Ancient Marine Reptile Unearthed After 240 Million Years
X-ray analysis of a fossil of a marine reptile discovered in Edgeya, Svalbard, led to its categorisation which had not previously been done. The reptile most likely belongs to the ichthyosaur species Phalarodon atavus after X-ray imaging of the specimen revealed new information, including features of the skull and teeth. The study revealed that radiography works particularly well with the sulphur minerals that form fossils in the Norwegian archipelago. This approach might one day provide new information about ancient life.