New Jersey Was An Ocean Over 200 Million Years Ago

Photo byMatt HardyonUnsplash

TRENTON, NJ - New Jersey, now known for its bustling cities and scenic landscapes, was once submerged under a vast, ancient ocean.

This occurred hundreds of millions of years ago during the late Precambrian and early Paleozoic eras, long before the state took its current form.

According to the New Jersey Geological Survey, during this time, much of what is now the eastern United States, including New Jersey, lay beneath a shallow sea. The evidence of this ancient ocean can be found in the state’s geology, particularly in the form of sedimentary rocks like limestone, shale, and sandstone.

According to the New Jersey Geological Survey, these rocks were formed from the accumulation of marine sediments, including the remains of sea creatures, on the ocean floor. Over time, these sediments were compressed and solidified into rock, preserving a record of New Jersey's underwater past.

Fossils of marine life, such as trilobites, brachiopods, and corals, are commonly found in these ancient rock layers, offering a glimpse into the diverse ecosystems that once thrived in New Jersey's waters, according to the New Jersey Geological Survey.

The retreat of the ocean, coupled with tectonic activity, eventually gave rise to the landmass that forms the state today. This ancient oceanic history is a reminder of the dynamic geological processes that have shaped New Jersey over millions of years.