Cretaceous Ichthyosaur Systematics and Diversity
Principal Investigator: Maxwell, Erin E (2)
Licence Number: 14392
Organization: McGill University
Licensed Year(s): 2009 2008
Issued: Jul 14, 2008
Project Team: Allan Lindoe (Technician, University of Alberta)

Objective(s): The objective of this study is to collect geological information and any fossils, both vertebrate and invertebrate from a site previously studied in 1971.

Project Description: The objective of this study is to collect geological information and any fossils, both vertebrate and invertebrate from a site previously studied in 1971. Research will focus on fossils of an extinct marine reptile called ichthyosaurs that have been exposed due to erosion. It is thought that this research will help create a better understanding of Cretaceous marine reptile diversity and evolution. The site is easily accessible by foot off of Highway 1. Fossils will be collected by hand, and geological information will be collected by direct observation and through rock samples collected. Sample size depends on how productive the site is in terms of the number of fossils and their species. The first week of research will be spent collecting geological data from all available outcrops, and the second week will be spent collecting fossils from sites discovered during week one. The researcher welcomes volunteer participation in the field component of the research. She is also willing to present the findings at local schools to teach children about palaeontology and the geological history of the region. Please contact the researcher for these opportunities. The fieldwork for this research will be conducted from August 14 to August 30, 2008 on the bank of the Hay River, specifically at 60 01' N, 116 57' W.