesselbo, S. P., McRoberts, C. A., and Pálfy, J.. 2007. Triassic-Jurassic boundary events: Problems, progress, possibilities, in Hesselbo, S. P., McRoberts, C. A., and Pálfy, J., eds., Special Issue: Triassic-Jurassic Boundary Events: Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology. v. 244, pp. 1-10. [pdf]
  • Ward, P., Garrison, G., Williford, K., Kring, D., Goodwin, D., Beattie, M., and McRoberts, C. A.. 2007. The organic carbon isotopic and paleontological record across the Triassic-Jurassic boundary at the candidate GSSP section at Ferguson Hill, Muller Canyon, Nevada, USA, pp. 281-289. In Hesselbo, S. P., McRoberts, C. A., and Pálfy, J., eds., Special Issue: Triassic-Jurassic Boundary Events: Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, v. 244. [pdf]
  • Hesselbo, S. P., McRoberts, C. A., and Pálfy, J., eds., 2007. Special Issue: Triassic-Jurassic Boundary Events: Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, v. 244. 423 p.
  • Balini, M., Jenks, J. F., McRoberts, C. A., and Orchard, M. J., 2007, The Ladinian-Carnian boundary succession at South Canyon (New Pass Range, central Nevada): New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science Bulletin, v. 40, p. 127-138. [pdf]
  • Ross, R. M., McRoberts, C. A., and Duggan-Haas, 2007, Creating a virtural fieldwork experience at a fossil-rich quarry. In McRoberts, C. A., ed., New York State Geological Association, 79th Annual Meeting Field Trip Guidbook, Albany, New York State Geological Association, pp. 177-187. [pdf]
  • McRoberts, C. A., editor. 2007, New York State Geological Association, 79th Annual Meeting Field Trip Guidbook, Albany, New York State Geological Association, 187 p.
  • Yin, Jiarun and C. A. McRoberts. 2006. Latest Triassic-Earliest Jurassic bivalves of the Germig Formation from Lanongla (Tibet, China). Journal of Paleontology, vol. 80, no. 1, pp. 104-120. [abstract] [pdf]
  • McRoberts, C. A., and N. D. Newell. 2005. Marine Myalinidae (Bivalvia: Pterioida) from the Permian of West-Texas. American Museum Novitates No. 3460, pp. 1-15. [abstract] [pdf]
  • Hopkin, E. K. and C. A. McRoberts. 2005. A New Middle Triassic Flat Clam (Pterioida: Halobiidae) from the Middle Anisian of North-Central Nevada, USA. Journal of Paleontology, vol. 79, pp. 796-800. [pdf]
  • McRoberts C. and Blodgett, R. 2002. Late Triassic (Norian) Molluscs from the Taylor Mountains, Alaska. U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1662, pp. 55-75. [abstract] [pdf1: text] [pdf2: plates]
  • McRoberts, C. A. 2001.Triassic bivalves and the initial marine Mesozoic revolution: A role for predators?. GEOLOGY. vol 29, pp. 359-362 [abstract] [pdf]
  • McRoberts, C. A., and N. D. Newell. 2001. A new Permian myalinid genus, Elversella, of west Texas. American Museum Novitates, 3311, pp. 1-5.[abstract] [pdf]
  • McRoberts, C. A. 2000. A primitive Halobia (Bivalvia: Halobioidea) from the Triassic of northeast British Columbia. Journal of Paleontolgy, vol. 74, pp. 599-603. [abstract] [pdf]
  • McRoberts, C.A. 1998. Late Triassic (Norian-Rhaetian) bivalves from the Antimonio Formation, northwest Sonora, Mexico. Revista Mexicana de Ciencias Geológicas, vol. 14, no. 2. pp. 167-177. [abstract]
  • McRoberts, C.A. , Furrer, H., and Jones, D. 1997. Palaeoenvironmental interpretation of a Triassic-Jurassic boundary section from western Austria based on palaeoecologic and geochemical data. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, vol. 136, pp.79-95. [abstract] [pdf]
  • McRoberts, C.A. and Newell, N.D. 1997. Novaculapermia, gen. nov., a transitional myalinid bivalve from the Lower Permain of west Texas. Palaeontology, vol. 40, pp.487-495. [abstract]
  • McRoberts, C.A. and Aberhan, M. 1997. Marine diversity and sea-level changes: numerical tests for association using Early Jurassic bivalves. Geologische Rundschau, vol. 86, pp. 160-167. [abstract]
  • McRoberts, C.A. and Newton, C.R. 1995. Selective extinction among end-Triassic European bivalves. GEOLOGY, vol. 23, pp. 102-104. [pdf]
  • Bice, D. M., C. R. Newton, S. McCauley, P. W. Reiners, and C. A. McRoberts. 1992. Shocked quartz at the Triassic-Jurassic boundary in Italy. Science, 255:443-446. [pdf]

see here for complete publication list