APPLICATIONS FOR 3D SCANNED FOSSILS OF ORDOVICIAN MARINE INVERTEBRATES

The Richmondian Invasion occurred ~445 million years ago, near the end of the Ordovician Period. This invasion was characterized by an influx of new marine species into the shallow seas of Laurentia. The Invasion led to a rapid increase in biodiversity and brought many new taxa, including brachiopods, rugose corals, and other marine organisms, altering the composition of existing ecosystems. This invasion can be observed in the Cincinnatian Arch, an anticlinal structure that spans parts of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. This research aims to create 3D scans using emerging technology of late Ordovician Marine invertebrate fauna to be used for educational purposes in a variety of mediums. The specimens chosen for scanning originate from the Cincinnatian strata and are well-preserved and fully articulated in order to be scanned with great detail. Using a point cloud, digitized 3D models are created. Six unique species were selected for this project consisting of iconic Ordovician taxa. Two different trilobite specimens of Flexicalymene meeki, one enrolled and one outstretched, two brachiopods Herbetella subjugata and Strophomena vetusta, and one gastropod, Cylconema humerosum. All scans were uploaded to the application Sketchfab where the models can be viewed free of cost. 3D printed models were also created for hands-on education and can be printed in various sizes and colors. QR codes were created for quick access to scans as well. These 3D scans are being utilized in a virtual field currently under development. Overall, creating 3D scans of fossil specimens can be beneficial to many forms of education and outreach, making fossils more accessible, and providing alternative methods of viewing fossil specimens.