The past two days have been all about soils Paleosols. Fossil soils.
Soils, as they develop, often concentrate calcium carbonate (calcite) nodules as they mature. These paleosol carbonates preserve geochemical evidence for ancient climate and vegetation, so when I find these little nodules, I collect them for analysis.
So, while my friends dig for bones, I walk about and find nodules wherever I can.
Paleosols can be lovely…
And can be in places hard to get to, but with outstanding views.
While wondering about, I saw a few other worthwhile things, like this horned lizard…
And this fossilized turtle…
And this adorable mammal jaw…
And a cool sea fossil embedded in a conglomerate rock after being transported and deposited by a river.
Tomorrow will be more paleosols. I expect to have a lot of fun looking around!
Penny Higgins - Storyteller • Artist • Scientist 