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Home » Articles » Geology - the Triassic Period

Geology - the Triassic Period

Rocks and fossils from the Triassic Period.

Rocks and fossils from the Triassic Period.

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During the Triassic Period, 250-205 million years ago, Wales lay just north of the Equator, roughly where the Sahara Desert is today. The climate was hot and arid, and desert conditions prevailed. Study of the Triassic rocks of south east Wales, which are dominated by red coloured sandstones and muds, show us that this area was similar to the present day Arabian Gulf. Due to the harsh conditions under which these rocks were laid down they contain few fossils. However, on the coast between Sully and Barry, the late Triassic rocks contain numerous reptile footprints, including those of some of the first dinosaurs to walk upon the Earth. Near Bridgend, some quarries contain the bones of some of the earliest true mammals.