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P.E.I. Emerges as Fossil Discovery Hotspot
3 Apr
Summary
- Prince Edward Island is becoming a notable fossil discovery site.
- Red sandstone, once thought poor for fossils, preserves ancient life.
- Local residents are instrumental in recent significant fossil finds.
Prince Edward Island is emerging as a significant new frontier for fossil discoveries, attracting global scientific attention. Geoscientist John Calder noted that the Island's red sandstone, previously thought to preserve fossils poorly, is now understood to hold a rich paleontological history.
Calder explained that ancient sediments, dating back nearly 300 million years to the Permian period, rapidly dried, perfectly preserving footprints and even skeletons of reptiles and amphibians. This period predates the age of dinosaurs and marks a crucial time for reptilian diversification.
Much of the recent surge in discoveries has been driven by P.E.I. residents, such as Patrick Brunet, who has educated himself to identify significant fossils. These finds, including over 100 specimens from Brunet last year alone, are being assessed and preserved by institutions like Parks Canada and the P.E.I. Museum and Heritage Foundation.
Islanders and visitors will soon have opportunities to engage with these discoveries. Fossil Day is scheduled for April 10 at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre, and Calder will speak at a Nature P.E.I. meeting on April 7.
