The Devonian in New York, US

Paleontology and geology

During the Devonian, North America collided with Western Europe forming the Acadian Mountains in eastern New York. This collision buckled the crust downward, deepening part of the inland sea that covered New York. The Acadian Mountains eroded rapidly, providing huge amounts of sediment, which formed a large delta—the Catskill Delta. The coarsest sediments were deposited close to the mountains and finer-grained sediments spread westward into the inland sea. At times, when the amount of sediment being deposited from the highlands decreased, limestone and dolostone were formed. Marine sediments contain fossils of trilobites, corals, and bryozoans. This map indicates a broad exposure of Devonian rocks across southern New York.

Links to more on the Devonian in New York

Collecting and Legalities | Organizations | Education and Exhibits

Where to Collect Fossils (showing 1 of 1 listings)

Penn Dixie Paleontological and Outdoor Education Center: A natural history center, where visitors can collect their own trilobites. The web page includes information on how to get to the site, fossils which can be found there, and other information.

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Museums (showing 1 of 1 listings)

Garvies Point Museum official website: Garvies Point Museum and Preserve is located on Long Island's north shore in New York State. We are a center for regional geology research. Our exhibits deal with regional (Long Island and New York State) geology, fossilization and minerology and the ehnography and archaeology of northeastern Native Americans. Our exhibit "Drifitng Lands and Ancient Seas" details the geology of New York State coordinated with plate tectonics. 

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Physical Exhibits (showing 1 of 1 listings)

Robert M. Linsley Museum at Colgate University: The Robert M. Linsley Museum exhibits fossils, minerals, rocks, and the geology of New York State. We are fortunate to have some exceptional specimens on display, including eurypterids, Dipleura trilobites, gems, large mineral clusters, and scores of Herkimer "diamonds." A mural painted by local artist Rachel Amann depicts life in Hamilton during the Devonian period when local shales and siltstones accumulated. The museum is open during regular business hours (8 am- 5 pm) Monday-Friday.

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