Read more about recent geological research that has unearthed these thrilling discoveries about the Phosphoria Sea. This deep prehistoric ocean, which flourished just to the west of present-day North America, teemed with life—largely of the sponge variety. This extraordinary marine habitat first developed over 275 million years ago. It dazzles with its extraordinary biodiversity and serves as an international model for today’s phosphate mining industry.
The Phosphoria Sea would eventually cover the majority of what is now East Idaho. Today, its paleontological legacy lives on in the very real phosphate mines that make fertilizer. In the 1950s and 1960s, geologists began to explore this otherworldly ecosystem. They were looking for alternative sources of phosphate ore at one point. What they found were tube-shaped chunks of chert, which was a surprising finding that told them a lot about the ancient sea’s environment.
The bustling life of this extraordinary sea distinguished it as much or more than its lucrative mineral deposits did. It gave us the largest known giant buzzsaw shark, Helicoprion, and a truly bizarre group of shell-wearing squids, nautiloids. Now, paleontologist Tapanila gets to the good part, because the Phosphoria Sea was absolutely crawling with sponges. For snorkelers who ventured into its waters, they were rewarded with a dazzling sight—billions of tube-shaped sponges growing in their natural corral.
The Phosphoria Sea’s biology had what can only be described as the most diverse marine ecosystem ever experienced in North America. With a stable, oxygen-rich environment, it at times had lush filter-feeding sponges that created a rich, diverse food chain. In fact, experts found the richness and complexity of this ecosystem to be “off the charts.” This just goes to show change’s significant role in the geological record.
Sponges flourished in the productive waters of the Phosphoria Sea. In the process, they created needles that looked like glass made from silica, which served as their skeletal frameworks and structures. The basinwide preservation of these sponges on the Phosphoria glass ramp extended over an incredible 600 kilometers. This incredible stretch underscores the beauty and importance of this time-honored habitat.
Today, the Phosphoria Sea gives us invaluable glimpses into prehistoric marine ecosystems. It reveals the forces that have shaped their development over tens of millions of years. Scientists continue to explore the traces left by this long-gone ocean. With every find, they’re piecing together the rich tapestry of life that flourished there, as well as the remarkable evolutionary transformations that forever altered our marine ecosystems since.