Irvine fossils find new home

May 16, 2005

Geology Professor Amy Stinson presented a research paper at a joint meeting of the Cordilleran Section of the Geological

Society of America, and Pacific Section of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, in San Jose, April 29 – May

1.

Professor Stinson’s research focused on the fossilized skeletal remains of whales, sharks and other marine animals that were found in 1997 as land was being excavated for a housing development near Bison Avenue in Irvine. The San Joaquin Hills have periodically yielded troves of marine fossils as the area is developed.

The dense concentration of cetacean fossils, which were found within what is known as the mid-Miocene Topanga Formation, will one day become part of a permanent exhibit at Irvine Valley. The college became the recipient of a whale skeleton and other remains under the direction of Geology and Marine Science Professor George Brogan. Professor Stinson now manages the effort to create the exhibit and develop curriculum for the geology and marine sciences program. Preparation of the fossils began in 2004.

Professor Stinson presented her research to 800 geoscientists who attended the annual conference.