Jurassic Ammonite Wall: La Dalle à Ammonites

The Dalle à ammonites is a geological formation in the town of Digne-les-Bains, France. It is a Jurassic-era wall that is composed of thousands of ammonite fossils. The fossils are embedded in a layer of limestone that is about 15 meters thick.

The ammonites in the Dalle à ammonites are a variety of species, including Kosmoceras, Lytoceras, and Perisphinctes. The fossils range in size from a few centimeters to over a meter in diameter.

The Dalle à ammonites is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can walk along the wall and see the fossils up close. The wall is also a valuable scientific resource. It provides information about the geology and paleontology of the Jurassic period.

The Dalle à ammonites was formed about 160 million years ago. At that time, the area was a shallow sea. The ammonites lived in the sea and their shells sank to the bottom when they died. Over time, the shells were buried in sediment and eventually turned to limestone.

The Dalle à ammonites is a well-preserved example of a Jurassic-era marine environment. The fossils provide insights into the diversity of life in the Jurassic seas. They also help scientists to understand the geological history of the region.

The Dalle à Ammonite. Photo: Christian Giusti

The Dalle à ammonites is a valuable resource for both science and tourism. It is a reminder of the rich history of the region and the diversity of life that once existed there.

Geological Significance

The Dalle à ammonites is a significant geological formation because it provides a unique record of the Jurassic period. The fossils in the wall provide information about the diversity of life in the Jurassic seas, as well as the geological history of the region.

The wall is also a valuable tool for biostratigraphic analysis. Biostratigraphy is the study of the distribution of fossils in sedimentary rocks. By studying the fossils in the Dalle à ammonites, scientists can determine the age of the rocks and the order in which they were deposited.

Jurassic Ammonoidea (Coroniceras multicostatum and some others) of Digne-les-Bains, France Photo: Amélie Pataud

Tourism

The Dalle à ammonites is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can walk along the wall and see the fossils up close. The wall is also a popular spot for photographers.

There is a small museum at the site that provides information about the geology and paleontology of the region. The museum also has a collection of fossils that were found in the Dalle à ammonites.

Conclusion

The Dalle à ammonites is a unique and valuable geological formation. It provides a unique record of the Jurassic period and is a valuable tool for biostratigraphic analysis. The wall is also a popular tourist destination.