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Marmarth Research Foundation: In the Hell Creek Formation of North Dakota

Marmarth Research Foundation: In the Hell Creek formation of North Dakota

Prenocephale skull , 2006
Hell Creek Formation

Prenocephale skull

<em>Stygiochelys</em> foot

Stygiochelys foot
Turtle Ridge
2007

An excellent practical exposure to how paleontology is 'done.' The whole spectrum is available, from prospecting, through extraction and retrieval to preparation of fossils for exhibition - including making casts and molds.

John Akerley
Retired engineer

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Turtle Graveyard

Photos of the turtle graveyard excavation

Eubaena skull
Many Eubaena skulls have been uncovered at the Turtle Graveyard locality.
Shade!!
A shade tarp is put up at the Turtle Graveyard.
Eubaena skull (bottom)
Bottom view of a perfectly preserved Eubaena skull.
Limb bone
Numerous limb bones have been uncovered.
In situ Eubaena skull
A perfectly preserved Eubaena skull prior to its removal.
In situ Eubaena shell
Mapping in a Eubaena shell.
Trionychid shell
Numerous Trionychid shell fragments are mixed in with the baenid shells.
Trionychid skull
Lou Tremblay uncovered this articulated Trionychid skull in the lab.
Articulated trionychid shell
A few articulated trionychid shells have been collected at the Turtle Graveyard locality.
Palatobaena cohen skull
This is one of four skulls found at the Turtle Graveyard, which represents a new species of turtle.
John Akerley
Volunteer John Akerley patiently searches for more turtles at the Turtle Graveyard.
In situ Palatobaena cohen skull
Lou Tremblay found this incredible Palatobaena skull.
Partial skeleton
Many of the turtle shells are associated with other skeletal bones.
Eubaena foot
A beautifully preserved Eubaena foot.
Eubaena shell
The bone and scute pattern ID this shell as belonging to Eubaena.
Afternoon siesta
Volunteer Tom Hollocher takes an afternoon siesta after lunch.
Success!
Volunteer Carla Cox is thrilled with her discovery.
shell
Norman Gardiner's find of the day!!
Preparation
The Turtle Graveyard material is well-preserved, making the preparation of the material an enjoyable experience.
Break
Breaks are often filled with lively discussions regarding the taphonomic history of the Turtle Graveyard.
Slow day at the Turtle Graveyard
The result of 7 hours in the sun and not finding anything at the Turtle Graveyard locality!!
Gilmoremys lancensis
This soft-shelled turtle skull is one of many turtle species represented at the Turtle Graveyard.
Upside down turtle
A few of the turtles were found upside down.
A row of turtles!!
Lou Tremblay, a staff member, found four turtle shells lined up in a row.
Eubaena skull
A perfectly preserved Eubaena skull.
Tunneling after turtles
Volunteer Anne Duray tunnels into the Turtle Graveyard backwall after a shell.
Gilmoremys lancensis
We have found a handful of Plastomenid turtle skulls.
Turtle bits
Many post-cranial turtle elements have been collected.
Turtle Graveyard
The turtles are preserved in an unconsolidated sand that is very easy to dig through.
Wheelbarrows
Many wheelbarrows of sediment have been removed from the Turtle Graveyard.
Norman Gardiner
Norman Gardiner next to a perfectly preserved Eubaena shell he uncovered.
Two Eubaena shells
These Eubaena shells are ready to be jacketed.
Wesley Anderson
Volunteer Wes Anderson poses by a field jacket he helped make at the Turtle Graveyard locality.
In search of turtles...
The Turtle Graveyard is a very rich quarry that has produced remains from over 75 individual turles.
Mixing turtles!
A plastomenid turtle skull was found inside a baenid turtle shell.
Trionychid neck
A very rare articulated Trionychid neck.
Lignified wood
Lignified wood is abundant at the Turtle Graveyard.
Pleasant surprise!
Lou Tremblay began the preparation of this block in 2007. It contains two Eubaena shells, an artiuclated leg, tail and an articulated neck and skull. An articulated trionychid skull and neck was also found in this jacket.
Eubaena plastron
Over 75 Eubaena shells have been uncovered.
Gilmoremys lancensis
A ventral view of a Plastomenid skull from the Turtle Graveyard.
The finished product!
A prepared Eubaena shell.
Hadrosaur vertebrae
Occasionally we will find non-chelonian remains at the Turtle Graveyard.
Norman Gardiner
Volunteer Norman Gardiner has discovered many turtles since he first starting volunteering with the MRF in 2003.
Wade Ortel at the Turtle Graveyard locality
Wade Ortel makes a latex mold of a lignified tree at the Turtle Graveyard locality.
Turtle Graveyard from a distance
This picture was taken on the way back from the Torosaurus locality.
Overburden removal
Tyler Lyson and Emma Schachner remove the last bit of overburden from the Turtle Graveyard.
In situ crocodile vertebra
Mapping in a crocodile vertebra.
Eubaena turtle skull
This is the most common type of turtle found at the Turtle Graveyard and it represents a new species of turtle.
Sean Anderson and Kashif Vikaas
Volunteers pose next to a shell they helped collect.