Taking a closer look at the canyon walls, you will see shell fossils embedded in the sandstone. Layers of sandstone and mudstone are exposed, revealing veins composed of white shell fossils and coral pieces, each representing part of the 50-million year geologic history contained within the canyon walls.

In 1916, a study called "The Reef-Coral Fauna of Carrizo Creek Imperial County, California, and Its Significance" was published by Thomas Wayland Vaughn. The study was based on fossils found in Fossil Canyon by Dr. Stephen Bowers which he had sent to Washington for identification. The study revealed that "The Carrizo Creek reef-coral fauna is Atlantic, not Pacific, in its affinities." During Eocene and Oligocene time the Atlantic and Pacific were connected by a passage way somewhere in the region of Central America. After the passage closed the Atlantic coral left in the Pacific became extinct. The fossil remains found in Carrizo Mountain are the only evidence that this coral once existed in the Pacific.

Field Trip Information for Geology 110

Fossil Canyon Date: May 2009

You must have your signed Field Trip Participation Form

Where and When to meet : Intersection of Imperial Hwy (see map) and Shell Canyon Rd. at : 5:00pm on Friday afternoon or 6am on Saturday morning. I will only wait a few minutes. I will not stay there and leave the rest of the group waiting. So please be prompt or know you will not have anyone there to help you find the group.

What to bring : If you are spending the night, bring a sleeping bag and food, it will be cold at night and in the morning. Lows in the 40’s and a highs in the 90's, bring a hat!. I will provide firewood and s’mores. EVERYONE needs to bring water, this is a dry camp, you need to bring water with you. EVERYONE must bring something to write on and with (pencils, pens, colored pencils, and protractor recommended for your final exam) wear comfortable walking shoes, backpacks, sunscreen, and sunglasses are also recommended. You are welcome to bring your significant other or friend, however, this is your final exam… you are there to study, warn your friends this is a STUDY field trip. Your grade depends on your participation.