Collecting Fossils in California - Shells

<BODY BGCOLOR="#ffffff"> <P><FONT COLOR="#000000">Shells Fossil Site - </FONT></P> <P><FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=-1>This relaxing walk-through fossil site is located on a large </FONT><FONT SIZE=-1>sea cliff</FONT><FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=-1> in the northern Monterey Bay area in the town of Capitola of Santa Cruz County in Central California.</FONT></P> <P><FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=-1>The sea cliff is a geological outcrop named the "Purisima Formation" that spans through the </FONT><FONT SIZE=-1>Pliocene</FONT><FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=-1> Epoch (3 to 5 million years ago). During the same time the first hominids, such as "Lucy", appeared on earth.</FONT></P> <P><FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=-1>Mollusk shells of at least 55 different species are abundant through a distance of approx. 3000 feet.</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=-1>From San Jose take Highway 17 South for approx. 26 miles. You will go through the Santa Cruz Mountains and enjoy beautiful scenery. Then take Highway 1 South for approx. 4 miles to the town of Capitola. </FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=-1>From San Francisco you follow the above directions if you find your way to San Jose via Highway 101 South (approx. 45 miles). Also, you can take Highway 1 South and travel along the Pacific Coast until Capitola.</FONT> <FONT SIZE=-1>From Sacramento, reach San Jose via Highway 680. From Los Angeles, you can reach Capitola via San Jose or through Highway 101 (or Interstate 5) and turning East on Highway 152.</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=-1>From Highway 1, take the Capitola Bay Ave. exit. Turn right and go straight for approx. 1 mile. You will reach the beautiful Capitola beach.</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=-1>Park, pick up your gear and walk to the southern end of the beach until you get to a large cliff.</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=-1>You have arrived to the fossil site area.</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=-1>As you walk through the sea cliff, you will see fossil shells encrusted in the rocks. Others will be at the bottom of the rocky cliff, and others higher on algae covered crevices. You will also find large slabs completely covered with shells.</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=-1>Also, there are plenty of rocks just the right size to carry laying around.</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=-1>Occasionally, you will find a dark-gray chalky sediment material that is easy to break with the hammer. You may find complete fossil shells inside, that when cleaned and prepared, make for a nice display. Also, you will see large whale fossil bones in certain rocks.</FONT></P> <UL> <LI><FONT SIZE=-1>Geological Hammer</FONT> <LI><FONT SIZE=-1>Chisel</FONT> <LI><FONT SIZE=-1>Goggles (important if chiseling hard rocks!)</FONT> <LI><FONT SIZE=-1>Helmet (just in case - for working close to the cliff)</FONT> <LI><FONT SIZE=-1>Carry bag</FONT> </UL> <P><FONT SIZE=-1>Always keep a safe distance from the cliffs which are actively eroding and subject to sudden collapse. Also, the cliffs are accessible only at low or minus tide.</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=-1>Once you reach a gulch, you are entering the neighboring New Brighton State Beach. A special permit is required to collect fossils there. Respect the area. Do not dig indiscriminately. You must clean-up and carry all your garbage with you. Please be aware that this fossil site is a gift from nature for everyone to enjoy.</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=-1>The following publication is recommended for further reading:</FONT></P> <UL> <LI><FONT SIZE=-1>"Fossil Invertebrates and Geology of the Marine Cliffs at Capitola, California", by F. Perry, Santa Cruz Museum Association, Santa Cruz City Museum of Natural History, 1993.</FONT> <FONT SIZE=-1>Follow museum link for availability information.</FONT> </UL> <P>Viewing this page requires a browser capable of displaying frames. With that capability you will be able to view images and graphics associated to the text for much more enjoyable experience. If you have a frames capable browser, go to the following URL:</P> <P>http://www.gtlsys.com ('Collecting Fossils in California' home page) </BODY>