Feasting in Fossil Lake EarthCache
Hidden : 1/28/2008
Difficulty:
1 out of 5
Terrain:
1 out of 5

Size: Size: not chosen (not chosen)

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Geocache Description:


Fossil Butte National Monument is located north of U.S. Highway 30, about 15 miles west of Kemmerer. There is no charge for admission. Hours are as follows: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm (June-August); 8:00 am – 4:30 pm (September-May). It is closed on winter holidays. Fossils and related geologic features within the borders of Fossil Butte National Monument are protected by law, as are all natural and historic features. Please do not disturb, damage, or remove any fossil.

Fossil Butte consists of outcrops of rock from the Wasatch Formation, and Fossil Butte Member of the Green River Formation. The Green River Formation was formed from the alluvial deposits, volcanic ash, and lake sediments dominated by limestone, which were deposited in one of the three great Eocene lakes which formed in the period of 45-55 million years ago in the three-state region of Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado. At this location, in what would one day be the western edge of Wyoming, this lake was Fossil Lake.

A variety of fish lived in Fossil Lake, including herring, bass, perch, paddlefish, and even stingrays. When these fish died, they sank to the bottom of the lake, where conditions were perfect for their preservation. The fossils formed from these fish are some of the best-preserved remains of ancient fish life in the world.

This site is remarkable not only for the number of individual specimens (several million discovered during the past 100+ years), but also for the variety of species found here. Over 20 species of fish have been found, along with many plants, insects, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

To receive credit for this Earthcache, send me an email with answers to the following questions:

1.) What are the names of the three Eocene-era lakes given at the coordinates?

2.) What food was essential for sustaining Fossil Lake’s food chain?

In addition, take a picture with you and your GPS receiver with Fossil Butte in the background. Post your picture with your log when you log your find.

The above information was compiled from the following sources:

Informational sign at site.

National Park Service Web Site. Fossil Butte National Monument (visit link)

Grande, L. 2004. Paleontology of the Green River Formation, with a Review of the Fish Fauna, 2nd Edition.

Lageson, D.R., and Spearing, D.R. 2004. Roadside Geology of Wyoming, 2nd Edition.

M’Gonigle, J.W., and J.H. Dover. 1992. Geologic Map of the Kemmerer 30’ x 60’ Quadrangle, Lincoln, Uinta, and Sweetwater Counties, Wyoming.

The placement of this Earthcache was approved by Fossil Butte National Monument.

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