Nebraska Rhinos
February 13, 2001
Provided by: Rod Benson, Helena High School Science Dept.
Summary authors & editors: Rod Benson
Located in north central Nebraska, the Ashfall Fossil Site features rhinos, horses and many other animals that died as result of a volcanic eruption in Idaho that happened about 10 million years ago. The eruption produced a tremendous cloud of ash that descended onto the savannah, including the Nebraska area. As the lungs of animals filled with ash, they sought relief at a waterhole where they eventually died and were covered with several feet of ash. The photo shows one of the rhinos. Over 100 have been discovered at the site along with horses, camels, turtles, and cranes. The site was featured in the January 1981 issue of National Geographic Magazine.
To see more photos of the Ashfall Site go to http://ehelena.freeyellow.com/
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