Peru: Geologist attempting to conserve ancient whale cemetery

In arid southern Peru, geologists are fighting time and the elements to preserve a precious find: a vast whale cemetery dating back millions of years.

The fossilized remains of roughly 15 of the majestic marine mammals that lived three to 20 million years ago are currently on view in the Ocucaje desert some 310 kilometres (190 miles) south of the capital Lima.

Once submerged but now situated some 30 kilometres from the shore, the area has been shaken by volcanic eruptions, killing off all life forms, according to experts from the country’s geology and mining institute Ingemmet who have been working for four years at the site, now threatened by erosion. Read Article