Is it possible to find a dinosaur fossil in my backyard?

by admin on November 20, 2011

Question by Neo: Is it possible to find a dinosaur fossil in my backyard?
I'm in Australia, btw.

Is it worth a digging for a dinosaur fossil? Or it's highly unlikely to find one?

Best answer:

Answer by Gell-0
Yah go for it, on the way you could say hello to Barney for me!

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Tagged as: Backyard, Dinosaur, Find, Fossil, possible

{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }

GreatAunty November 20, 2011 at 8:55 pm: Depends on where you live. Have other fossils been found in your area? What is the geological history of the land there? What layer of rock is close to the surface?
Halos' War November 20, 2011 at 9:18 pm: I would say unlikely…

But… Anythings possible!! ?

Haha!!! Funny what Gell-O said, meet Barney on the way!
I just imagined barney found dead in the ground, like in Robot-Chicken!! =D
anant November 20, 2011 at 9:27 pm: i dont know abt a dino but im sure you can find a kangaroo
Ynte November 20, 2011 at 10:11 pm: If you want fossils, go to a museum. You have a very, very, very low chance of finding one in your backyard.
Ann November 20, 2011 at 11:03 pm: YES! Just diggin your yard til u reach 1000feet..
DV November 20, 2011 at 11:52 pm: It is a possibility,if and only if the ground you live on has not been covered for millenia or has recently been brought up from great depth or even if you live in a canyon.

For instance, fossilized footprints are ofter found in streambeds. The water and soil composition as well as lack of disturbance prevents the decay of the impression.
If at one time your backyard was deap underwater (during revious eras) creatures my have died there and may not be more than a few feet under the topsoil.
In a canyon, you would merely need to dig into the wall face to find something. Though knowing what to look for is more of a challenge. Some fossils are mainly just impressions such as plants fungi and insects. However they might be there.

As to likely hood, No. I highly doubt you will find anything; however, do some research on geology and palentology. Take soil samples and find out how old the ground in your back yard is before you discount it. While you do it be sure to reference any plumbing,electrical,etc. lines that may be running through the ground. I would’nt be good to hit those. If your ground actually is really old…dig! Hells yeah. Just make sure you’re allowed to first. Parents/landlords may have problems with this.
Good luck and happy hunting.
PaulCyp November 21, 2011 at 12:10 am: If your back yard includes sedimentary rock of the right age – maybe. Otherwise, no.