Related Articles

Show All Topics

A Chemist's Perspective of the Yellowstone Petrified “Forests"

The Yellowstone "fossil forest" has many layers of volcanic ash. Trace element analysis of these layers reveals they derive from about four volcanic sources, and the layers from different sources are interlaced, implying contemporaneous eruptions of the different sources. Published in Origins n. 65.

Read More

The Explanation for the “Yellowstone Fossil Forests:” An Uncompleted Research Project

An appeal, by Dr. Leonard Brand, for more original research, publications, and review papers to present a coherent model for the interpretation of the Yellowstone fossil forests that would bring it to the attention of the geological community. Published in Origins n. 65.

Read More

Catastrophism in the Pacific Northwest: A Geoscience Research Institute Field Guide

This article covers several features and areas that demonstrate the catastrophic processes that shaped the Northwestern US.

Download PDF

Foreword

  FOREWORD byClyde L. WebsterPh.D. Senior Research Scientist Geoscience Research Institute Very few things capture one's imagination quicker than finding a fossil while on a nature walk or even a walk through a museum. There is an almost mystical drawing power associated with fossils. Questions of What? Where? When? Why? and How? immediately flood one's mind, and in some cases may remain there forever,…

Read More

The Yellowstone Fossil “Forests"

Research in the Yellowstone "fossil forests" includes study of the sediments, purported paleosoils, and paleoecology. Together, these indicate the "forests" are not in situ, but have been transported. Comparison with the effects of the eruption of Mt St Helens and the floating log raft in Spirit Lake provide an example of a possible mechanism for emplacement of the fossil trees in Yellowstone. Published in Origins v. 24, n. 1.

Read More

The Intrigue of the Questions about the Bridgewater “Fossil Forest,” Victoria, Australia

Study of the Bridgewater "Fossil Forest" of Victoria, Australia shows calcification of plants of two distinct appearances. One group is more superficial and consists of branching structures that appear to have grown in place. At a lower level is a series of layers of larger, hollow stump-like structures for which a suitable explanation is not known. Published in Origins v. 23, n. 1.

Read More

The Puzzle of the Petrified Trees

It is unwarranted to assume a priori, as in the past that all upright petrified trees had grown in the place where they are now found. The transport of trees and their deposition in an erect stance is not as unlikely or as rare as might be expected. Upright fossil trees within the geological column are compatible with a Flood model. Actually, when all factors are considered, a catastrophe involving water and many floating trees is a more satisfactory explanation for their origin.

Download PDF

The Organic Levels of the Yellowstone Petrified Forests

The normal accumulation of organic debris and the subsequent formation of humus and true soil which proceeds relentlessly on modern growth surfaces does not readily account for several of the phenomena seen in the organic levels of Yellowstone. Published in Origins v. 6, n. 2.

Read More

The Ginkgo Petrified Forest

The Gingko Petrified Forest in western Washington state contains a large variety of petrified plant species, more than any other site known. The plants represent a mixture of tropical and temperate species that appear to have been transported and not grown in situ. Published in Origins v. 1, n. 2.

Read More

Fossil Tree Orientation in the Chinle Formation

Trees were measured at nine locations in two general areas in Arizona and Utah. Preliminary data show very strong orientation of logs at most sites. Published in Origins v. 1, n. 1.

Read More