Marine fossils discovered at San Pedro High School in 2022
- Researchers found two fossil sites at San Pedro High School during construction: a bone bed from the Miocene era and a shell bed from the Pleistocene era.
- The discovery is the largest marine bone bed found in Los Angeles and Orange counties, revealing that much of the area was once underwater.
- The findings have inspired students and highlight the significance of geology in understanding both the past and its impact on present-day life.
In 2022, a significant discovery of marine fossils was made at San Pedro High School during construction activities. Researchers identified two distinct fossil sites: a bone bed from the Miocene era, approximately 8.7 million years old, and a shell bed from the Pleistocene era, around 120,000 years old. This unprecedented find, described as the largest marine bone bed in Los Angeles and Orange counties, has provided insights into the region's geological history, indicating that much of Los Angeles was once underwater. The fossils uncovered suggest a rich ecosystem that included dolphins, fish, and whales, thriving in nutrient-rich waters. The discovery has sparked interest among students, with one senior expressing a desire to pursue marine paleontology after handling a 125,000-year-old fossil. The collaboration between the school and local paleontologists aims to educate the public about the area's prehistoric past. With the completion of construction, 80% of the fossil blocks have been transferred to research and educational institutions. Although the Natural History Museum has not yet announced plans for displaying the fossils, there are hopes for a dedicated exhibit at San Pedro High School to engage the community further. The ongoing erosion of fossil blocks suggests that more discoveries could emerge in the future, continuing to inspire students and the public alike. This discovery highlights the connection between geology and modern life, as the diatoms found in the fossilized remains contribute to oil production in Los Angeles, underscoring the importance of understanding the Earth's history in shaping contemporary society.