Modelo Formation facts for kids

The Modelo Formation is a special layer of rock found in southern California, mainly in the Simi Hills and Santa Susana Mountains. It's like a giant history book made of stone, telling us about a time long, long ago called the Miocene period.

What is the Modelo Formation?

The Modelo Formation is a type of geologic formation. Think of it as a specific set of rock layers that formed together. These layers are found in the ground in places like Los Angeles County and Ventura County in California.

How Old is This Rock?

The rocks in the Modelo Formation were created during the Miocene period. This was a very long time ago, specifically during the Late Miocene epoch of the Neogene period. This means these rocks are millions of years old!

What is it Made Of?

The main type of rock in the Modelo Formation is called Shale. Shale is a soft, layered rock that forms from mud and clay. Over millions of years, these tiny bits of mud and clay get pressed together, turning into solid rock.

A Look at the Miocene Period

The Miocene period lasted from about 23 million to 5.3 million years ago. During this time, Earth's climate was generally warmer than it is today. Many modern types of plants and animals began to appear.

Life During the Miocene

The world looked quite different during the Miocene. Forests were widespread, and grasslands started to expand. This led to the evolution of many grazing animals.

• Early horses, camels, and rhinoceroses roamed the land.
• Large cats, like saber-toothed cats, also lived during this time.
• In the oceans, whales, seals, and sharks were common.

Fossils: Clues from the Past

One of the most exciting things about the Modelo Formation is that it holds fossils. Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of ancient life. They are like natural time capsules, giving us clues about what the Earth was like millions of years ago.

What Fossils are Found?

The Modelo Formation is known for preserving fossils from the Late Miocene. These fossils can include:

• Tiny marine organisms that lived in the ancient seas.
• Sometimes, even larger marine animals or plants that were buried in the mud.

By studying these fossils, scientists can learn about the ancient environment and the types of creatures that lived in California millions of years ago. It helps us understand how life and the Earth have changed over vast amounts of time.