The field work done by research staff and volunteers at the Fundy Geological Museum in June to collect Bay of Fundy Jurassic fossils was very successful. Several new specimens were found and collected. These new specimens include portions of several lizard-like reptile (Clevosaurus) skulls, the tip of the snout (premaxilla) from a theropod dinosaur, and a tiny mammal-like reptile tooth.
Returning for more Bay of Fundy Jurassic Fossils
The Museum staff and volunteers have now returned to the research site to continue to look for more fossils that are 200 million years old. On Wedneday July 26, the team transported supplies and tools to the site. The initial supplies are transported to the site using a wheelbarrel. The morning fog along the shore provided a magical setting for the start of another visit to the research site.
Soon after arriving, the team inspected the Jurassic aged fluvial (river) sandstone exposed at the site. Several new specimens were immediately found. After only a month that included a few rainstorms, several new specimens have become visible on the surface. Volunteers have been assisting with the finds as well.
On Thursday, volunteers Mark and Jack helped to expose some of the new fossil specimens. Jack found a significant limb bone fragment and proved very adept at carefully removing the sandstone to expose the delicate fossils.
The weather has been very hot! Wedge and Rex, the canine members of the research team, have enjoyed the shade of the tarp during the hottest parts of the day. Rex has demonstrated skills at digging in the sand – although he is still not sure what fossil bone looks like.
Museum staff are also continuing to develop the sieving technique. The sandstone is dissolved in water and a screen is used to remove the sand and expose the small fossil bones. The technique is proving to be successful for locating small teeth and bones from the animals preserved in the sandstone. More updates will follow.
Public Tour of Research Site
There is a public tour of the research site scheduled for Saturday July 30th, from 1:00 – 2:30 pm. Visit the Museum’s website for more information. http://fundygeological.novascotica.ca/events
You can also follow the progress of the research team by following the Museum’s Facebook Page.
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