Fossil Hunting and Geologizing at Rock Glen - Rock Talks

Rock Glen Conservation Area is a beautiful park featuring a waterfall and some very cool fossil hunting and geologic outcrops. Located near the town of Arkona, Ontario, this conservation area is home to 380 million year old Devonian rocks of the Hamilton group. Many brachiopod and trilobite fossils can be found exposed near Rock Glen falls.

Information on these geologic units is from The Subsurface Paleozoic Stratigraphy of Southern Ontario (Ontario Geological Survey, Special Volume 7) and is available for reference inside the OGSR Library. Your very own copy of this invaluable geological reference is available from our website: http://www.ogsrlibrary.com/sv7

Rock Glen falls consists of a 10 metre high upper falls capped by the Widder rock formation (shale). The lower falls contains a thin section of Hungry Hollow formation (shale / limestone) above a thicker section of Arkona formation (shale). All of these formations are part of the Hamilton group of Devonian age rocks.

Millions of years ago during Devonian time many small critters; like brachiopods, trilobites, gastropods, crinoids, and corals; called this area home. Fossils of these creatures, which pre-date the dinosaurs, can be found sitting on the surface having been exposed by erosional processes. If you find a whole trilobite make sure to send us a picture!

Check out the cool exhibits at the Arkona Lions Museum, including a mineral fluorescence display.

Be a respectful guest and always follow the rules of the conservation area. Don't dig for fossils (they are many at the surface) and don't take more than one. Please be sure to confirm the latest rules when you arrive.

Geology Gals:
Rhys Paterson
Hanna Rzyszczak

Videography & Editing:
Matt Dupont

Featuring music by:
Ella Vater - The Mini Vandals
Future City Funk - Bad Snacks
Sunshine Samba - Chris Haugen
Mining My Business - Ben Somers (  / sspades  )

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