Delocrinus missouriensis, Springfield, MO
N 37° 09.066 W 093° 21.892
15S E 467599 N 4111696
You will be viewing the Missouri state fossil at this location.
Waymark Code: WMGQCC
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 03/31/2013
Views: 11
There is a very neat Earthcache at this location, called Delocrinus missouriensis GC20EVP, and this is what first brought us here to see these fossils. I think it deserves to be waymarked, too!
Delocrinus missouriensis is the Missouri state fossil. It is a echinoderm and is also called a sea lily. These creatures were common here around 290 million years ago (Pennsylvanian Period).
The echinoderm group includes starfish and sea urchins, having an external skeleton made from clacium carbonate. When it dies, the calcium carbonate is left behind, and as you can see at this location, some of these creatures left behind swirling, seashell-like formations, about the size of a cheerio, while others are longer and have long thin chambers.
Please observe only and take no specimens, so everyone can enjoy looking at these fossils.
Here is a link to a website that has some neat drawings of the various types of sea lilies you may find in Missouri (and this site).
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visit link)
Visit Instructions:At least one good photo you have personally obtained and a brief story of your visit. Any additions or corrections to the information about the Waymark (for instance, have the hours open to the public changed) will be greatly appreciated.