Fossils reveal various environments of southwest Georgia region

ALBANY ‒ There can be no denying the impact of climate change on Southwest Georgia. The evidence is everywhere, and the fossils here tell the story of a region that was at one time part of the ocean’s floor and at other times was a tropical paradise or an open savanna.

In order for a plant or animal to leave a fossil record, it must be speedily entombed in a protective material. The same is true for bacterial-sized specimens and the largest whales. Water that has percolated through limestone bedrock can create incrustations encasing and protecting these specimens.

Examples of many of marine inhabitants of the region when southwest Georgia was part of the ocean’s floor may be found by merely looking at the limestone nodules scattered across the region. Crinoids, a form of sea lily, coral, mollusks and brachiopods are common fossilized finds. Various crustaceans and trilobites also can be found here.

Those walking the banks of the Flint River might be lucky enough to find these fossils still embedded in the limestone riverbanks or laying loose among the rocky banks. If you are lucky, you might find the fossilized tooth of a Megalodon or other species of ancient shark.

Where there are shark’s teeth, you also will have a good chance of finding the fossilized remains of these massive carnivore’s favorite protein source. It seems they were partial to whales. Several complete skeletons of these marine mammals have been found embedded in the limestone riverbed in Albany. In many cases, the current of the Flint River has eroded the limestone, leaving vertebrae, ribs, and other skeletal parts exposed or scattered along the riverbed.

When the seas receded, the region was transformed over time into a variety of differing environments supporting a variety of reptilian and mammalian species. The fossil remains of massive turtles, beaver, and sloth can be found scattered with those of camels, horses, mastodons and mammoths.

The regulations regarding the collection of fossils are very similar to the collecting of historic artifacts. However, the Submersible Cultural Resources law does not apply, and they can be collected in state-controlled waters.

Staff Photo: Tom Seegmueller