Underwater Sea Adventure EarthCache
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Fossils of Poricy Brook Earthcache
The Poricy Brook cuts through a number of geological layers which are rising due to glacial rebound. The highest layer is the Red Bank Formation. Several layers below that is the glauconitic marl of the Navesink Formation. Both of these geologic formations are from the Late Cretaceous period of the Mesozoic Era.
The Poricy Brook Fossil Beds are well known to fossil collectors in the Northeast. The fossils are from the Cretaceous period of the Mesozoic era, 145 to 65 million years ago. Although the dinosaurs were at their peak, the first mammals and birds had begun to appear. Tree ferns, ginkos, and pines were being joined by flowering plants like oak, magnolia, and grass.
During the Cretaceous period, the area of Poricy Brook and the rest of the Atlantic Coastal Plain was a shallow ocean. When the ocean animals died, they were buried in the bottom. While their soft parts decayed, the harder parts, like bones, teeth, and shells, were preserved. Over millions of years, the ocean level rose and fell to form different layers of deposits with the remains of different animals. The layer exposed by the cutting action of Poricy Brook is called the Navesink Formation.
Although fossils of many varieties of animals have been found in the Poricy Brook Fossil Beds, most are of shellfish.
Park at the Listed Parking coordinates, review the kiosk, and take a stroll down the Trail and path.
Remember to bring your water shoes!
Please follow the post rules located at the Park.
To log this earthcache Email & Answer these questions about your trip. Please do not Post your answers.
1) On the South Side of the stream.
a.Estimate the Height of the Cutout Embankment.
b.Describe the Colors of the this embankment.
c. How many geological layers do you see?
2) What is the estimated Age of the fossil Beds?
3) Name atleast 3 common fossil you will find at this location.
4) Describe the rock (size) and depth of the stream ?
Optional: Please post a picture of You or your GPS with a Fossil and the Name of it.
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