The Tertiary in Maryland, US
|
 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Paleontology and geology
During the Tertiary, extensive erosion of upland areas occurred in northern Maryland as eastward-flowing streams carried large quantities of sediment to coastal areas. Sea level fluctuations continued to influence the deposition and nature of habitats in the coastal plain of eastern Maryland. The fossiliferous deposits of the Chesapeake Group along the western shore of Chesapeake Bay contain more than 600 species of molluscs, echinoderms, crabs, barnacles, brachiopods and corals. Vertebrate fossils are also common, including those of marine mammals, sharks and rays, sea birds, turtles, tortoises, and crocodiles. These fossils suggest that this area was a shallow, temperate sea during the Miocene, bordered by low sandy shores, tidal marshes, and fresh water swamps. Bones of tapirs, mastodons, rhinoceros, horses, and dogs are sometimes found in Late Tertiary (Pliocene) sediments.
Links to more on the Tertiary in Maryland
Organizations | Research and Collections
OrganizationsResearch and CollectionsParks (showing 1 of 1 listings)
Calvert Cliffs State Park: This site has information on the fossils and rocks of the park, including maps, trail guides, activities, and events.
Government Agencies (showing 1 of 1 listings)
Calvert Cliffs Fossils- Maryland Geological Survey: Hosted by the Maryland Geological Survey, this page and its links provide detailed information on the geology and fossils of the park, including fossil identification guides, references, maps, and publications.
Ongoing Research Projects (showing 1 of 1 listings)
The Ecphora, Calvert Marine Museum Fossil Club Newsletter: The Ecphora is a quarterly newsletter from the Calvert Marine Museum's Fossil Club. It features paleontology articles of general and specific interest on Miocene marine fossils, mostly. In addition to articles based on original research, this online publication includes news and happenings in paleontology at the museum, fossil club field trip schedules, and information about upcoming public lectures in paleontology at the Calvert Marine Museum.
