A finding that transforms our geological understanding
The Community of Madrid, known for its rich history and vibrant culture, harbours a marine past dating back460 million years. A team of researchers has unearthed the oldest marine fossils ever found in this region in the Sierra Norte, opening a fascinating window into an ecosystem that once thrived underwater.
The discovery has been led bySara Romero, a paleontologist from the Complutense University of Madrid, along with prominent researcherJuan Carlos Gutiérrez-Marco from the Geosciences Institute (CSIC-UCM). Together, they have managed to identify fossil remains that reveal the existence of ancient marine ecosystems in areas such asPatones and El Atazar.
Among the findings are fossils of trilobites, brachiopods, molluscs, and graptolites, all preserved in ancient marine rocks. These geological formations have been hidden for eons beneath more recent layers and are only visible in certain sectors of the Central System. The rarity of the discovery is due to the intense geological processes that these rocks have undergone over time.
Although there were already previous indications of ancient marine life in the area, such as the fossil footprints discovered by geologist Casiano de Prado in 1864, this new study significantly expands our understanding of the fauna that inhabited the ancient “Madrid sea.” The research not only documents these new fossils but also reviews all existing paleontological information about the Paleozoic in the Sierra Norte and Guadalajara.
The results will be presented onMay 29 during the 80th scientific session of the Geological Society of Spain and will subsequently be published in the journal Geogaceta. This advance is crucial for better understanding the local geological history and reminding all Madrilenians that beneath their feet lies a forgotten ocean teeming with life.
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