The Paleobiology Database

Re:The Paleobiology Database by weberc2 on Friday April 29, 2016 @12:53PM (#11596993)

I looked at the US over the Mesozoic, and it's interesting how fossil concentrations seem to be a function of modern state boundaries. For example, Nebraska has almost nothing, but all the states north, south, and west of it are covered. Idaho and Oklahoma tell similar stories. I wonder if it's related to dig permits or paleontology-strong university locations?

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:The Paleobiology Database by jweir on Friday April 29, 2016 @07:20PM (#11599371)

Paleontology is often tied to construction. A locale may require a paleontological survey during construction. So as the earth is dug up someone will be onsite to monitor for fossil remains.

If some are found then construction could be halted while the fossils are removed.

The same is also true of archaeology - you just don't usually need dig as deep to find artifacts.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:The Paleobiology Database by weberc2 on Saturday April 30, 2016 @08:41AM (#11601455)

Oh, cool. I would have guessed it was inversely related to crop agriculture--the states with productive flat land seemed to have dramatically fewer finds than their rugged neighbors.

[ Parent | on HN ]