The Koessen Formation

At the end of the Triassic period, about 200 million ago, the shallow marine platform of the Hauptdolomite subsided to greater depths, and was divided into deeper and shallower basins due to shifting and lowering movements in the underground.

In the shallower marine basins, which were exposed to the open, rough and nutrient-rich deep sea reefs a rich variety of plants and animals arose. Clays and marls were deposited in the deeper basins which where closer to the mainland and were partly less well aerated. Reef fragments were embedded in the layers that had broken off during storm tides. Such broken off fragments sometimes grew again as reef patches, but sooner or later they were embedded in marl, and thus protected. Here one finds the most beautiful reef fossils.

The landscape and the submarine life of those times were similar to the ones in Hurghada on the Red Sea or the Great Barrier Reef next to Australia.

Look closely at the exposed reef patch in the green meadow south of the plate. Please respect the fact that it is protected by law so that no fossils or rock samples may be taken away and the next person can enjoy it and get an impression of the variety of life in former times.