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Geology, microstratigraphy, and paleontology of the lacustrine Truckee Formation diatomite deposits near Hazen, Nevada, USA, with emphasis on fossil stickleback fish

Diatomite deposits of the lacustrine Truckee Formation near Hazen, Northern Nevada, are of Miocene age (ca. 10.3 million years old) and consist of varved deposits within commercial mines. These exposed deposits have been primary source of paleontological samples of stickleback fish fossils (Gasterosteous doryssus) spanning 100,000 years. These samples have revealed stasis, rapid morphological and genetic evolution, and local extinction of G. doryssus against a background of changing diatom communities. Here, we draw on geological, limnological, anthropogenic, and bibliographical data to illustrate the geographic and paleontological context of the Hazen diatomite deposits. We include a stratigraphic section describing lithology and stickleback specimen frequency at a 1 mm resolution. This paper should help researchers identify patterns in fossil site distribution and better understand the geological processes that have shaped the area, spurring new sampling and future research.