Field Work 2010

[Architeuthoceras]

The most interesting things found this year were pockets of ammonoids. The ammonoids in these pockets were mostly all oriented vertically. Figuring out how they got that way will be fun.

[Architeuthoceras]

Camp, at least for a few of us.

The crew, from L to R, Jim, Nicolas, Gilles, Arnaud, Dan and Patti

[tonmo]

Kevin -- that's great! How long are you guys on this project (or are you back, now)?

[Architeuthoceras]

I'm back now Tony, just spent a week with them. The whole project will probably take a few more years.

[tonmo]

Very neat. Looking forward to more pics and any conclusions.

[Terri]

I knew you would find something interesting! Did you find the two pockets of ammonoids very close together? Are they young ammonoids or just a small species? What age is the rock you are working in?

[Architeuthoceras]

These are Triassic ceratite ammonoids, ID to be determined. They have ceratitic suture lines unlike "true" ammonites that have ammonitic suture lines. The pockets are found from 3 to 500 meters apart and we found 4 or 5. We collected one pocket that was easy to collect, the two pockets pictured would have taken jack-hammers or dynamite to collect in the time we had. We won't be able to tell if they are adults or juveniles until they get prepared, but there are fossils of all sizes, the largest at about 60mm.

[Terri]

Thanks for the explanation Kevin, so interesting, it will be fun to see how it all unfolds!