Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Green River Formation Fossils

Lagerstatten, varves, marlstones...whuh???



Yes!  These are strange words, but fitting for a rock formation that contains such unusual fossil specimens.  You can find the definitions of these words by reading this article on the Green river Formation here.  You may also want to check it out just to see the amazing pictures of fossil lagerstatte, or exceptionally well-preserved fossils.  These truly are exceptional!


The Green River Formation is known for its coals and oil shales, not just its fossils, but 50 million years ago, when the Rockies were young, it was deposited as muds and silts eroded down the sides of these newly minted mountains and deposited in intermountain basin lakes.  It was warm and humid though, even in this environment, which allowed for copious amounts of vegetation to thrive as well as a very diverse portfolio of animals and insects.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Geology BRCC Work This Week

Hello BRCC'ers!  I have posted this week's notes on Running Water, Chapter 16 in your text, in the links section on this page.  On Wednesday, we will explore the work and behavior of rivers and streams as they sculpt the landscape!

On Friday, we will be in the computer lab exploring fluvial dynamics and flooding by using Virtual River, an online interactive exploration that I think you will find challenging and interesting.  There are two certificates to print at the end of each activity, one for River Discharge, the other for River Flooding.

Enjoy!  Have fun at the FFA conference!