Join Curator of Geological Sciences J. Chris Sagebiel for his presentation, "Barstow Fossil Beds," at the San Bernardino County Museum on Saturday, March 7, at 2pm.

            The Barstow Formation is notable both for the beauty of its rock formations and the scientific importance of its fossil beds. The Rainbow Basin, located north of Barstow, California, is the most famous and accessible area to experience the Barstow “Fossil Beds”, and it has been designated a National Natural Landmark.

            The Barstow Formation was deposited in the Rainbow Basin during the middle Miocene epoch, between 12 and 16 million years ago. Since that time, tectonic forces have folded and fractured these rocks, finally exposing them at the surface. The sedimentary layers of the Barstow Formation contain a rich diversity of fossils, and are sandwiched between volcanic ash beds that provide geologic dates. Fossils include many animals no longer living California, including rhinoceros, camels, three-toed horses, saber-toothed cats, mastodons, and flamingos. Because of its scientific uniqueness, a time period—the Barstovian—was designated from the Barstow Formation in Rainbow Basin more than 65 years ago.

            This lecture will focus on the geologic history of the Barstow Formation and the significance of the fossils from these beds.

            The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $6 (adult), $5 (student or senior), and $4 (child aged 5 to 12). Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org or call (909) 307-2669.