SIA0672: Rhizolith/Rhizoconcretion Fossil

SIA0672
Photographer:Calvin J. Hamilton
Copyright:© 2004 Calvin J. Hamilton
Date:2003/07/16
Location:St. George, Utah

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Caption

This picture shows a petrified wood like fossil of a root. The fossils were found just below the sandstone layer preserving the Johnson Farm Dinosaur Tracks.

The soil contained a high concentration of calcium carbonate which occurs in an arid climate. The roots of plants became coated with a pure layer of the calcium carbonate. Over time the roots became fossilized into what is called rhizoliths or "root rocks". The calcium carbonate coating is called a rizoconcretion and eventually was replaced by colorful agate. The root rotted away leaving behind a colorful agate tube.


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