Introduction
Once again, the Dry Dredgers take advantage of the early spring rains to wash out the trilobites from the shale in Southeast Indiana. The strategy worked. More than 30 trilobites were taken home that day. The turnout of Dry Dredgers at the field trip was exceptional, given that it was forecasted to rain all day. By 10:30 am or so, the sun was out and by the 11 am meeting time, the site was loaded with Dry Dredgers.
The light changed a great deal as the day progressed. It provided the kind of light we need to find trace fossils at some times and tiny trilobites at other times.
You didn't need to dig to find trilobites. Nor was it permitted.
The trilobites were found by getting down really close to the
shale and CAREFULLY examining every square inch, as illustrated below.
The other big finds were mostly crinoids. A very long stem was
found (below).
This Dredger found an ingenius way of bringing the stem back
home for reassembly using duct tape. This method reserves the sequence of each
stem segment. Great idea!
Another interesting find caused a bunch of members to gather
around to have a chance to see two Flexicalymene trilobites found
side by side, while they are still in situ. This teaches trilobite
hunters to recognize trilobites on the ground - - to train the eye. Can you spot
the trilobites in the next pictures?
Next Page: Fossils Found That Day, Part I
Table of Contents
Page 1: Introduction
Page 2: Fossils Found That Day, Part I
Page 3: Fossils Found That Day, Part II
Page 4: Fossils Found That Day, Part III
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