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70 million years ago, Tennessee was submerged under a shallow inland sea teaming with marine life, including 50-foot carnivorous reptiles. This magical world would be destroyed by a massive meteor impact. But thanks to exceptional preservation under greenish silt, you can return to that lost era at Coon Creek -- now considered one of the most significant fossil sites in North America. By appointment, visitors can see an exhibit of some of the 600 different species, and under supervision, even dig out a few yourself to keep as souvenirs -- animals that witnessed the last days of the dinosaurs. |
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Five million years ago, East Tennessee was home to hippos, mastodons, alligators and giant bears -- some of which ended their lives in a deep sinkhole. Discovered during a road project 25 years ago, the Gray Fossil site is now a unique scientific gold mine. From an attractive visitor center you can see a museum, tour the site and see researchers at work. Don't forget a take a selfie next to the 10-foot skeleton of a short-faced bear that once roamed the hills of East Tennessee! |
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The Museum of the Earth is based in Ithaca NY, and while you might not be able to drop by for a visit, the Paleonological Research Institution's massive website could keep you entertained for hours. Browse their huge inventory of books, their extensive on-line exhibits and on-line courses. But one my favorite parts is their massive database of fossil specimens, scanned in 3D. Manipulating these objects yourself is the next best thing to actually handling an irreplaceable type specimen with your own hands. And don't forget to check out the store. Who wouldn't be happy to own a pair of dinosaur socks or a plushy Trilobite? |
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Want to rub shoulders with real scientists and read cutting-edge journals like Paleobiology, the Journal of Paleontology, and even browse the massive Treatise of Invertebrate Paleontology online? It's easier than you think -- it costs just $40 to join the international Paleontological Society. This will let you attend seminars at Geological Society meetings, join field trips and make international connections. Well worth the price! |
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To understand the fossil record, you must first become acquainted with the Geological record. This requires maps, publications, stratigraphic surveys, field resources and historical publications for the state of Tennessee. All of these can be viewed online or purchased at a reasonable price from the Tennessee Geologic Survey. Take advantage of decades of careful work by state Geologists like Charles W. Wilson Jr, who in 1948 published The Geology of Nashville, Tennessee (Bulletin 53) -- including sections of fossil identification, and stratigraphy -- a $10 investment you will never regret! |
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Many of the maps displayed in this website were contributed by Deeptimemaps.com, sponsored for over 20 years by Colorado Plateau Geosystems Inc. These high-resolution maps are snapshots in time of the tectonic progress of our oceans and mountains throughout the history of our planet. Planning a talk,discussing an extinction event, writing a book or making a you tube segment about the Western Interior Seaway during the late cretaceous? Your presentation will benefit by including a high-resolution map of the Geology, based on current scientific evidence. And for the more casual students, consider buying their series of books devoted to Ancient Landscapes. |
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