MICROFOSSILS OF CLARK QUARRY

Clarks Quarry is an excavation site in-between the Altamaha and Turtle River near the historic Brunswick canal. The Palmico Terrace and the Princess Anne Terrace are on either side of Clarks Quarry. Ground penetrating radar, digital elevation models, and fossil species identification have shown that the quarry environment matches that of a “meandering fluvial system transitioning to a braided style." (C.T. Seminack, J.D. Thornburg, A.J. Mead et al. pg 1-2). So far, discovered fauna include Amphiumas (salamanders), mammuthus columbi (Columbian mammoth), bison latifrons (long-horned bison), and Glaucomys volans (southern flying squirrel). These species would have thrived in and around the braided river. While many species have been recovered and identified there are still many more to be uncovered. Mammoths would have contributed to a prairie like environment surrounding the fluvial system by removing trees which would allow smaller creatures who need tall grass to survive a place to live. Some of the issues that arise when identifying smaller fossils are that some of the identifying features are minute and can be eroded during deposition making it harder to identify to the species level.(Parmley D. B, Clark J.L. & Mead A.J.pg) (Rhinehart P. Pg) Sediment samples were taken from Clarks quarry and then sifted in the lab. Each specimen was examined under the microscope and sorted into categories. After being certain it is distinct enough to be identifiable and it is labeled and put into single capsules. All specimens have been measured in millimeters. So far 39 fish, 2 reptile, 2 bird, and numerous fragmentary fossils and shells have been found.