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The Exhibition "Los lagos del pasado": Uncovering Ancient Lakes and Iberian Geological History

Discover how fossilized life from ancient lakebeds preserves vital records of past climates and diverse ecosystems.

This exhibition, "Los lagos del pasado," explores the profound geological and paleontological story held within ancient lakes of the Iberian Peninsula. It showcases how sedimentary rocks formed in these prehistoric waters preserve countless fossils, from tiny insects to larger animals and plants. These remarkable findings offer researchers invaluable insights into Earth's ancient environments, past climates, and the development of ecosystems over millions of years. Visitors can trace the history of life through these unique geological records.

About Los lagos del pasado at Museo Geominero in Madrid

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Los lagos del pasado at Museo Geominero in Madrid

Exhibition summary

An exhibition exploring the geological and paleontological significance of ancient lakes in the Iberian Peninsula. It details how sedimentary rocks formed in these lakes preserve fossils of insects, plants, and animals, offering insights into past climates and ecosystems.

Curatorial context

The exhibition 'Los lagos del pasado' delves into the crucial role ancient lakes have played in shaping the geological formations of Spain and preserving a rich history of life. It highlights the work of scientists like entomologist Juan Gil Collado, who identified hundreds of fossilized insects in sedimentary rocks near Ribesalbes, indicating they formed in freshwater lakes where insects once gathered in large swarms. The exhibition explains that these lakebed rocks, often rich in organic matter, have been historically exploited for energy, construction materials, and industrial purposes. Beyond their economic value, these 'lakes of the past' contain a largely unknown history of thousands of animal and plant organisms. Their fossilized remains provide vital information about past life conditions, interactions, and climates. The exhibition showcases diverse organisms, from crocodiles and mosquitoes to water lilies and calicotéridos, illustrating how these fossils inform us about life in Iberian lakes over millions of years, with the earliest known examples dating back to the Carboniferous period over 300 million years ago. Researchers from the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain (IGME) aim to disseminate the knowledge accumulated over the last century on this subject, connecting these ancient environments to present-day lakes and lagoons.

Admission and ticket notes

The exhibition is noted as 'Exposición no disponible', indicating it is not currently accessible or has concluded. No specific ticketing or admission information is provided for this past exhibition.

Los lagos del pasado key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Los lagos del pasado at Museo Geominero in Madrid

Venue
Museo Geominero
Current status
Open now
Exhibition schedule
Information not currently available
Artist line / attribution
Researchers from the Instituto Geológico y Minero de España (IGME).
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