Joggins Fossil Cliffs

World Heritage Research

Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of Joggins Fossil Cliffs from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.

• A new cubichnium ichnogenus and ichnospecies, Pygocephalichnium reidi, from the Pennsylvanian UNESCO World Heritage Site at Joggins Fossil Cliffs, Canada, and associated ichnotaxa

  Researchers have identified and described a new ichnogenus and ichnospecies, Pygocephalichnium reidi, from the Pennsylvanian Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nova Scotia, Canada. This discovery represents the first trace fossil attributed to the Pygocephalus shrimp, a common body fossil found at the site but previously lacking associated trace fossils. The study analyzed a unique shrimp-shaped resting trace from the upper Joggins Formation, linked it to an invertebrate trackway, and compared its morphology with known Pygocephalus body fossils. The trace fossil was found in fine-grained sandstones alongside other invertebrate resting traces (Selenichnites and Rusophycus) and Kouphichnium trackways, suggesting a diverse paleoenvironment. This finding enhances our understanding of the site's ichnofossil record and contributes to its paleontological significance.

  Malay, B. C., Stimson, M. R., King, O. A., Faulkner, S., Heberts, B. L., Calder, J. H., MacRae, R. A., & Lucas, S. G. (2024). Nouvel ichnogenre et nouvelle ichnoespèce de cubichnium, le Pygocephalichnium reidi, du site du patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO des falaises fossilifères de Joggins, au Canada, et ichnotaxons connexes. Atlantic Geoscience, 60, 185–203. https://doi.org/10.4138/atlgeo.2024.009

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• Chemostratigraphy of Cumberland Group (Pennsylvanian) strata influenced by salt tectonics, Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site, eastern Canada

  A significant discovery at the Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site reveals that over 2 km of sediment accumulated south of the Minudie Anticline during a major episode of salt diapirism, followed by erosion and deposition of an additional 500 m of sediment within just 2 million years. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the stratigraphic relationships between formations influenced by salt tectonics. The study used chemostratigraphy, specifically inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), to analyze major-element compositions in sandstone samples from post-Boss Point Formation strata. Results indicated that the Grande Anse and Ragged Reef formations exhibit greater compositional maturity than older formations (Little River, Joggins, and Springhill Mines), attributed to a shift from semiarid to humid paleoclimate conditions, enhancing chemical weathering of sediment.

  Bahr, F., & Keighley, D. (2021). Chemostratigraphy of Cumberland Group (Pennsylvanian) strata influenced by salt tectonics, Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site, eastern Canada. Journal of Sedimentary Research, 91(9), 969–985. https://doi.org/10.2110/jsr.2020.152

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• Xiphosuran Digging Traces at the Late Carboniferous Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nova Scotia, Canada

  A significant discovery at the Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site reveals new insights into the behavior and evolution of xiphosurans, ancient relatives of modern horseshoe crabs. Researchers identified 100 Selenichnites rossendalensis, some with associated trackways, dating back to the Late Carboniferous period (Pennsylvanian). Detailed morphological analysis of these digging traces, particularly lunate casts, indicates that xiphosurans used linear ridges behind their prosomas (heads) during excavation. Statistical analysis of 96 lunate casts from two populations, separated by several hundred thousand years, shows a significant reduction in prosoma size with 99% confidence, suggesting evolutionary changes in body size over time. The smallest known Selenichnites, measuring just 7 mm wide, were also documented. This study highlights the potential of Joggins Fossil Cliffs to uncover factors controlling xiphosuran body-size changes and their temporal scales.

  Buhler, P. B., & Grey, M. (2016). Xiphosuran Digging Traces at the Late Carboniferous Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nova Scotia, Canada. Ichnos, 24(3), 179–190. https://doi.org/10.1080/10420940.2016.1244055

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• Sedimentology and stratigraphy of the type section of the Pennsylvanian Boss Point Formation, Joggins Fossil Cliffs, Nova Scotia, Canada

  A comprehensive sedimentological and stratigraphic analysis of the Boss Point Formation, spanning nearly one-third of the Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals new insights into Pennsylvanian paleoenvironments. The study identifies three distinct members—Chignecto Bay, Ward Point, and North Reef—each characterized by unique sedimentary features reflecting varying climatic and tectonic conditions. Contrary to regional assumptions, fine-grained deposits in the Ward Point Member are primarily floodplain sediments rather than lacustrine, indicating poorly drained to well-drained environments influenced by modest uplift from the Minudie Anticline. The North Reef Member marks a transition to arid, oxidizing conditions and precedes significant salt withdrawal, linking it to the overlying Little River Formation. This revised stratigraphic framework provides a foundational reference for future research on this globally significant fossil exposure.

  Rygel, M. C., Lally, C., Gibling, M. R., Ielpi, A., Calder, J. H., & Bashforth, A. R. (2015). Sedimentology and stratigraphy of the type section of the Pennsylvanian Boss Point Formation, Joggins Fossil Cliffs, Nova Scotia, Canada. Atlantic Geology, 51(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.4138/atlgeol.2015.001

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• Microbial Mats and Ichnofauna of a Fluvial-Tidal Channel in the Lower Pennsylvanian Joggins Formation, Canada

  A meandering fluvial channel at Coal Mine Point, Joggins Fossil Cliffs, Nova Scotia, preserves an exceptional fossil assemblage that includes microbial mats and diverse ichnofauna. The wrinkled surface of the microbial mats was traversed by large arthropleurid trackways (Diplichnites cuithensis), alongside smaller Diplichnites gouldi trackways, tetrapod tracks (Pseudobradypus?, Dromillopus, Hylopus), and invertebrate traces (Cochlichnus, Gordia). These features collectively represent the Scoyenia ichnofacies. The mats likely stabilized the sediment surface, facilitating excellent trackway preservation, and may have served as a food source, though no feeding traces were identified. Overlying strata exhibit Protichnites followed by paired mud drapes and an impoverished Skolithos ichnofacies, suggesting brackish influence.

  PRESCOTT, Z. M., STIMSON, M. R., DAFOE, L. T., GIBLING, M. R., MACRAE, R. A., CALDER, J. H., & HEBERT, B. L. (2014). MICROBIAL MATS AND ICHNOFAUNA OF A FLUVIAL-TIDAL CHANNEL IN THE LOWER PENNSYLVANIAN JOGGINS FORMATION, CANADA. Palaios, 29(12), 624–645. https://doi.org/10.2110/palo.2013.073

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• The Pennsylvanian Springhill Mines Formation: sedimentological framework for a portion of the Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site

  A detailed sedimentological analysis of the Springhill Mines Formation at Joggins Fossil Cliffs reveals significant insights into the geological evolution of the region. The study reassigns a 16.9-meter interval to the top of the Joggins Formation, indicating a rapid flooding event that created a marginal marine to brackish bay environment. The overlying 697 meters of strata, assigned to the Springhill Mines Formation, show a transition from poorly drained coastal swamps and floodplains to well-drained, vegetated floodplains with oxidizing conditions. This shift is accompanied by changes in fluvial style from anastomosed channels to sheet-like and ultimately meandering channels, reflecting decreased halokinetic subsidence and aggradation of the alluvial surface as sediments prograded into the basin.

  Rygel, M. C., Sheldon, E. P., Stimson, M. R., Calder, J. H., Ashley, K. T., & Salg, J. L. (2014). The Pennsylvanian Springhill Mines Formation: sedimentological framework for a portion of the Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site. Atlantic Geology, 50, 249. https://doi.org/10.4138/atlgeol.2014.013

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• Collections management at the Joggins Fossils Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site: a new model?

  A pioneering collaborative model for managing geological and palaeontological collections at the Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site has been developed, bridging the efforts of a non-profit organization (Joggins Fossil Institute) and a governmental institution (Nova Scotia Museum). This innovative approach leverages provincial legislation to create a robust data management system (Mini-MIMS) and an accessible public database. The model emphasizes partnership, ensuring sustainable curation while making scientific collections more transparent and available for research and education.

  Grey, M. (2011). Collections management at the Joggins Fossils Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site: a new model? Geological Curator, 9(5), 273–278. https://doi.org/10.55468/gc81

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• The Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage site: a review of recent research

  Recent research at the Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site has significantly advanced understanding of the Late Carboniferous (Pennsylvanian) period, a critical interval for coal formation. The site's exceptional preservation of biota in their environmental context offers unique insights into this era. Post-1950 studies have focused on general geology, paleobiology, and paleoecology, revealing microevolutionary patterns and refining the taxonomy of flora and trace fossils. Despite these advancements, key questions remain, particularly regarding the uppermost formations (Springhill Mines and Ragged Reef), paleosols, and floral ichnofossils. The site continues to be a fertile ground for discovery, with ongoing interest in addressing unresolved issues.

  Grey, M., & Finkel, Z. V. (2011). The Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage site: a review of recent research. Atlantic Geology, 47, 185–200. https://doi.org/10.4138/atlgeol.2011.009

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• Using Multiple Environmental Proxies to Determine Degree of Marine Influence and Paleogeographical Position of the Joggins Fossil Cliffs, UNESCO World Heritage Site

  Research at the Joggins Fossil Cliffs reveals that marine influence diminished over time during the Pennsylvanian period. Sedimentologic and paleontologic analyses of interbedded limestone deposits, containing marine organisms like ostracodes and bivalves, indicate open marine conditions in older sections transitioning to fluvial and coastal environments higher up. This finding challenges assumptions about the site's paleogeographical position and suggests that Cordaites trees may not represent the earliest mangroves. The study used multiple environmental proxies to track changes in marine influence, providing new insights into the site's complex depositional history.

  GREY, M., PUFAHL, P. K., & AZIZ, A. A. (2011). USING MULTIPLE ENVIRONMENTAL PROXIES TO DETERMINE DEGREE OF MARINE INFLUENCE AND PALEOGEOGRAPHICAL POSITION OF THE JOGGINS FOSSIL CLIFFS, UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. Palaios, 26(5), 256–263. https://doi.org/10.2110/palo.2010.p10-118r

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• Dendrochronological dating of coal mine workings at the Joggins Fossil Cliffs, Nova Scotia, Canada

  Researchers used dendrochronology to date timber pit props from relic coal mine workings at the Joggins Fossil Cliffs, revealing two distinct phases of mining activity between 1849 and 1875. The study identified that most adits (1-9 and 11-12) were part of an initial operation by the General Mining Association, with cut dates ranging from 1849 to 1868, while others (10 and 13-14) likely belonged to a later mine opened by the Joggins Coal Mining Company in 1873-1875. The findings align with archival records and suggest that timber stockpiled from an earlier mine may have been used in the construction of the initial operation. This study enhances our understanding of the industrial archaeology at this UNESCO World Heritage Site and refines the regional red spruce chronology for future dendrochronological studies.

  Quann, S. L., Young, A. B., Laroque, C. P., Falcon-Lang, H. J., & Martin, G. R. (2010). Dendrochronological dating of coal mine workings at the Joggins Fossil Cliffs, Nova Scotia, Canada. Atlantic Geology, 46, 185–194. https://doi.org/10.4138/atlgeol.2010.011

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