The February 7 session of the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology’s 2019 Speaker Series is a presentation by Dr. Donald Brinkman, Curator Emeritus at the Royal Tyrrell Museum, entitled, “Studies of fossil fish from the Late Cretaceous of Alberta.”

One of Dr. Brinkman’s long-term projects has been to try to understand the role of teleost fishes in Alberta’s freshwater communities during the Cretaceous Period. Teleosts are large ray-finned fishes that are well represented by fossils in the sediments laid down from ancient rivers flowing across Alberta.

It is rare to find articulated fish specimens (whole skeletons preserved as they were in life). Fishes are more commonly represented in the fossil record by isolated bones. Known as microfossils, they are often difficult to identify as belonging to specific groups.

Technology has made it possible to study fossil skeletons in new ways. Micro CT scanners allow very small fossils to be digitally examined. Using this technology, scientists have discovered that a fossil fish from 66 million years ago was an early member of the group that includes catfish, cyprinids, and suckers—one of the most important groups of living freshwater fish. The geographic distribution of isolated elements of this fish gives us new insights into the history of the group.

Dr. Brinkman will discuss the challenges of trying to identify isolated elements of fossil fish, and the use of new technology that gives us further insight into the history of teleost fishes.

The Royal Tyrrell Museum’s Speaker Series talks are free and open to the public. Presentations are given in the Museum auditorium every Thursday at 11:00 a.m., until April 25. Speaker Series talks are also available on the Museum’s YouTube channel at: youtube.com/c/RoyalTyrrellMuseumofPalaeontology.

photo courtesy of the RTMP

The Mail is continuing its series of updates and a glance to the coming year witharea municipalities.

Q: Looking back on 2018, what were some of the success (projects, initiatives, events, etc) for Carbon and why were they important for the community?

A: Projects included replacing sidewalks in the downtown area as well as on Aberdeen Ave, installing a concrete pad in the village skating rink – this addition will allow for year-round use of the facility for numerous activities and sports, repaired the walking bridge that connects the island with the main campground which suffered flood damage. Important events included the first annual soap box derby  (the second annual derby is scheduled for 29 June 2019), we competed in a friendly Christmas tree lighting challenge with the Village of Linden and  Carbon won the challenge this year.

Q: What challenges or difficulties did Carbon face in 2018? What are some solutions or progress hoped to come in 2019?

A: Carbon continues to dig itself out of the damage incurred as a result of the flooding in the spring of 2018.  Considerable damage was inflicted on bridges and walking paths.  The iconic swinging bridge was a total loss.  We are hoping to get the bridge replaced and walking paths connected again. There was also considerable erosion damage to property and the creek.  A significant project is planned for the fall of 2019 to address the erosion problem.

Q: The Mail reported in early 2018 about tensions between the village and the fire department. Have these been resolved and in your opinion have relations improved?

A: The difficulties between the village and the fire department were short lived and have been totally resolved.  Carbon Fire Department membership is up and operations are normal.

Q: There were a number of by-elections this year, three in total due to unexpected resignations and it seems council has been shuffled quite a bit. Things settled and, in your opinion, how is council working together to be successful? Any areas of weakness that need to be worked on still?

A: Carbon Council had three by-elections this year due to unexpected resignations. The completely new council works very well together and are enjoying solving many of the issues facing the village.  A new CAO was hired that is doing a fabulous job for the residents of Carbon with an all new staff as well.  Strategic planning is in the works.

Q: Do you have a general message to Carbon residents going into 2019?

A: The Village of Carbon administration and public works are here to serve the residents of Carbon.  Residents are encouraged to visit the village offices or call if they have concerns or suggestions.  Everyone can expect friendly staff and transparent answers to their inquiries.

The future of Carbon looks bright.