Scientists to use Adavale Basin fossils to unlock secrets of giant fish
Geologists in Queensland, Australia, discovered ancient fossils including coral and trilobites while drilling for a potential hydrogen battery site. Although the expected salt layer was not found, the findings provide new insights into Devonian-era marine ecosystems.
Why it matters
The discovery offers valuable scientific data on ancient climate and marine life, contributing to the understanding of Australia's geological history.
An artist impression of an ancient reef similar to what has been discovered under the Australian outback. ( Supplied: Flinders University/Brian Choo )
A deep-drilling exploration of an ancient basin has uncovered fossilised corals, trilobites and unseen rock combinations.
Scientists will use samples to determine how ancient Devonian-era fish grew so big.
The fossils will help scientists understand the seabed's history, but geologists did not find a salt layer they were looking for.
Link copied Share Share article For millions of years, outback Queensland has hidden an ancient coral reef deep beneath its surface.
Scientists hope the discovery of ammonite, coral and fern fossils, as well as a kilometre-long solid rock core, could help unravel marine mysteries dating back more than 325 million years.
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