1. Finer fraction from ‘Core 8’ optical image – mount is ~10 mm diameter; note shell fragments Samples were washed briefly in distilled water, rinsed in methanol, air-dried mounted on aluminum stubs using double-stick tape

2. Coarser fraction from ‘Core 8’ Optical image – mount is ~10 mm Note seed casing (arrow); fragment of gypsum crust

3. Finer fraction from ‘Core 12’ Optical image – mount is ~10 mm quartz, k-feldspar are dominant minerals darker grains are rock fragments

4. Coarser fraction from ‘Core 12’ note rounding of larger grains of quartz

5. SEM-BSE Core 8 Coarse fraction note gypsum crystals (arrows)

6. SEM-BSE Core 8 Coarse fraction closer view of previous frame

7. SEM-BSE Core 8 Coarse fraction gypsum crystals

8. SEM-BSE Core 8 Coarse fraction gypsum crystals encrusting lithic fragment

9. SEM-BSE Core 8 Coarse fraction note seed casing; shell fragment

10. SEM-BSE Core 8 Coarse fraction dark (in optical view) lithic fragment

11. SEM-BSE Core 8 Coarse fraction FE-Mn mineral on quartz grain

12. SEM-BSE Core 8 Coarse fraction shell fragment (arrow)

13. SEM-BSE Core 12 – Fine Fraction general view

14. SEM-BSE Core 12 – Coarse Fraction note rounding of large quartz grain (arrow)