"Hunting for Ammonites" - an expedition with G.E.P.N.

In Łuków there is a clay pit in which perfectly preserved fossilised ammonites can be found. It is one of the most interesting geological peculiarities in Europe and even in the world. Ammonites are fossils of marine animals, from the end of the Cretaceous period (about 65 million years ago), which are now completely extinct.

ByTomasz Andrukajtis

Published: October 6, 2011 - 13:26

Updated: July 22, 2023 - 06:56

ammonites

In Łuków there is a clay pit in which perfectly preserved fossilised ammonites can be found. It is one of the most interesting geological peculiarities in Europe and even in the world.

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Ammonites are fossils of marine animals, from the end of the Cretaceous period (about 65 million years ago), which are now completely extinct. The black clays and the numerous fossils found in them are about 165 million years old. Their name comes from the Egyptian god Amon. He was depicted as a figure with twisted horns, with a shape similar to a shell.

Ammonites appeared around 390 million years ago. They were marine animals. They swam freely and could therefore cover considerable distances. Therefore, they can be found in many parts of the world.

Scientists assume that the ice sheet transported them to the Archean Mountains from northern Europe. There are many indications that they may have come from the area of present-day Estonia. The clays were moved in an almost intact state. They contain huge amounts of Jurassic fossils and are the target of collectors’ searches.

The best known of the Łuków kier, was discovered at the end of the 19th century and was exploited by a brickyard. Currently, the fossils can be found in an excavation site near the exit from Łuków in the direction of Żelechów – the so-called Cegielnia. The area is overgrown and the pits are filled with water, but finding ammonites is very easy.

Another of the directions, located near the Zimna Woda lagoon, was placed under reserve protection. The reserve “Kra Jurajska” was established in 1980. It is located in the fields of the village of Gołaszyn, to the north-west of the town. The most interesting area is about 8 ha, located about 800 metres west of the Siedlce – Łuków road. It is here that one of the largest communities of ammonites is found.

Average depth 7-8 metres, visibility from 30 centimetres to 3 metres.

Departure on 8 October from Warsaw and Garwolin. Start from Warsaw around 8:30, and from Garwolin around 10:00.

Contact details of the initiators:
Warsaw – Kamil tel. 502 214 585
Garwolin – Piotr tel. 517 419 248

Photo gallery from previous “hunt”

Source: Organiser

About author

Tomasz Andrukajtis

Editor-in-chief of the DIVERS24 portal and magazine. Responsible for obtaining, translating and developing content. He also supervises all publications. Achived his first diving certification – P1 CMAS, in 2000. Has a degree in journalism and social communication. In the diving industry since 2008.