Sun, sand, and sedimentary rock! Caribbean fossils can date back over 40 million years. For this month’s Science Saturday, the Division of Territorial Parks and Protected Areas NOAA fellow Kenny Douyon was joined by Dr. Greg Burzynski, Assistant Professor of Biology at UVI’s Albert Sheen campus on St. Croix. Dr. B’s research focuses on Paleontology and he’s just beginning to investigate fossils across the Virgin Islands. Discovering fossil reefs can help support local research and the conservation of modern reefs offshore. 

Where can fossils be found on St. Croix? According to Dr. B., it helps to know the types of rocks that are good for preserving fossils, like sedimentary and limestone, both of which are found across the island. Core sampling can also be used to uncover fossils hidden in the soil. 

Once fossils are found, one way to date them is by identifying the embedded organisms and determining what period they lived in. Midland St. Croix is known for its fossils, but they can be found on either end of the island. Dr. B mentioned past research showing fossil discoveries in Christiansted, Frederiksted, and the northwestern side of the island. Based on fossils found on other Caribbean islands like Jamaica, Cuba, and Puerto Rico, Dr. B hopes to find a variety of organisms in the USVI.

Want to spot a fossil on your own? You just need an observant eye, comfortable shoes and sun-safe clothing! Look for patterns in the rocks and always make sure you have permission before collecting samples. If you are planning to do more than explore, be sure to work with a professional!

If you want to learn more about where to find creatures hiding in our rocks, click below to watch the full interview with Kenny and Dr. B.!

Science Saturday, a monthly Facebook LIVE event, airs on the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m.  Watch the full interview on the Department of Planning and Natural Resources Facebook page or the Science Saturday YouTube playlist.