Frozen Fossils: A History of Life in Svalbard

Embark on a captivating journey through time with this lecture exploring the rich fossil history of Svalbard, an Arctic archipelago. Discover how life evolved in this unique geographic area over 470 million years, from early jawless fish to advanced reptiles. Learn about the challenges and dangers of conducting fieldwork in this remote location, including encounters with polar bears. Delve into the diverse prehistoric life forms that once inhabited Svalbard, including marine reptiles, dinosaurs, and tropical forests. Gain insights into major geological periods, mass extinctions, and the changing ecosystems of the archipelago. Presented by Dr. Aubrey Roberts from the University of Oslo, this talk offers a comprehensive overview of Svalbard's paleontological treasures and their significance in understanding Earth's prehistoric past.