Geological Features and Fossils

Ranger Jim from Kerr Conte National Recreation Area discusses the geology of Blue Mesa Reservoir. He explains the presence of ancient pre-Cambrian rocks, Mesozoic sedimentary formations like the Morrison Formation, and the Dakota Sandstone. The video also covers volcanic activity, including the West Elk and San Juan volcanoes, and the resulting geological formations. Jim emphasizes the importance of preserving fossils and reporting findings to park rangers.

What is the age range of the oldest rocks found below the water level of Blue Mesa Reservoir?

• 1.7 to 1.8 million years

• 1.7 to 1.8 billion years

• 170 to 180 million years

• 170 to 180 billion years

Which type of fossils is the Jurassic Morrison Formation famous for?

• Marine fossils

• Plant fossils

• Dinosaur fossils

• Insect fossils

Which dinosaur fossil is recognized as the Colorado state fossil?

• Ceratosaurus

• Apatosaurus

• Allosaurus

• Stegosaurus

What type of remains have been found in the Dakota Sandstone formation?

• Fossilized fish

• Fossilized wood and plant matter

• Fossilized insects

• Fossilized marine mammals

What geological feature does the Mancos Shale form in the area?

• A red and brown layer

• A yellow and gray layer

• A blue and green layer

• A black and white layer

What is the origin of the youngest rocks in the region?

• Sedimentary

• Volcanic

• Metamorphic

• Igneous

Which volcanic formation forms the famous Dillon Pinnacle columns?

• Dakota Sandstone

• Mancos Shale

• West Elk Breccia

• San Juan Tuff

What process has shaped the columnar structures of the Dillon Pinnacles?

• Tectonic shifts

• Sedimentation

• Erosional processes

• Volcanic eruptions

What should you do if you find a fossil in the Kerr Conte National Recreation Area?

• Sell it to a museum

• Leave it where you found it and inform a park ranger

• Take it home as a souvenir

• Try to identify it yourself

What is the main message of the conclusion in the video?

• Advertising the park's facilities

• Preserving the natural state of the area

• Promoting geological research

• Encouraging fossil collection