The molding and casting phase of the project involving the Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve, to produce life size casts that precisely replicate the surface of the rock face housing 565 million year old Ediacaran life forms is underway at Research Casting International (RCI).
The collaborative project which has brought the Provincial Government of Newfoundland, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), Johnson GeoCentre, Queens University and the University of Oxford together as partners has provided for a unique opportunity to preserve perhaps the oldest known fossils in the world.
Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve is located along the southeast coast of the Avalon Peninsula between Cape Race and Portugal Cove South. It was established to protect a diverse fossil record of the first large, complex multi-cellular organisms which include the oldest (579 million years) and largest Ediacaran fossils known in the world.
The fossil surface has been, and continues to be, affected by erosion and harsh weather conditions which over time is contributing to the deterioration of the fossils. The reserve has also been vulnerable to human foot traffic and therefore is now only available to be visited by guided tour. RCI being conscience of these factors wore neoprene socks instead of boots while working on the surface.
After much discussion and negotiation amongst the partners, the project was initiated and RCI sent a crew of 6 employees to Mistaken Point. Equipment was flown in by helicopter while the crew trekked in and out of the Geological Reserve daily, by foot, for approximately 8 days. For the most part Mother Nature was kind during RCI’s stay on the rock surface. Towards the end of the week, however, she decided to test their endurance with relentless wind, rain and cold temperatures. RCI in the end was able to complete their intended goal of molding 750 square feet (70 m²) of rock surface; leaving behind no trace of their workmanship.
Back at RCI’s 48,000 square foot facility, in Trenton Ontario the daunting task of taking the heavy 750 sq foot mold and producing a full surface replication of the internationally important and irreplaceable Mistaken Point rock surface began. From the mold a gel coat and fiberglass replica was produced. From this master replication a series of smaller sections will also be reproduced for display. At present RCI is casting a 50 square foot section for Queen’s University. Both the Johnson GeoCentre and the University of Oxford will be receiving a 160 square foot section. The ROM is in line to acquire a number of sections that will total 440 square feet which will eventually be on display at the future Peter F. Bronfman Gallery of Early Life.
It is hopeful that the reproduction of this important fossil collection will be a tourist draw for the region while at the same time representing a permanent record of the rock surface’s rare and priceless offerings of a time gone by.
For more information about the fossils at Mistaken Point and for details on the casting project and guided tour schedule, please call the interpretation centre at 709-438-1100, the Parks and Natural Areas Division at 709-635-4520, or email parksinfo@gov.nl.ca
A video of the process can be seen on The Discovery Channel