Fossil Hunting In New Brunswick

New Brunswick is home to Cape Enrage, a popular tourist destination on the Bay of Fundy, where fossils approximately 320 million years old can be found. The fossils were laid down as trees washed along the banks of ancient massive river systems. The Bay of Fundy is also well-known for its fossilized tree trunks and coal seams. Fossil hunters can find Calamites, a relative of the modern horsetail fern, as well as small bivalves, ancient trackways, and ripples from ancient waves preserved in the stone. Cape Enrage is also home to one of New Brunswick's oldest light stations, with the original light built in 1830.

Cape Enrage fossil beach

The diverse flora and fauna of the ancient past are on full display at this site. Visitors can observe the beautifully preserved giant horsetail-like trees called Calamites, which grew to impressive heights of up to 10 metres. The classic lycopsid bark and roots, as well as frond stems with ropey bark textures and large branch knots, are also well-preserved specimens at Cape Enrage. Small invertebrate trackways, possibly made by millipedes or horseshoe crabs, add to the fascinating fossil collection.

The cliffs at Cape Enrage showcase river-dominated sediments, with multiple sandstone and mudstone infilled river channels visible in cross-section. The spectacular rippled surfaces, when exposed, provide a glimpse into the ancient past. The Bay of Fundy, just off the coast of Cape Enrage, offers the opportunity to spot porpoises and other sea wildlife, while bird enthusiasts can observe a variety of birds, including Eider ducks, Blue herons, sandpipers, loons, mergansers, and songbirds.

When visiting Cape Enrage Fossil Beach, it is important to check the tide tables and plan your trip accordingly, ensuring you are off the beach at least two hours before high tide. Cape Enrage is also home to one of New Brunswick's oldest light stations, with the current structure dating back to 1870. The strong winds in the area can make the experience even more exhilarating, but they also highlight the importance of the light stations for mariners in the 19th century.

Bay of Fundy

The Bay of Fundy is home to some of the world's most fascinating fossils. The most popular location for fossils in this region is the Joggins Fossil Cliffs in Joggins, Nova Scotia. These 75-foot-high cliffs are constantly exposed to the powerful tidal action of the Bay of Fundy, with its 50-foot tides. As a result, new fossils are continually being revealed, including flora, diverse amphibian fauna, important trackways, and some of the world's first reptiles.

The Joggins Fossil Cliffs became famous in 1852 when Sir Charles Lyell and Sir William Dawson discovered fossilized tree trunks, containing tiny bones, that turned out to be the remains of one of the world's earliest reptiles. This provided evidence that land animals lived during the Coal Age, approximately 300 million years ago. The cliffs at Joggins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for their exceptional palaeontological significance.

Another significant fossil site in the Bay of Fundy is Wasson Bluff in Parrsboro. These cliffs are approximately 200 million years old and have yielded some of the oldest dinosaur bones in Canada, as well as fossils of mammal-like reptiles and ancient crocodilians. The Fundy Geological Museum maintains a research site at Wasson Bluff and offers guided tours for visitors interested in exploring this ancient treasure trove.

The Bay of Fundy's fossil record spans millions of years, from the volcanic incubator of invertebrate life to the biodiverse rainforest that once thrived in the region. The powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy play a crucial role in revealing these fossils, as they constantly erode the cliffs and expose new specimens. This race against the tides is a unique aspect of fossil hunting in this region, as the fossils can be easily washed away if not discovered in time.

The Bay of Fundy, with its rugged coastline and rich geological history, offers a unique opportunity for travellers and citizen scientists to discover and appreciate the ancient life forms that once inhabited this dynamic landscape.

Erosion revealing fossils

Erosion plays a crucial role in revealing fossils. It is a natural process that breaks down rocks and uncovers fossilized remains. Both wind and water contribute to erosion, transporting particles and shaping the land. This process is essential in fossil discovery as it moves sediment and exposes buried remains.

In the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, the powerful tides, reaching over 30 feet twice a day, have caused erosion to eat away at the mudstone and sandstone cliffs. This erosion has revealed fossils that are around 320 million years old, including Calamites, a relative of the modern horsetail fern, and small bivalves.

Erosion can create unique landforms, such as dunes or badlands, that provide ideal conditions for fossil discovery. These areas are known for their rich fossil deposits. Additionally, the constant adjustment of water channels and changing stream beds contribute to the erosion and exposure of fossils.

While erosion can help uncover fossils, it is important to note that it can also destroy them over time. Weathering by wind, water, and sun can wear away at fossils, particularly if they are exposed and unprotected. This process can cause fossils to disintegrate or become bleached by the sun. Therefore, it is essential to understand the interplay between erosion and fossil preservation to ensure the protection and study of these ancient remains.

Overall, erosion plays a significant role in revealing fossils and shaping the landscape. By understanding the effects of erosion, scientists can identify fossil-rich areas and gain valuable insights into the Earth's history and the evolution of life.

Fossilized footprints

In August 2020, the discovery was made by the Graune-Gregg family while vacationing near Quaco Head, just outside St. Martins. The family stumbled upon large and pronounced fossil footprints, which were later studied by Dr. Paul Olsen, a vertebrate paleontologist, and the New Brunswick Geology team. The rocks at Quaco Head were initially believed to be from the late Triassic period, but geologists now speculate they are older, dating back to the late Permian Period. This discovery is significant as no fossils had been found in these rocks before, and it contributes to our understanding of continental life before the Permian extinction event.

Another location in New Brunswick where fossilized footprints have been found is Grand Lake. Two 15-year-old boys, Rowan Norrad and Luke Allen, discovered fossils of reptilian, amphibian, and invertebrate footprints and trails along the shores of Grand Lake. These footprints are estimated to be around 310 million years old and provide valuable insights into the ancient life that inhabited the region when New Brunswick was a tropical wetland. The boys worked with researchers from the New Brunswick Museum to examine the fossils and further study the site.

Cape Enrage, located along the Bay of Fundy, has also yielded fossilized footprints, including those of amphibians, reptiles, horseshoe crabs, and giant millipedes. These fossils date back about 320 million years to the Carboniferous Period. The discovery provides valuable information about the ancient landscape and the animals that inhabited it. The abundance of fossils in this area has led to the development of guided tours for visitors interested in exploring this ancient site.

Additionally, the Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick, located along the Bay of Fundy, is known for its rich fossil record. The area boasts the world's highest tides, which regularly reveal fossils, including dinosaur footprints and giant dragonflies. The fossilized footprints found at these sites offer a unique glimpse into the ancient life that once roamed the region, and they continue to attract both researchers and citizen scientists alike in the pursuit of new discoveries.

Amphibians, reptiles, and horseshoe crabs

Cape Enrage in New Brunswick is a great place to find fossils of amphibians, reptiles, and horseshoe crabs. Located on the Bay of Fundy, near Alma, Cape Enrage is home to a Fossil Beach, where fossils are around 320 million years old. The immense movement of water in this area has caused erosion to eat away at the mudstone and sandstone that make up most of the rocky cliffs.

The fossils found at Cape Enrage include footprints of amphibians, reptiles, millipedes, horseshoe crabs, and other crustaceans. The discovery of these fossils provides valuable insights into the prehistoric landscape and the animals that inhabited it.

The fossilized footprints of amphibians and reptiles offer a glimpse into the ancient fauna of Cape Enrage. These fossils, dating back to the Carboniferous period, provide valuable information about the types of animals that roamed the area millions of years ago.

Among the discoveries at Cape Enrage, the footprints of both adult and juvenile horseshoe crabs stand out. The presence of these fossils in their original location allows scientists to identify the specific layer of rock from which they originated, providing crucial context for their research.

The protection of these fossils is essential, and they should not be removed from the beaches. Visitors are encouraged to take pictures and report any new findings to the staff of Cape Enrage or the New Brunswick Museum. The museum has an extensive collection of amphibian and reptile specimens, including whole specimens in alcohol, frozen tissue samples, dried skins, and turtle shells, contributing to our understanding of prehistoric life in New Brunswick.

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