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Logging requirements:Please verify your visit by sending the answer
to the following two questions.
Please do not post the answers in your log, even if
encrypted.
(1)What is the width (in millimeters) of the longest crinoid column
on the park sign on the trail just north of the parking area?
(2) What does one of the crinoid columns you might find here have
in common with a famous building in Washington DC?
OPTIONAL logging requirement: A photo of you and the sign with (or
without) a fossil you found. We would LOVE to hear about what you
found, and how much fun you had!
---> IMPORTANT: Submitting a photo is OPTIONAL -- answering the
questions above IS NOT. A photo IS NOT a substitute for answering
the earth science questions.
The Pennsylvanian period of the Paleozoic era began 354 million
years ago, and lasted for approximately 70 million years. It was
characterized by large forest swamps and shallow seas that covered
large portions of the Northern Hemisphere. During the Pennsylvanian
period most of Texas was part of a giant inland sea. This is why
most Texas Pennsylvanian-era fossils are of marine animals and
plants such as crinoids, sea urchins, corals, arthropods, and
brachiopods. These fossils are abundant in Texas; the challenge is
getting to them!
In Palo Pinto county, one of the best sites for finding
excellent quality Pennsylvanian-era fossils is owned by the City of
Mineral Wells. It is the old borrow pit for the city landfill. When
the pit was no longer needed to support the landfill, the city
worked with the Dallas Paleontological Society
(www.dallaspaleo.org) to turn the old borrow pit into a city park
where fossil hunting is actively encouraged. The posted coordinates
will take you to the informational sign for the park.
To reach the park from the junction of US 180 and US 281 in
downtown Mineral Wells, take US 180 west to Indian Creek Road. Go
north on Indian Creek Road to the entrance to the park. The park is
open on weekends from 8am to dusk. Please obey the park rules, and
bring plenty of water in the summer. Watch for poisonous insects
and animals -- this is Texas, after all.
Other information about the Mineral Wells Fossil Park can be
found online through their website
www.mineralwellsfossilpark.com.