Table of Contents
Unique Discovery: Scientists Unearth Fossil Reservoir Beneath Wastewater Pipeline
A sewage project led to the discovery of a fossil bed that’s 3 million years old containing 266 species, providing a glimpse into the rich and varied prehistoric marine ecosystem. Photo by: Bruce Hayward
In the process of excavations at the Mangere Wastewater Treatment Plant in 2020, ancient remnants such as the earliest known flax snails, a bygone sawshark spine, and teeth from the great white shark emerged from a sand heap.
Recent findings in the New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics detail these 266 fossil species, marking it among the most abundant and varied sets of three-million-year-old organisms ever uncovered in New Zealand. Notably, future research will classify and name at least ten species that were hitherto unknown.
Fossil Repository at Mangere Wastewater Treatment Plant
During 2020, while undertaking significant enhancements of the principal pipeline that channels untreated sewage for processing from the city center, Auckland’s Watercare unveiled an old shell bed. The discovery was akin to “stumbling upon gold at your own residence,” in the words of Auckland paleontologist Bruce Hayward.
Upon realizing the monumental significance of the fossil repository, Watercare and associated contractors made arrangements for the sediment to be relocated to a nearby field. This enabled paleontologists to meticulously inspect it over an extended period. Watercare also sponsored two budding paleontologists who, under the guidance of Auckland Museum’s Dr. Wilma Blom, meticulously scanned the sediment for several weeks.
Subsequently, an astonishing 300,000 fossils underwent examination, and a few thousand have been preserved in the museum to commemorate this extraordinary discovery.
Fossil Examination and Climatic Observations
Dr. Hayward explained that these fossils, based on intricate analysis, were accumulated between 3 and 3.7 million years ago in a submerged passage in what would become the Manukau Harbour of today. The sea levels during that period were marginally elevated and global temperatures were notably warmer than contemporary times. Consequently, many of the fossils resemble species currently residing in the temperate waters surrounding the Kermadec and Norfolk islands. At least ten of the species are unrecorded and will be elaborated on in subsequent studies.
Dr. Hayward, the main author, expressed astonishment over the diverse habitats the fossils originated from, attributing their confluence in the ancient marine passage to strong tidal movements and wave activities. Noteworthy among these are ten specimens of the renowned NZ flax snail, believed to have been swept from the neighboring landmass into the sea. Predominantly, these fossils were seabed dwellers, while others resided in saline estuaries or clung to rugged coastlines. Yet others originated from the western offshore coasts.
Among the exceptional discoveries were fragments of baleen whale vertebrae, a fractured tooth of a sperm whale, an extinct sawshark’s spine, eagle ray dental structures, and several teeth from the great white shark. This work is a tribute to Dr. Alan Beu, New Zealand’s foremost expert on molluscan fossils, who was studying these specimens when he tragically passed away this year.
Reference: “A diverse Late Pliocene fossil fauna and its paleoenvironment at Māngere, Auckland, New Zealand” by Bruce W. Hayward, Thomas F. Stolberger, Nathan Collins, Alan G. Beu, and Wilma Blom, 27 August 2023, New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics.
DOI: 10.1080/00288306.2023.2243234.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword: Fossil Discovery
What was discovered under the Mangere Wastewater Treatment Plant?
A 3 million-year-old fossil bed containing 266 species, offering a unique look into diverse ancient marine life, was uncovered.
Which specific fossils were mentioned in the findings?
Among the discovered remnants are the world’s oldest known flax snails, an extinct sawshark spine, and teeth from the great white shark.
Where were the findings published?
The discoveries were detailed in the New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics.
Who was involved in examining and researching the fossils?
Paleontologists, including Bruce Hayward and Dr. Wilma Blom from Auckland Museum, were instrumental in examining the fossils. The study also involved other experts like Thomas F. Stolberger, Nathan Collins, and Alan G. Beu.
What do the fossils reveal about the climate from 3 million years ago?
Detailed identification indicates that the fossils were deposited between 3 and 3.7 million years ago when sea levels were slightly higher and global temperatures were warmer than today. Some of the fossils resemble species found in today’s warmer waters around the Kermadec and Norfolk islands.
Were there any new species identified among the fossils?
Yes, at least ten previously unknown species were identified and will be named and described in future research.
How did the excavation team respond upon realizing the significance of the fossil bed?
Upon recognizing the significance of the fossil deposit, Watercare and their contractors relocated the sediment to a nearby field for detailed examination by paleontologists. They also sponsored two paleontology graduate students to study the findings.
More about fokus keyword: Fossil Discovery
- Mangere Wastewater Treatment Plant Excavation Details
- Ancient Marine Life and Fossils
- New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics Publications
- Dr. Bruce Hayward’s Paleontological Research
- Climate Insights from Ancient Fossils
- Dr. Alan Beu’s Contributions to Molluscan Fossils
- Detailed Fossil Examination by Auckland Museum
