Vertebrate Fossils from October 2014

Someday, maybe this beach will be a protected monument. It is rich with the secrets of ancient life.

The following fossils were found on the beach at Mesa Lane in Santa Barbara, CA. They are most likely miocene mammalian fossils. They are embedded in very dense (almost metamorphic) sedimentary rock in the form of beach boulders. They are periodically exposed and then re-covered in the sands of the changing tides. I happen to have an eye for seeing them.

A New Beach Every Day

The tides, storms, swells and waves change the beaches every day. March brought in a new moon tide with storms and washed all the sand away. Each day after brought in more sand or less and revealed fossils or covered them up. I believe there will be discoveries for eons and that I will NOT be the only one romanced by the remnants of life that we have here on Santa Barbara beaches.

The BATFOSSIL!

Half submerged.

Frequently seen formation.

Skull cross section?

Interesting small details. Measured in inches- 2 x 3.5"

The beach is always changing and SO Magical!

Small bony fossils

Brief exposure

This specimen was very large, most likely a skull. It comprised the entire rock. 

Fine bones. Very thin.