Description
Video documentary by PaleoJoe.
PaleoJoe Video Series Fossils Across America Silurian Trilobites of the Rochester Shale
This Silurian Trilobite Video highlights fossils discovered during the digging of the Erie Canal across New York State. Because these wondrous creatures were a catalyst for paleontologists both professional and avocational much has been learned. People began to scour the area in search of a time 400 million years ago when the area was a bountiful warm tropical sea. Because this sea was inhabited by creatures that are extinct today many discoveries were made.
But what they found inspired future paleontologists to tell a story of those ancient times and describe the animal life that lived, thrived and died…..long before the Age of Dinosaurs.
The Silurian Trilobite Video highlights the Rochester Shale Formation which is famous for the fossils found there. Because of the fine grained shale the preservation is great. It was formed during the Silurian Period when that part of New York State was a shallow salt water tropical sea and teeming with life. Because it was near the equator and prone to storms fossil formation was easy. The storms would stir up the ocean floor but also the storms moved on to land. It picked up sand and mud which then washed into the shallow seas and lagoons covering the animal. The animals would die and begin to turn into fossils.
The Silurian Trilobite Video is the first in a series being produced to highlight Fossils Across America. Because of the popularity of fossils and the desire for people to hunt for them this series will showcase different fossil places you too can hunt.
Running time 26 minutes.
