Paleontology is the study of the ancient past through fossils and the geologic record. Fossils are simply the preserved remains or traces of ancient plants and animals.
The Reach Museum in Richland, Washington, focuses on the Hanford Reach area of the Columbia River. The Museum includes a small display of plant fossils from the region.
Shown above is a fossil maple leaf.
Shown above is a fossil cypress leaf.
Shown above is a plant of unknown origin.
Shown above is a fossil pine cone.
Shown above are fossil pine seeds.
Shown above is a fossil elm leaf.
Shown above is a fossil of a plant of unknown origin.
Petrified Wood
Among the evidence of ancient life uncovered by paleontologists is petrified wood. When silica-rich waters, often from volcanic ash deposits, replaces and preserves the cell structure of buried trees, the result is petrified (silicified) wood.
Shown above is a cyprus specimen from Rattlesnake Springs, Washington.
Shown above is an elm specimen from Vantage, Washington.
Shown above is a maple specimen from Saddle Mountains, Washington.
More Paleontology
Paleontology 101: Brontotheres (Photo Diary)
Paleontology 101: The Paleozoic (Photo Diary)
Paleontology 101: The Cenozoic--The Age of Mammals (Photo Diary)
Paleontology 101: Wolves, Dogs, Cats, and Bears (Photo Diary)
Paleontology 101: The Birds of La Brea (Photo Diary)
La Brea Tar Pits: Paleontology (Photo Diary)
Paleontology 101: The La Brea Fossil Lab
Paleontology 101: The Hagerman Horse, Equus Simplicidens