This unique location exposes a Cretacious era shallow ocean environment from about 70 million years ago, when dinosaurs still stalked the Earth. Fossils from Coon Creek have included bones from plesiosaurs and a mosasaur -- a carniverous oceanic reptile that grew up to 45 feet long. Shells are preserved in almost original condition by oily clay called glauconite.
The land is owned by Pink Palace Museum of Memphis, and currently leased to University of Tennessee at Martin. If you want to join a supervised tour, call UT-Martin Selmer Center at (731) 646-163, or click this link. |
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Tennessee ocean shore line 85 million years ago
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