Earth Collections : Carboniferous database

The Carboniferous Period extended from 360-290 million years ago. Strata of this age are widespread in Britain, and because of the long-standing commercial/industrial importance of many of the limestones, sandstones, shales and coals that comprise the Carboniferous, exposures are common. Consequently, fossils of this period are well represented in the collections.

Of note is invertebrate material published in the mid-19th century by John Phillips, first keeper of the Museum, in his book Geology of Yorkshire. Corals are present from the publications of Vaughan, Smith, Douglas, and Hill; brachiopods from works by Davidson, Vaughan, Douglas, Brunton, and others. Crinoids were worked up by Sollas and Wright, and include specimens published in the late 18th century by Edward Lhwyd. Fish material of Agassiz and amphibian material of Sollas figure amongst our Carboniferous vertebrates, while our many plant specimens include early 19th century material of Lindley and Hutton, Sternberg, and Brongniart.

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Enquiries regarding the collections should be sent to: earth@oum.ox.ac.uk