The Geological History of Fossil Butte National Monument and Fossil Basin

A scientific publication written in the late 20th century. The work dives into the geological and paleontological significance of the Fossil Butte National Monument, focusing on its vast stratigraphy, fossil records, and the environmental history of the region over millions of years, particularly during the Eocene epoch. The opening of the publication sets the stage by outlining the Department of the Interior's role in managing natural resources and the specific focus of this research series on areas in the National Park System. It introduces the concept of Fossil Lake, which existed fifty million years ago, describing its features, such as lush vegetation and a thriving ecosystem composed of various species of fish, mammals, and flora. The authors provide a brief overview of the area's geologic formations, emphasizing the stratigraphic intricacies that help reconstruct the ancient environment of Fossil Basin, laying the groundwork for a detailed exploration of the geology and paleontology that follow in subsequent sections.