GMS Fossil Section Field Trip April 2022

GMS Fossil Section Field Trip
Stromatolite Fossils in Georgia
Saturday, April 2, 2022

The first Fossil Section field trip of the year was a big success! The group visited a location where stromatolites were discovered during a prior GMS field trip. The stromatolites we collected are trace fossils. They are layered sedimentary formations created by cyanobacteria, often referred to as “blue-green algae”. They are a certain type of bacteria that obtains energy from photosynthesis.

Everyone found some good samples of stromatolites. Researcher Ashley Manning-Berg has plenty of samples to continue her research. Ryan Roney, Curator at Tellus Science Museum, also returned victoriously with excellent specimens. Cam Muskelly found a superb specimen full of ooliths and some interesting dissolution features. Some pretty jaspers for cutting and polishing also made their way into our buckets. Many thanks to the property owner for allowing us to visit this important paleontological site, and thank you to Charles Carter for arranging and running the trip.

Note: Fossil Section field trips are announced only at Fossil Section meetings. Also, please congratulate Ken Scher as the official Fossil Section field trip lead.

Lori Carter
On behalf of Charles Carter, Field Trip Chair
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