How To Find Dinosaur Bones In Montana | 7 Steps
I absolutely love to travel, and this time, my journey took me back in time to the incredible era when colossal creatures known as dinosaurs roamed the tropical shores of central Montana during what's called the Cretaceous period. As a young child, I had an intense fascination with dinosaurs—my bedroom was adorned with countless plastic dinosaur figurines. My obsession with these ancient beasts had me completely captivated, and my recent trip to Montana brought back that same childlike wonder and excitement. The prospect of unearthing traces of these majestic creatures from eons ago had me brimming with enthusiasm.
Yet, let me assure you, finding dinosaur bones is far from the quick and easy process portrayed in movies. In reality, it's an arduous and challenging endeavor. Surprisingly, just an hour after setting out from the Two Medicine Dinosaur Center, I managed to spot a genuine fragment of a dinosaur bone. This incredible discovery fueled my passion, and for the rest of the day, I was engrossed in digging, letting my imagination run wild as I envisioned the epic clashes between mighty Hadrosaurids and fearsome Ceratopsians that must have unfolded right on the very ground I stood upon.
While my single day of digging didn't magically transform me into a professional paleontologist, it did provide me with a wealth of insights. I gained a newfound appreciation for the patience and dedication required to excel in this field. I also had the privilege of unraveling the seven fundamental steps that underpin the process of unearthing dinosaur fossils:
Embark on a Montana Adventure: Montana is an absolute treasure trove for dinosaur enthusiasts. Remarkably, more dinosaur bones have been unearthed in Montana than in any other American state. This bountiful supply of prehistoric remnants has led to the creation of the largest collection of dinosaur bones on Earth at the Museum of the Rockies. While a visit to Montana doesn't guarantee stumbling upon dinosaur bones, it provides ample opportunities to explore, including stops at the Two Medicine Dinosaur Center and along the Montana Dinosaur Trail.
Scour for Clues in a Wash: A crucial tip is to search for terrain featuring signs of erosion, especially in the form of conical bluffs or badlands with scarping. Erosion is nature's way of revealing hidden treasures—the bones of dinosaurs long entombed beneath layers of earth. In Montana's ancient past, much of the region was submerged underwater as part of the immense Western Interior Seaway. As rivers coursed into the sea, they deposited layers of sediment, a process that paved the way for the eventual fossilization of dinosaur bones.
Train Your Eyes to Spot the Unique: The expertise of newcomers can be invaluable in this pursuit. When exploring a site, pay attention to features that stand out from the surrounding landscape. Unusual shapes, distinctive colors, and unusual patterns often point the way to hidden treasures. Dinosaur bones possess their own distinct patterns that set them apart from the surrounding environment.
Gentle Brushing Reveals Hidden Secrets: After identifying a potential bone, meticulously clean the surface using a soft brush. This close examination is essential to determine whether you're dealing with an actual bone or a rock. Bones exhibit unique patterns that differentiate them from other materials.
Test with the Stick Method: A practical way to ascertain the authenticity of a bone is by conducting the stick test. By moistening one end of the bone with saliva and pressing it against your finger, you can determine if the bone adheres. This intriguing phenomenon is due to capillary action within the hollow tubes of the bone, which creates suction. Dry bones tend to adhere better than wet ones, and smaller bones often yield better results, as larger bones often contain sediment-filled canals.
Trace the Path with Float Mapping: Upon discovering fragments of bones, a new phase begins—determining their origin. Paleontologists refer to these small bone fragments as "float." Mapping the distribution of these fragments offers valuable insights into their source and guides further exploration. This process involves studying erosion and the effects of decay, which often lead bones to tumble from exposed vertical layers or even become dislodged from hillsides due to winter freezing.
Delve into the Exciting Process of Digging: The ultimate step is to embark on the process of excavation. Proceed with caution, as bones often lie hidden amidst layers of earth. Employ various tools, ranging from delicate brushes to more substantial picks and even mechanical backhoes. Yet, even as tools are wielded, precision and meticulous care are of the utmost importance. During these excavations, paleontologists dedicate considerable time to documentation, recording every aspect of their findings. In Montana, this meticulous record-keeping extends to marking datum points and employing GPS technology to pinpoint the exact locations of each discovery, no matter how minute. The objective is to unearth bones intact, preserving potential connections to other bones or, in some fortunate instances, even complete skeletons.
In your classroom, you'll find a multitude of activities and simulated dinosaur digs to engage your students. However, a common challenge I've observed is that students often struggle with grasping the concept of geological time. To address this, I suggest incorporating geological timeline clip art into your teaching resources. These visuals work particularly well for your Google Slides presentations. Simply insert the semi-transparent slide, and then add images of the specific extinct animals that lived during that particular time period. These timelines will also aid students in comprehending how landscapes and vegetation evolve around decomposed animals over extended periods. Remember, the deeper the specimen, the older it is.
Much like detectives, paleontologists embark on daily quests to unravel puzzling mysteries of the past. The process of excavation serves as an exhilarating dimension of their craft—a journey through time that unveils the astonishing history of our planet and the remarkable creatures that once graced its landscapes.
