Saturday, June 9, 2012

Discovering Fossils

Authors: Lena, JJ,Aaron, Rachael
BGPG Crew at STRI Gamboa

Word of the Day: Mafic Rock-An igneous rock comprised of magnesium and iron rich minerals which originates from magma at relatively high temperatures. Their occurrence at the surface of the Earth results from volcanic eruptions.  Due to its composition and intense weathering that occurs when exposed, this rock can sometimes be easily broken into pieces.

Science of the Day: This morning the group took a trip to the Smithsonian Institute of Tropical Investigations where we attended a lecture by a paleontologist, Dr. Aaron Wood. He discussed some of his current research concerning mammalian response to paleoclimate change, notably how mammalian faunas diverged evolutionary and ecologically as latitudinal climatic gradients intensified over the span of the Neogene. After the lecture, we followed him to one of his research sites on the edge of Panama Canal along the expansion zone where fossil excavation is currently underway.  Dredging has exposed  fossils such as marlin, shark, and several different extinct mammal species. At the site, we were able to see a facie (a distinct sedimentary layer) composed primarily of coal deposits that contained different mollusca fossils.

Fossil Hunting
Fossil snail and clam shell

Culture of the Day:
The Carludovica palmata, or Paja Toquilla, is a palm-like plant which is used for weaving Panama hats and is native to South America. The straw is harvested from the Ecuadorean fields, where it grows in the ideal tropical climate of the Equator, and is then cut, washed and dried, and taken to the local market to be sold to the weavers – historically, this is done on a Sunday before Mass for the straw to be blessed.

Rob Cuba, Rachael, Kris


Question of the Day: What kind of fossils do you think you would find in your backyard? Why?

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