Paleontology fieldwork requires a diverse array of specialized tools, reflecting the different stages of uncovering ancient life. The equipment used changes dramatically based on the material surrounding the fossil, known as the matrix, and the depth of the specimen. Moving from initial discovery to final extraction involves a progression from heavy machinery to instruments of extreme precision. Tools are selected based on whether the goal is to remove tons of rock quickly or to gently expose the delicate surface of a bone.
Equipment for Locating and Heavy Removal
The process of finding a fossil often begins with a broad search, where paleontologists rely on geological picks to chip away at exposed rock layers during prospecting. These geological hammers typically feature one blunt end for striking and a pointed or chisel-shaped end for prying apart rock. This initial work tests the hardness of the matrix and removes small amounts of surface rock to check for signs of a fossil layer.
Once a promising area is identified, the focus shifts to removing the overburden—the rock and sediment covering the fossil-bearing layer. Excavation teams frequently use pickaxes and shovels for the removal of loose soil and softer sediment. Clearing these upper layers allows the team to reach the harder strata where the fossils are preserved.
For extremely tough, consolidated rock, more powerful tools are necessary. Large steel chisels, often paired with heavy crack hammers or sledgehammers, are used to split and fracture dense rock masses. In large-scale quarry operations, high-powered machinery like jackhammers or pneumatic hammers may be employed to efficiently clear vast amounts of rock. These heavy tools expose the general area of the fossil layer without touching the specimen itself.
Instruments for Fine Excavation
After the bulk of the hard matrix has been removed, the work transitions to delicate excavation using smaller, hand-held instruments. The goal is to carefully separate the fragile fossil material from the surrounding rock without causing damage. Dental picks, similar to those a dentist uses, are frequently employed for meticulously scraping away the sediment directly touching the bone. These pointed tools allow for precise control in removing tiny chips of matrix, sometimes only fractions of a millimeter at a time.
A small awl or a fine scalpel can also be used to chip away at the remaining stubborn material. Controlled pressure is paramount, as a sudden slip could permanently damage the specimen’s surface detail. Scrapers, which have a thin, flat edge, are used for shaving off thin layers of softer sediment over broader areas of the exposed fossil.
Brushes, ranging from soft-bristled brushes for dusting loose debris to stiffer brushes for scrubbing consolidated dirt, are essential. These are used in conjunction with small hand trowels, which help scoop away the fine sediment and debris loosened by the picks and scrapers. This stage requires extreme patience and a steady hand to fully reveal the ancient specimen.
Materials for Field Stabilization and Protection
Once a fossil has been partially exposed, it requires immediate stabilization to prevent disintegration before it can be safely moved. This involves applying consolidants, specialized liquid resins designed to penetrate porous bone or rock and harden upon drying. Commonly used consolidants include Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA) or Acryloid B-72, dissolved in solvents like acetone to ensure deep penetration into the fragile material.
These chemical hardeners act as a form of internal glue, strengthening the fossil’s structure from within, which is important for poorly mineralized or fractured specimens. Following consolidation, a protective shell, known as a field jacket, must be constructed around the specimen and its surrounding matrix for transport. The jacket ensures the specimen remains in its original position, protecting it from movement or breakage during the journey.
The field jacket is typically constructed using strips of burlap soaked in plaster of Paris, applied directly over the fossil and a supportive layer of aluminum foil. The foil prevents the plaster from bonding directly to the fossil’s surface. The wet burlap is layered until a rigid, multi-layered shell is formed, creating a secure, custom-fit cast for the specimen.
Documentation and Safety Essentials
Accurate recording is as important as the excavation itself, requiring specific documentation tools to preserve the context of the find. Field notebooks and durable pencils are standard gear for recording geological data, location details, and the orientation of the fossil before removal. Pencils are preferred over pens because their graphite marks will not run or fade if exposed to moisture.
The precise location of every significant find is recorded using a GPS device, providing coordinates tagged to the specimen’s unique field number. Measuring tapes and cameras document the specimen’s size and position within the excavation site, often using a scale bar for photographic reference. Small, pre-labeled tags are placed with the specimen fragments in collection bags, ensuring the correct data is permanently associated with the fossil.
Personal safety equipment is mandatory, given the remote locations and physical nature of the work. Safety glasses protect the eyes from flying rock chips generated by hammers and chisels, and sturdy gloves shield hands from abrasions and chemicals. A well-stocked basic first aid kit is always kept on hand, recognizing that field sites are often far from immediate medical assistance.