Nov. 11, 2003
CONTACT:
Gordon Ovenshine (724) 738-4854; e-mail:
gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu
RARE
FOSSILS BEQUEATHED TO SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY BY
GRADUATE
SLIPPERY ROCK,
Pa. - A Slippery Rock University graduate bequeathed a "rare and
unique" collection of fossils to the university, providing
outstanding opportunities for students to examine the plant life
and geology of western Pennsylvania as it existed 320 million years
ago.
The
late Louis Souzer, a 1977 biology graduate, and his wife, Ann,
collected the 70 fossils on their property in Butler County over
many years. Louis Souzer died six months ago and gave the
collection through his will.
The
fossilized Carboniferous plants are in "particularly good shape,"
says SRU Dr. Thomas Gaither, a biology professor who remembers
Souzer as a student. He says the cache is rare because the pliable
nature of sand seldom preserves non-woody plants.
"How
they were preserved is a scientific study in itself," says Dr.
Tamra Schiappa, assistantprofessor of geography, geology and
environment. "It's a very rare and unique
collection."
Some
of the sandstone rocks split, revealing the outline of plant stems.
One of the plants, Calamites, is an ancient example of a
modern horsetail, a plant whose descendants still grow in the area,
Schiappa says.
Students
will be able to visit the site in Mercer County to investigate how
the plants were preserved. Typically, fossils form after a rapid
burial of plant or animal life in layers of mud that over millions
of years harden to stone.
"Great
possibilities exist for a field location for students in our
college," Dr. Jane Fulton, dean of the College of Health,
Environment and Science said. "And the fossils included in this
important gift to the university will become the foundation of a
hands-on laboratory for students from our campus as well as
students from schools across western Pennsylvania. We are grateful
to acquire this collection."
Editor's note:
The fossils are on campus and may be
photographed.
PN,
PR, PgN