Fossilization

Ages

Introduction

Summary

This animation shows the fossilization by permineralization of a living organism (the example used is a trilobite). The time scale is consistent with the dimensions of the principle stages in the transformation of a fossil to rock.

• Decomposition of organic (soft) parts
• Burial of the carapace (exoskeleton) by sediments
• Permineralization of the exoskeleton
• Geological processes
• Erosion bringing the buried fossil to the surface

Goals

• To illustrate the basic processes involved in the fossilization process.
• To become aware of the vastness of the Geological Time Scale.

Student sheet

You have to subscribe to access the student sheet!

Tags

fossil sediments sedimentation weathering erosion trilobite carbonization mineralization stratum