SilesianTriassic is a private hobby project dedicated to the fossil heritage of the Muschelkalk (Middle Triassic) in Upper Silesia, Poland. The collection features specimens from both the Lower and Upper Muschelkalk formations.

Rescue Paleontology

Many of the historic fossil sites in Upper Silesia, documented in XIX and early XX century literature, have been lost forever. Urban expansion, the infilling of old quarries, and the reclamation of post-mining areas mean that many classic localities are no longer accessible for study.

The vast majority of the specimens presented in this atlas were recovered through surface prospecting.I focus on systematic field surveys of agricultural areas, debris piles, weathered outcrops and old abandoned quarries.

Finding fossils on the surface is a race against time. Agricultural activities, frost-shattering etc. can destroy delicate remains within a few seasons. By collecting these specimens, I perform a form of “rescue paleontology”—preserving rare evidence of Triassic life that would otherwise turn to dust.

Collaboration

While I recognize that many of collected specimens represent common taxa typical of the Muschelkalk, I firmly believe in their cumulative value. If you are a researcher interested in studying any of the specimens featured in this atlas, please feel free to contact me.

Acknowledgements

I would like to especially thank my colleague Adam. His knowledge, openness, and scientific prudence are a huge inspiration to me. Without you, Adam, this collection would be just a pile of stones locked away in a drawer.