INFLUENCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IN THE STORAGE SYSTEMS FOR THE CONSERVATION OF MACROVERTEBRATE FOSSILS

Abstract

The macrovertebrate fossil collections are one of the most important tools for studying past ecosystems. However, the conservation of the fossil material is sometimes conditioned by the environmental conditions surrounding the fossil specimen during its storage. The control of these factors can be a complex task.In the current study, we propose an analysis of the capabilities of damping the effects related to the environmental factors in the fossil specimen, and the protection offered by several different materials readily available in the storage of paleontological material. For this reason, we have analysed two series of tests made in four different types of material used in the making of the storage systems. Not all the materials have been specifically made for its use in storage and conservation of paleontological collections. The study and record over time of the different conditions on the different support materials have allowed developing a methodology adequately for the characteristics of each fossil specimen and also to stabilize the specimen and protect against vibrations. This protection permits that these supports can acts as protection, therefore isolating the specimen from extreme environmental factors that could risk its conservation.