Fossil Butte EarthCache
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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.
Rising out of the Fossil Basin, about a mile east of the visitors center, is Fossil Butte. At the base of the butte are the red, purple, and yellow layers of the Wasatch Formation. The white layers of the Green River Formation, overlying those of the Wasatch Formation, rise much more steeply and extend to the top of the butte at 7,599’. Fossil Butte formed from the alluvial deposits, volcanic ash, and lake sediments which were deposited in Fossil Lake about 50 million years ago.
The richest fossil fish deposits lie in limestone layers about 100’ below the top of the butte. These fossils represent over 20 species of fish, including herring, bass, perch, and stingrays, and are some of the best-preserved remains of ancient fish life in the world. Other examples of well-preserved fossils include species of plants, insects, snails, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Using the information given, and your GPS receiver, send me an email with the answers to the following questions:
1.) Tell me your elevation at the visitors center. Using this figure, calculate the height of Fossil Butte.
2.) Using information given at this site, tell me some of the differences between the landscape and climate of 50 million years ago, versus the landscape and climate of today.
3.) When did mining begin on the fossil fish at Fossil Butte?
Additionally, 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. Please remember to sign the register at the visitors center, and place in the comments section that you were here Earthcaching.
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.
Wyoming Tourism Board Website: (visit link)
The placement of this Earthcache was approved by Fossil Butte National Monument.
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