The WCSB contains rocks from multiple geological periods, ranging from the Devonian period (360 million years ago) to the Cretaceous period (65 million years ago). These rocks formed as layers of sediments were deposited on the bottom of the ancient seas and basins.
The conditions in the WCSB were ideal for the preservation of fossils. The waters were generally calm and shallow, and the sediment was deposited slowly and evenly. This allowed for the delicate remains of organisms to be buried and preserved in the sediment.
In addition to the ideal depositional conditions, the WCSB has also experienced very little tectonic activity since the Cretaceous period. This means that the rocks have been relatively undisturbed, and the fossils that they contain have been preserved in their original state.
As a result of these factors, the WCSB is home to an incredibly rich and diverse fossil record. The fossils that have been found in the region include dinosaurs, marine reptiles, mammals, and plants. The Burgess Shale, located in the WCSB, is one of the most famous fossil sites in the world. It contains fossils of soft-bodied animals that date back to the Cambrian period (541 million years ago).
The wealth of fossils found in Alberta has made it a popular destination for paleontologists and fossil enthusiasts from around the world. The province is home to several museums and research institutions dedicated to the study of fossils, including the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology in Drumheller.
