Ancient reptile rises from Alberta oil sands

Russell said researchers have worked with Syncrude to study the ancient sea floor that is now being mined for oil sands, in order to better understand the prehistoric ecosystem and to help predict where future fossil finds might occur.

“We are getting to look at a relatively large area of the ancient sea bed over many hectares, which is very unusual for a field site,” he said. “It allows us to create models and hopefully predict where other remains might turn up, which Syncrude and other oil sands operators can be aware of when working in a certain area.”

Nichollsia borealis is currently on display in the Discoveries Gallery at the Royal Tyrrell Museum.

Media interview opportunities and photos:

Photographs of the Nichollsia borealis specimen are available for media use and can be downloaded at the following website: http://www.ucalgary.ca/news/march2008/plesiosaur-photos. Researchers from the U of C and the Royal Tyrrell Museum are available for interviews and can be contacted directly:

Anthony Russell
Professor of Biological Sciences
University of Calgary
Phone: (403) 220-5198
Email:

Patrick Druckenmiller
Curator of Earth Sciences
University of Alaska Museum
Phone: (907) 474-6954
Email:

Lisa Making
Royal Tyrrell Museum
Phone: (403) 820-6244
Email:

To arrange other interviews or for more information, contact:

Grady Semmens
Senior Communcations Manager – Research
University of Calgary, External Relations
Phone: (403) 220-7722
Cell: (403) 651-2515
Email: