Dinosaur Park Formation facts for kids
The Dinosaur Park Formation is a special set of rock layers found in Alberta, Canada. These rocks are like a giant time capsule, holding many fossils from the "Age of Dinosaurs," specifically the Upper Cretaceous period.
This formation is part of a larger group of rocks called the Belly River Group. It was formed about 76.9 to 75.8 million years ago. This was during a time known as the Campanian stage of the Late Cretaceous period.
Back then, the land looked very different. There were wide, flat plains where fast-flowing rivers spread out. These areas were like alluvial plains and coastal plains, often near the sea. The continents were closer together, and the climate was much warmer, like a tropical paradise!
These rock layers sit on top of the Oldman Formation, which was formed on land. Above them is the Bearpaw Formation, which was formed in saltwater. This tells us that the Dinosaur Park Formation was in a low-lying area that was sometimes covered by water.
What Fossils Are Found Here?
The Dinosaur Park Formation is famous for its amazing collection of dinosaur skeletons. Many of these skeletons are found complete, or "articulated," meaning their bones are still connected. Sometimes, even soft parts of the animals, like skin or muscle, have been preserved!
But it's not just dinosaurs. Scientists have also found many fossils of other animals, such as fish, turtles, and crocodilians. There are also lots of fossilized plants, which help us understand what the ancient environment was like.
Where Can You See It?
This formation is named after Dinosaur Provincial Park. This park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it's so important for understanding ancient life.
In the park, you can see these rock layers clearly exposed in the badlands. These are areas with deeply eroded hills and valleys, often along the Red Deer River. The badlands make it a bit tricky to explore, but they also reveal the incredible history hidden within the rocks.
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See also
In Spanish: Formación Dinosaur Park para niños
