Baculite Mesa, Pierre Shale, WIPS Field Trip: PEOPLE & GEOLOGY, 5/17/2003

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In most years, Baculite Mesa is a complete desert. The high precipitation of early 2003 changed the landscape entirely as shown by this cactus bloom. We initially thought this would help the fossil hunting by exposing more specimens. However, the previous 2 inch rain actually made the Pierre Shale swell and "float" in cracked patterns, hiding many potential finds.
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In most years, Baculite Mesa is a complete desert. The high precipitation of early 2003 changed the landscape entirely as shown by this cactus bloom. We initially thought this would help the fossil hunting by exposing more specimens. However, the previous 2 inch rain actually made the Pierre Shale swell and "float" in cracked patterns, hiding many potential finds.