OptimusShev Posted January 23, 2017 Share Posted January 23, 2017 I have a question. So I live in Florida, and looking a the map I am attaching I live in the Hawthorne Group. So.... if I dig in a creek am I likely to find fossils? I'm trying to look at these geological maps and distinguish areas which are likely to yield fossils. Particularly shark teeth. Can anyone school me up in this department? Thank you!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darktooth Posted January 23, 2017 Share Posted January 23, 2017 I heard that in florida, you don't find sharkteeth, they find you! I like Trilo-butts and I cannot lie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FossilDAWG Posted January 24, 2017 Share Posted January 24, 2017 Much of the Hawthorn is unfossiliferous, but there are fossiliferous horizons. It's always worth having a look, but you can't automatically assume shark teeth will be jumping in your screen. Don Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OptimusShev Posted January 24, 2017 Author Share Posted January 24, 2017 Thank you. So when you see a map like that what is it you should be looking for? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doctor Mud Posted January 24, 2017 Share Posted January 24, 2017 If I was doing prospecting for fossil sites I would try and get my hands on a higher resolution map. These might be available online via USGS? These maps can give a better idea of the local stratigraphy and where layers outcrop or are incised by rivers. The map you show gives a good regional overview and the general area that you could look in. Sounds like from what Don says there is a lot of variability within mapped units and you just have to get out there and explore - which is part of the fun. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calhounensis Posted January 24, 2017 Share Posted January 24, 2017 Depending where exactly you live.. your best bet is to go to that creek and do some digging. Not all of Florida will produce shark teeth but a good part of it will produce some sort of fossil if you do enough digging. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yvie Posted January 24, 2017 Share Posted January 24, 2017 I wouldn't go by the maps.I regularly go to an area that is meant to be prolific for sharks teeth,however,I have only ever found a few!!I have found other things are more exciting,however.Go by experience. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fossildude19 Posted January 24, 2017 Share Posted January 24, 2017 You might consider joining the nearest Fossil/Mineral/gem club, to get to know more like minded people in your area, and take advantage of field trips they run. LINK Good luck. Regards, Tim - VETERAN SHALE SPLITTER VFOTM --- APRIL - 2015 IPFOTM -- MAY - 2024 _________________________________________________________________________________ "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." John Muir ~ ~ ~ ~ ><))))( *> About Me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yvie Posted January 24, 2017 Share Posted January 24, 2017 (edited) If you go to local small museums they will also have details of where items have been found,or Google local areas + fossils and see what else comes up other than this great site. Edited January 24, 2017 by Yvie Missed word: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OptimusShev Posted January 24, 2017 Author Share Posted January 24, 2017 Thanks everyone! I visited two small creeks after work today. One was all clay and some shells, the other was sand as deep as my prodding stick will go. I must say, I enjoyed the exploring though. I had to use my shovel to help me get through the thick brush and flora. Also kept my head on a swivel looking for gators and snakes! Tomorrow after work I have anouther place I will try. If anyone has any more tips of the trade it would be helpful. I've googled a lot and searched this forum for hours getting ideas on what to look for, but any advice it appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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