What prehistoric treasures lie beneath Los Angeles?

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SUMMARY

The ongoing construction of the Metro Purple Line extension in Los Angeles has led to significant paleontological discoveries, including fossils dating back thousands of years. Notable finds include a young Columbian mammoth skull, along with remains of rabbits, camels, and bison from the last Ice Age. Since the project's initiation in 2014, construction crews have consistently reported fossil discoveries, prompting a collaboration with scientists to ensure proper excavation and study of these prehistoric treasures.

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  • Understanding of paleontology and fossil identification
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Paleontologists, urban planners, construction managers, and anyone interested in the intersection of urban development and paleontological research.

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Ever wonder what is under the ground you are walking on?
No, neither do I, usually.
But, if anything, at least a record of the history of the Earth lies under your feet.

Tunnels diggers in Los Angeles are finding fossils going back 1000's of years.
In this Aug. 15, 2017 photo, paleontologist Ashley Leger shows a skull of a young Columbian mammoth found at the construction site of the Metro Purple Line extension in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles subway system is expanding and so too are the number of prehistoric fossils being recovered as crews dig beneath the city. Since work on one extension began in 2014, workers have routinely turned up fossilized remains of rabbits, camels, bison and other creatures that roamed the region during the last Ice Age. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
https://phys.org/news/2017-12-subway-paleontology-la-unEarth's-fossil.html
 
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Pretty awesome! I hope the builders let the scientists peak about even if it slows them down.
 
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The La Brea Tar Pits are right in the center of L.A.= Los Angeles, and they have turned up many fossils: https://tarpits.org/la-brea-tar-pits I never went into the museum, but I did ride the Wilshire Boulevard bus right by the place quite a number of times.
 
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There was also a report this morning from CBS - heard the vocals on the local radio station carrying the CBS update of news of the week.
I would never have guessed that beneath Los Angeles there was such a rich collection of fossils.
I suppose I used the incorrect word - history without the pre-.
 
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Charles Link said:
The La Brea Tar Pits are right in the center of L.A.= Los Angeles, and they have turned up many fossils: https://tarpits.org/la-brea-tar-pits I never went into the museum, but I did ride the Wilshire Boulevard bus right by the place quite a number of times.
Close enough I suppose.:biggrin:
 
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Greg Bernhardt said:
Pretty awesome! I hope the builders let the scientists peak about even if it slows them down.
Apparently if the workers find something, they report the find, and move to work on an area farther removed.