The Great Valley Sequence

The Great Valley Sequence is a series of fossilized layers of ancient river and floodplain deposits in California’s Central Valley. These layers, dating from about 5 to 2 million years ago, contain well-preserved bones of many animals, such as early elephants, horses, and predators. Studying these fossils helps scientists understand Earth's climate and ecological changes over time, as well as how ancient animals and environments evolved. Essentially, it provides a detailed historical record of life and landscape changes during a critical period in Earth's history.