Bell Springs Formation facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bell Springs FormationStratigraphic range: Norian-Rhaetian ~221–202Ma |
|
|---|---|
| Type | Geological formation |
| Lithology | |
| Primary | Sandstone |
| Location | |
| Coordinates | 43°00′N 108°48′W / 43.0°N 108.8°W |
| Approximate paleocoordinates | 19°12′N 46°24′W / 19.2°N 46.4°W |
| Region | Wyoming |
| Country |  United States |
The Bell Springs Formation is a special layer of rock found in Wyoming, USA. It was formed a very long time ago, during the Triassic Period. Scientists study this rock formation to learn about Earth's past.
One of the most exciting things about the Bell Springs Formation is the discovery of fossil footprints. These footprints were left by ancient dinosaurs!
Contents
What is the Bell Springs Formation?
The Bell Springs Formation is a type of geological formation. Think of it like a giant stack of rock layers. Each layer tells a story about what Earth was like when it formed. This formation is mostly made of sandstone. Sandstone forms from sand that gets pressed together over millions of years.
It is found in the state of Wyoming. Geologists, who are scientists who study rocks, explore these areas. They learn about the history of our planet from these rock layers.
How Old is It?
The Bell Springs Formation is from the Upper Triassic period. This means it formed between 221 and 202 million years ago. That's even before the famous Jurassic Period of dinosaurs!
Specifically, it dates back to the Norian and Rhaetian stages. These are smaller time periods within the Late Triassic. During this time, Earth looked very different from today.
Dinosaur Footprints!
One of the coolest discoveries in the Bell Springs Formation is fossilized dinosaur tracks. These are not bones, but the actual footprints left behind. They turned into rock over millions of years.
Scientists have identified these tracks as belonging to a type of theropod. Theropods were a group of dinosaurs that walked on two legs. Famous theropods include Tyrannosaurus rex and Velociraptor.
The specific tracks found are named Agialopous wyomingensis. This name helps scientists classify and study them. Finding footprints is very important. They tell us how dinosaurs moved and what their environment was like.
Why are Footprints Important?
Fossil footprints are like clues from the past. They show us that dinosaurs lived in Wyoming during the Late Triassic. They also give us an idea of their size and how they walked.
For example, the size of the footprint can tell us how big the dinosaur was. The spacing of the prints can tell us if it was walking or running. These tracks help us imagine what life was like millions of years ago.
