La Brea Tar Pits, Paleontological site in Los Angeles, United States.
La Brea Tar Pits is a paleontological site in Los Angeles where natural asphalt seeps through cracks in the ground and forms dark, sticky pools. These pools have trapped and preserved bones and fossils from the Ice Age over thousands of years, which are now excavated in remarkably good condition.
A Spanish explorer first documented these natural tar pits in 1769, after which they were exploited for oil and minerals for many years. Scientific research into the fossils only began in the early 20th century when paleontologists recognized the richness of the site.
School groups from across California come regularly to watch active excavations and learn about animals that once roamed this area. Families walk around the dark pools on weekends and pose for photos with life-size mammoth sculptures set up near the edge.
The George C. Page Museum displays over one million specimens from 650 animal and plant species recovered from the tar pits. Visitors can watch active excavations and follow the work of researchers, which is especially busy during the summer months.
Methane gas bubbles rise through the tar pits, caused by bacteria that consume petroleum and release gas as a byproduct. This bubbling can sometimes be heard and seen, giving the surface an almost living appearance.
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