INVERTEBRATE FOSSILS OF OHIO CAVERNS

Ohio Caverns is one of the largest karstic features in Ohio and is primarily known for the calcitic speleothems, along with other mineral growth that gives the caverns unique colors. Little has been published on the fossils that occur within the Columbus Limestone at this locality. The fossils found in the Columbus Limestone are marine invertebrates that include rugose corals (horn corals), brachiopods and crinoids. Rugose corals are the most prevalent and occur in several marker beds within the limestone. The rugose corals are mostly silicified and leached exposing the internal septa and tabulae. Some of the rugose corals have become attachment points for calcite speleothems. Besides the corals, crinoid fossils are frequent as individual columnals but some intact columns can be seen. Brachipods are far less common than the other invertebrates and occur in various places within the caverns. Chert nodules are widespread throughout the limestone and also contain fossils, usually towards the base of those nodules. This presentation seeks to outline the occurrence of the fossils within the caverns as well as identify the species present.