METHODS OF PREPARING FOSSILS

Methods of Preparing Microfossils 

• Microfossils are small relics of ancient creatures that scientists use to better comprehend Earth's past.
• Foraminifera, diatoms, pollen, and spores all produce these microscopic fossils, which are typically less than one millimeter in size.
• Palaeontology and geology rely heavily on the collection and preparation of microfossils. 

1. Collection of samples

• The initial stage in preparing microfossils is to gather samples from sedimentary rock, soil, or other geological deposits.
• Scientists typically search for locations such as riverbanks.
• Lakes, ocean floors, and cliffs.
• Geologists use shovels, picks, and brushes to carefully collect samples in order to avoid destroying possible microfossils.

2. Drying the samples

• Once the samples have been gathered, they must be dried. Moisture can induce deterioration and make it harder to identify fossils. This is how you do it:
• Spread samples on a clean surface, such as a tray.
• Store them in a warm, dry area for several hours or overnight.
• This drying procedure helps to eliminate any surplus moisture.

3. Sieving

• Next, the researchers use a filter to remove the microscopic microfossils from the larger silt.
• A sieve is a mesh or net with pores that enable small particles to flow through while excluding bigger things.
• Select the appropriate mesh size: choose a sieve with small enough pores to collect microfossils yet large enough to allow sediment to pass through.
• Shake the sieve to separate the items efficiently.

4. Washing the samples

• After sieving, the samples must be thoroughly cleaned to eliminate any leftover dirt or organic waste.

     How to Wash Microfossil Samples:

• Place the sieve contents in a water-filled container.
• Gently mix the sample with a brush or your hands to loosen any dirt.
• Rinse samples with clean water until they seem clean.

5. Preparation using Chemical Methods

• To better prepare samples, scientists may apply chemical treatments.

Common compounds are:

• HCl is used to dissolve carbonates and improve the visibility of fossils.
• Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) may remove organic debris and black stains on fossils.

6. Microscopic Examination

• After washing the samples, investigators examine them under a microscope. This procedure aids in the identification of the microfossils present.
• Here's what occurs:.
• A small portion of the material should be placed on a slide. A slide is a flat sheet of glass that holds samples for viewing.
• Use a microscope: A trained eye will seek out certain forms and patterns to distinguish between different types of microfossils.

7. Photographic documentation

• Taking photos of microfossils is an important step in the preparation process.
• High-quality photographs enable researchers to document their findings, share them with others, and serve as a reference for future investigations.

8. Storage and curation

• To minimize deterioration, microfossils must be appropriately preserved after preparation.

Here are some storage tips:

• Use labeled containers. Keep each sample separate and labeled with the location, date, and kind of microfossils found.
• Store in a cool, dry location. This helps protect the fossils from decaying or deteriorating.

IMAGE SOURCE (THUMBNAIL)