How To Find Dinosaur Bones | Paleontology Basics

Becoming a paleontologist, whether professionally or as an enthusiastic citizen scientist, begins with understanding the fundamental principles that govern fossil discovery. This pursuit combines scientific rigor with the thrill of discovery, contributing directly to our collective knowledge of Earth’s ancient past.

Understanding Paleontology and Taphonomy

Paleontology is the scientific study of life that existed prior to, or often during, the start of the Holocene Epoch, primarily focusing on fossils. Dinosaur bones are a specific type of fossil, formed through a rare and particular process called fossilization.

Taphonomy is the study of how organisms decay and become fossilized, encompassing processes from death to discovery. These processes include decomposition, transport, burial, and diagenesis, which involves physical and chemical changes to sediment after deposition.

For a dinosaur bone to fossilize, rapid burial in sediment is crucial to protect it from scavengers and microbial decomposition. This rapid burial often occurs in anoxic environments, where oxygen levels are low, further inhibiting decay.

Over geological time, minerals from groundwater permeate the bone, replacing the original organic material molecule by molecule, turning it into rock. This process, known as permineralization, preserves the bone’s internal structure and external form.

Not all bones fossilize; many decay completely, which explains why the fossil record is incomplete and represents only a small fraction of ancient life. Other fossilization types include casts and molds, where the original material dissolves, leaving an impression, and carbonization, where only a carbon film remains.

Geological Formations: Where Dinosaurs Lie

Dinosaur fossils are almost exclusively found in sedimentary rocks, which form from the accumulation and compaction of sediments like sand, silt, and mud. These sediments were often deposited in ancient rivers, lakes, floodplains, deltas, and shallow seas, environments conducive to rapid burial.

Igneous rocks, formed from volcanic activity, and metamorphic rocks, formed under intense heat and pressure, typically destroy organic material and are unsuitable for fossil preservation.

Specific geological periods are relevant for dinosaur discoveries, aligning with their existence on Earth:

• Triassic Period (approx. 252 to 201 million years ago): The earliest dinosaurs appeared during this period.
• Jurassic Period (approx. 201 to 145 million years ago): Dinosaurs diversified significantly and grew to immense sizes.
• Cretaceous Period (approx. 145 to 66 million years ago): This period marked the peak of dinosaur diversity, concluding with their mass extinction.

Identifying rock layers from these periods is a fundamental step in prospecting for dinosaur bones. Geological maps, often available from national geological surveys, are indispensable tools for this purpose. The U.S. Geological Survey provides extensive geological data and maps that pinpoint relevant formations.

Look for exposed sedimentary rock outcrops, especially in areas where erosion has removed overlying material, such as badlands, riverbeds, road cuts, and coastal cliffs. Famous dinosaur-bearing formations include the Morrison Formation in the western United States, known for Jurassic sauropods, and the Hell Creek Formation, famous for Late Cretaceous dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops.

Identifying Potential Fossil Sites

Recognizing the characteristics of fossiliferous sedimentary rocks and subtle clues on the ground is key to successful prospecting.

Sedimentary Rock Indicators

• Shale: Formed from fine mud and clay, often indicates calm water bodies like ancient lakes or deep marine environments, preserving fine details.
• Sandstone: Formed from sand, often points to ancient riverbeds, beaches, or desert environments, preserving durable bones.
• Siltstone: Intermediate between sandstone and shale, suggesting transitional water environments and good preservation potential.
• Conglomerate: Contains rounded pebbles and gravel, indicating high-energy water environments where bones might have been transported.

Ground Clues and Erosion Patterns

Small, often dark or reddish-brown pieces of bone, known as “float,” might be exposed on the surface. These fragments indicate a larger fossil might be eroding out nearby. When float is discovered, tracing it uphill to its source, where the main fossil lies embedded, is a common prospecting technique.

Petrified wood, while not a dinosaur bone, signifies a terrestrial environment with conditions suitable for fossilization. Distinctive colors or textures in rock layers, often reddish, purplish, or grayish, can also signal fossil-bearing strata.

Concretions, which are hard, rounded masses of mineral matter, sometimes form around fossils and can be an indicator. Areas with active erosion, such as badlands, are prime locations because wind and water continually expose new rock layers, acting as natural excavators.

Researching past fossil finds in a region can also guide where to focus efforts. Paleontological databases and museum collections often document discovery locations, revealing patterns of fossil distribution.

Rock Type	Formation Environment	Fossil Potential
Shale	Calm water (lakes, deep seas, floodplains)	High; fine details preserved, common for microfossils
Sandstone	Rivers, beaches, deserts, deltas	Moderate to High; durable bones, often large specimens
Siltstone	Transitional water environments (river margins, estuaries)	High; good preservation of medium-sized fossils
Limestone	Shallow marine environments, ancient lake beds	Moderate; marine fossils more common, but some terrestrial finds

Essential Tools and Techniques for Fieldwork

Effective fieldwork requires a combination of basic tools and methodical techniques to ensure both discovery and proper documentation.

Basic Field Gear

• Geological Hammer/Rock Pick: Used for breaking small pieces of rock, testing hardness, and initial rock removal.
• Chisels (various sizes): Essential for careful, controlled excavation around delicate specimens.
• Brushes (soft and stiff): For cleaning sediment from exposed specimens without causing damage.
• Shovels and Trowels: For moving larger amounts of overburden and initial digging.
• GPS Device or Smartphone with GPS: Crucial for accurately recording the precise discovery location, including elevation.
• Field Notebook and Pencils: For detailed notes, sketches of the site, geological observations, and specimen orientation.
• Camera: To document the site and specimens in situ from multiple angles, with a scale bar and north arrow.
• Protective Gear: Gloves, safety glasses, sturdy boots, hat, sunscreen, and ample water are vital for safety and comfort.

Systematic Surveying and Documentation

Systematic surveying involves walking transects across promising areas, scanning the ground for float or exposed bone. Focus on slopes, washes, and erosional gullies where new material is constantly exposed. When a fragment is found, trace it uphill to its source, which is often where the main fossil lies embedded. Screening sediment through fine mesh can recover small bone fragments and microfossils, providing additional clues about the ancient ecosystem.

Every significant find requires precise documentation of its location, geological context (the specific rock layer, its orientation, and dip), and any associated finds. This data is crucial for scientific understanding, allowing researchers to reconstruct ancient environments and life forms accurately.

Ethical and Legal Considerations

Adhering to ethical and legal guidelines is paramount when searching for dinosaur bones, recognizing their value as non-renewable scientific resources.

Land Ownership and Regulations

• Private Land: It is illegal to collect fossils on private land without explicit, written permission from the landowner. Always obtain consent before entering or collecting.
• National Parks and Monuments: Fossil collecting is strictly forbidden in these protected areas, which are preserved for scientific research and public enjoyment.
• Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lands: Casual collecting of common invertebrate or plant fossils for personal use might be allowed, but vertebrate fossils, such as dinosaur bones, are generally protected. Scientific collection on federal lands requires a permit under the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act (PRPA) of 2009.
• State Lands: Regulations vary significantly by state; always check local and state geological survey websites or land management agencies for specific rules.

Scientific Value and Reporting Finds

Dinosaur bones hold immense scientific value, and their context—where they were found, what rocks they were in, and their orientation—is as important as the bone itself. Improper or unscientific collection can destroy vital scientific data, rendering a specimen less useful for research.

If you believe you have found a significant dinosaur fossil on public land, the correct procedure is to contact a reputable paleontological institution, such as a natural history museum or a university paleontology department. These experts can assess the find and, if warranted, conduct a proper, scientific excavation, ensuring the fossil’s integrity and scientific context are preserved. The National Geographic Society supports scientific exploration and provides resources on ethical fieldwork, underscoring the importance of responsible discovery.

Guideline	Description	Rationale
Obtain Permission	Always secure written consent from landowners for private land access.	Ensures legal compliance and respect for property rights.
Know Public Land Rules	Research specific regulations for national, state, and federal (BLM) lands.	Avoids legal penalties and protects designated scientific resources.
Prioritize Documentation	Record precise location, geological context, and orientation of finds.	Preserves critical scientific data for future research and interpretation.
Report Significant Finds	Contact qualified paleontologists or institutions for potential vertebrate fossils.	Ensures proper scientific assessment, excavation, and curation of specimens.

What to Do When You Find Something

The moment of discovery is exciting, but restraint and proper procedure are critical to preserving the scientific integrity of a fossil find.

Initial Actions and Documentation

Do not excavate immediately. The instinct to dig can be strong, but improper excavation can damage the fossil and destroy its scientific context. Instead, focus on meticulous documentation.

1. Document Thoroughly: Take clear photographs from multiple angles, including close-ups and wider shots showing the fossil in situ. Always include a scale bar and a north arrow in your photos.
2. Record Location Data: Use a GPS device to record precise coordinates, including elevation. Sketch the site, noting geological layers, the fossil’s orientation, and any associated finds. Describe the surrounding rock type and color in detail.
3. Protect the Find: If the fossil is exposed and fragile, cover it gently with sediment or a tarp to protect it from weather, further erosion, and accidental damage until experts can arrive. Avoid applying any chemicals, glues, or consolidants, as these can interfere with scientific analysis and preservation.

Contacting Experts

After thorough documentation and protection, reach out to a local natural history museum, a university paleontology department, or your state geological survey. Provide them with your detailed documentation and location information. These institutions possess the expertise, equipment, and resources to properly assess, excavate, prepare, and preserve the specimen according to scientific standards. Your role as a careful observer and reporter is invaluable, as many significant discoveries have originated from keen-eyed individuals who understand the importance of proper scientific protocol.

Joining the Scientific Community

Engaging with the paleontological community offers numerous avenues for learning and contribution, whether you aspire to a professional career or wish to participate as a dedicated citizen scientist.

Volunteer and Educational Paths

Many museums and universities offer volunteer programs for fossil preparation in the lab or even fieldwork. This is an excellent way to gain practical experience under expert supervision, learning skills such as plaster jacketing for large specimens, matrix removal, and various conservation techniques. These programs provide a direct connection to active research and collections management.

Joining local or national paleontological societies connects you with experienced enthusiasts and professionals. These groups often organize guided field trips to fossil-rich areas, educational lectures, and workshops, fostering a community of shared interest and knowledge. Citizen science projects, beyond just reporting finds, sometimes involve participants in data collection or preliminary fossil sorting.

For those considering a professional path, pursuing a degree in geology, paleontology, or a related Earth science field provides a deep academic foundation. This involves coursework in stratigraphy, sedimentology, comparative anatomy, evolutionary biology, and often includes extensive field training. Graduate studies then allow for specialization in specific areas of paleontological research.

The field of paleontology is always advancing with new discoveries and analytical techniques. Continuous learning through reading scientific journals, attending academic conferences, and engaging with new research ensures your knowledge remains current and contributes to your understanding of ancient life.