Germany

The southwestern Germany is famous for offering a glimpse into life during the Devonian period, roughly 400 million years ago.

Here’s a breakdown of its key aspects:

Age and Formation:

• Deposited in the early Devonian period, specifically the Lower Devonian epoch.
• Formed from the sediments of an ancient, shallow sea called the Lizard-Giessen-Harz/Rheno-Hercynian Ocean.
• These sediments originated from the erosion of a landmass called the Old Red Sandstone Continent.

Unique Feature: Exceptional Fossil Preservation:

• Classified as a “Lagerstätte” meaning it contains exceptionally well-preserved fossils.
• This remarkable preservation is attributed to rapid burial by sediments, preventing decomposition and protecting delicate soft tissues.
• The fossils showcase a diverse range of marine life, including:
  • Invertebrates like trilobites, brachiopods, and echinoderms.
  • Early fish species.
  • Even rare plant fossils.