Outcrop of glacial sediments

Part of Hall of Planet Earth.

Outcrop of Glacial Sediments AMNH/R.Mickens

Behind these samples is a cast of an outcrop from the Gowganda formation, made up of fine layers of sediment. Scattered within these layers are dropstones — pebbles trapped in and carried by icebergs. As the icebergs melted, they dropped their passive riders to the ocean floor. A good example can be seen in the sample at the center of this zone, in front of the cast of the outcrop.

AMNH collection