Citizen Science Project Uncovers Microfossils at Australian Miocene Site

Researchers from the Australian Museum, University of New South Wales, and University of Canberra engaged 271 volunteers in the Date a Fossil initiative to analyze microfossils at McGraths Flat in central New South Wales, Australia. Using automated scanning electron microscopy, they captured 25,200 high-resolution images from three rock samples covering 1.85 cm². Citizen scientists identified 300 pollen and spores through the DigiVol portal, providing sufficient data to determine the site's age as 11 to 16 million years old and reconstruct its Miocene rainforest environment. The project demonstrated an innovative approach for sites where traditional acid extraction methods are ineffective due to similar mineral composition between fossils and surrounding rock matrix.