Students hunting for fossils in the ENCI quarry
Moving orange spots on a yellow background are the first indication that something unusual is taking place in Maastricht's limestone quarry, Sint-Pietersberg. A closer look reveals that these are people clothed in orange vests. They are Maastricht Science Programme students and supervisors. In July, they carried out the first systematic excavation, which Maastricht University is conducting.
Maastricht has been known for its fossil-rich subsoil for centuries. The first mosasaur rose from the ground in Maastricht, making the city famous until today. Maastrichtian is the name of a geological epoch that took place between 72 and 66 million years ago.
"Until a few years ago, limestone was extracted from the quarry on a daily basis, making research nearly impossible. Everything happened on the fly, as soon as something extraordinary, like a mosasaur, was discovered. For the first time, Maastricht University can perform a systematic study of the fossils in the Maastrchtian," says Leon Claessens, professor of palaeontology at the Faculty of Science and Engineering..
Text continues below the photos.
In recent days, there has been a lot of hard work at the ENCI quarry.
His colleague, biologist George Mesher of the Maastricht Science Programme, adds: "We involve students in the excavation so that they can learn about methodical field research. We want to organise an excavation every summer, and we hope that the students who are currently enjoying their first experience as palaeontologists will wish to share their knowledge with the new students next year."
The current group's enthusiasm indicates that Mesher does not need to worry about participation next year. Armed with instruments ranging from pickaxes to tweezers, and despite the heat, they are hard at work, uncovering the mysteries of the Sint-Pietersberg and, who knows, unearthing a piece of new a mosasaur.
Text: Patrick Marx
Also read
-
Maastricht University has built a new research greenhouse at Brightlands Campus Greenport Venlo. Starting on September 1, research will be conducted in this high-tech greenhouse on the agriculture and horticulture of the future: from new cultivation techniques and the development of plants to the...
-
The area on the Sorbonnelaan in the Maastricht neighbourhood of Randwyck looked somewhat bare and remote about two years ago. This was mainly due to the modular and temporary appearance of the student houses that were quickly built there. Meanwhile, the area is increasingly taking on the character...
