Six New Trilobite Species Discovered in Western Australian Drilling Project

Researchers have identified six previously unknown trilobite species from rock cores extracted in Western Australia's Canning Basin. The discovery was made through a stratigraphic drilling program conducted by the Geological Survey of Western Australia and Geoscience Australia, with analysis led by Dr. Patrick Smith of the Australian Museum and Heidi Allen. The fossils were found in the Nambeet Formation, approximately 1.3 kilometers underground, and date to the Early Ordovician period between 479 and 471 million years ago. The exceptional abundance and diversity of specimens allowed scientists to establish precise geological timelines and correlate findings with regions across Australia and Asia. This research provides improved dating accuracy for regional geology and supports exploration for green energy resources.