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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

Grand Junction Geological Society

Abstract


Paleontology and Geology of the Dinosaur Triangle, 1987
Pages 115-118

Dinosaur National Monument: Paleontology in the Public Eye

Ann Schaffer

Abstract

The Dinosaur National Monument Quarry is an active paleontologic site where visitors can see more than 2000 dinosaur bones exposed in relief on a sandstone wall that is 140 million yrs old. The quarry was discovered in 1909 by Earl Douglass, vertebrate paleontologist for the Carnegie Museum in Pennsylvania. During the following 15 yrs, Douglass removed more than 350 tons of bones, which can be seen today in museums throughout the country. In 1915, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the quarry Dinosaur National Monument, but not until 1952 did the National Park Service begin quarrying operations. Today, paleontologists work on the cliff face during the summer months, removing the rock that covers the fossils. They use jackhammers and large pneumatic tools, then “relief” the bones by removing the last few inches of rock with small chisels and hand tools. The goal at the quarry is to expose all the bones that lie buried in the sandstone, leaving as many as possible in place, so that future generations of visitors and scientists will be able to see how the fossils were deposited 140 million yrs ago.


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