There are many travel journals extolling the ease with which you can find fossils along the Dorset coast. Known as the Jurassic coast, I felt it was long overdue for a visit to see whether this boast of its easily accessible fossils was correct. Sometimes the obvious is shrouded in a mysterious fog. My brother, an oil geologist, earns his living by understanding fossils but I never thought to seek his assistance.
However, one week after he retired at the beginning of November he took me on a day trip to Kimmeridge Bay. It is part of the Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site. It is special as it represents 185million years of the Earth's history in just 95 miles of coastline.
The cliff face was like a book laying
on its side with its pages facing the sea. Each thin layer of rock, as fragile as paper revealing fossils of all sizes.
We waited for the tide to go out and reveal the treasures I was seeking. The fossils here were much larger than the ones I had spotted on the cliff face.
I found it impossible to grasp the vast passing of time since these creatures and plants lived in this area and now here I am looking at them and touching them.
.
I spent about 3 hours beach combing, wondering why it had taken me so long to discover the joys of this pastime.
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However, one week after he retired at the beginning of November he took me on a day trip to Kimmeridge Bay. It is part of the Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site. It is special as it represents 185million years of the Earth's history in just 95 miles of coastline.
on its side with its pages facing the sea. Each thin layer of rock, as fragile as paper revealing fossils of all sizes.
We waited for the tide to go out and reveal the treasures I was seeking. The fossils here were much larger than the ones I had spotted on the cliff face.
 |
| This one was about 10cm in diameter. |
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Really beautiful and inspiring. I'd love to be there, too, and comb the beach along with you!
ReplyDeleteHow marvelous! You must read Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier. It takes place on that coastline. Great photos you had!
ReplyDeleteHow cool! I took some geology courses in college, so I know just enough to be dangerous! Nice that you have a brother knowledgeable in this area. And you get to spend quality time with him.
ReplyDeleteMarvellous.
ReplyDeleteInteresting article. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIt must have been very helpful to have your brother with you. All I can recall from school is trilobites. I am sure that should be with a y, but spell checker says i.
ReplyDeleteWaled along the cliffs near Bridport and picked up loads of fossils but the best one I have is a Mamoth tooth some one gave me found over in the Stanton Harcourt gravle pits
ReplyDeleteWhat the amazing land! Great landscapes shots..
ReplyDeleteTruly, Nice find the place to take the captures and share with us..
Thanks.
It's difficult to fathom so much history in just one place. What a great place to explore!
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing. Almost hard to believe that these wonderful fossils are just there for anyone to touch....you are right, hard to fathom! I do love to beachcomb at low tide, but all I have ever seen is living tide-pool creatures (starfish, anemones, jellys). Those are great and I love finding them, but to walk along and stumble upon these fossils must be heart-stopping.
ReplyDeleteHi! Very interesting post. I like this kind of story very much.I am very impressed by the 10cm diameter anmonite fossil very much. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteJoyous pass time indeed. Though I have scanned beaches several times I could never find such fossils. Great finds by you!
ReplyDeleteFascinating. The variety of rock shapes and texture is interesting and those fossils are amazing. Bucket List #4...check!
ReplyDeleteWonderful shots. This fossil hunt is sure a exciting trip.
ReplyDeleteWow, what the weird landscapes! such beautiful captures and great remarkable tour...
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing..
Wow ! that must have been interesting ! I have a very small fossil collection. Sometimes I found one along the coast when I was in Eastbourne.
ReplyDeleteGreat set of pictures - I can see why you enjoyed exploring here.
ReplyDeleteI got a package in the post today that contains 50 million year old amber with an insect in it - I'm still trying to understand just old that is!!
Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne