APS is a nonprofit organization of amateur fossil enthusiasts and professional paleontologists who are interested in the collection, interpretation, and dissemination of knowledge
of fossils and the rich natural history of the
State of Alabama.
Membership is open to anyone who shares the interests
of the Society. We expect our members to conduct their activities in accordance with our code of ethics.
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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS!
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Roadside Geology of Alabama!
The long-awaited book on the geology of Alabama as viewed from roadcuts across the State is here! You can order your copy today!
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Ancient Life in Alabama:
The Fossils, the Finders & Why It Matters
Get your copy of this great new book by Dr. Bill Deutsch that is focused on paleontology in Alabama. Many APS members and other professional and avocational paleontologists participated in this three-year project. The book has 50 Bio Sketches of them, describing how they became interested in fossils, their career paths, and the importance of teachers and mentors. The book also has 30 sections called Joy of the Hunt, where Alabama collectors described some of their most interesting and important fossil discoveries.
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Restoring Birmingham's Famous Red Mountain Cut
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Bryson Stephens, Director and Chairman of the Board of EBSCO Industries, who spoke to APS on March 7th on his vision for the restoration of the Red Mountain Cut and the former geologic walkway, has moved forward with the creation of the Red Mountain Cut Foundation. Many of you have seen the dramatic cleanup work that has taken place at the Cut over the past 3 months with the removal of years of vegetation. There is a lot more to come!
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THE GEOLOGY IN THE RED MOUNTAIN CUT IN BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
The cut through Red Mountain, opened in 1969, exposed a complete stratigraphic succession from Upper Cambrian to Middle Mississippian, including many scientifically interesting details, such as marine invertebrate fossils of several ages, volcanic ash beds, and the famous Birmingham hematitic iron ores. The beds dip southeastward from the late Paleozoic Birmingham frontal ramp anticline, and two steep normal faults break through the stratigraphy. One of the faults has abundant evidence of fault movement during deposition of the Upper Silurian beds, including soft-sediment slumps and flows, followed by later displacement. Initially, a scientific walkway was constructed on one bench of the deep cut and displayed these geologic features for geologists, students, and the general public. Unfortunately, over time, the walkway has deteriorated and is now inaccessible.
Plans are underway to clear the cut and build a new walkway entirely through the cut, along with geologic displays and explanations. The work has already begun with clearing dense vegetation, which grows rapidly in the climate of Alabama. Planning and design are underway for construction of the walkway and for geologic displays, and the new plan includes funds for maintenance to insure the future of this geologic educational resource. A foundation is being established to manage the project and to seek grant funds.
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