The Earth Sciences collections include mineralogical, petrographic, and paleontological specimens, largely originating from the Brescia area.
The principal paleontological sites represented in the collections include the continental Permiano Inferiore from upper Val Trompia, known for tetrapod footprints and plant remains; the Triassico Superiore deposits from upper Valvestino and upper Valle del Garza, which have yielded marine fishes and crustaceans; and the Giurassico Inferiore ammonite-bearing deposits of Monte Domaro, a historic fossil site near Gardone Val Trompia.
Thousands of remains of large Quaternary mammals are preserved, originating from the floods of the Oglio River (South of Brescia) and from the karstic cavities of the foothill in the eastern surroundings of the city.
Within the mineralogical and petrographic collections, particular significance is given to specimens from the Adamello massif and from the mines of the three Brescia valleys, especially Val Trompia and Val Camonica.
The entire sedimentary sequence of the Brescia area is well represented in both historical and recent collections.
Of great scientific and historical value are the meteorites from Trenzano and Alfianello, which fell in their respective territories in the 1800s, as well as a remarkable collection of Egyptian animal mummies donated between the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Earth Sciences Department is responsible for the preservation of geo-paleontological assets, the collection and analysis of geological data related to the local territory, scientific research on both the territory and the collections, the protection of heritage, paleontological sites, and geosites, and the dissemination of scientific knowledge at all levels. This is achieved through the curation of permanent exhibitions, temporary displays, scientific publications, participation in congresses and public lectures, field excursions, training courses, and consultancy services.
The Department is equipped with a laboratory where macroscopic and microscopic observations of specimens are conducted, and where the preparation of fossils discovered by the Museum can take place, under the direction of paleontological excavations in the Brescia area.
To achieve its institutional goals, the Department collaborates with museums, universities, research and conservation organizations both in Italy and abroad.
Story map “Viaggio attraverso la carta geologica”
https://t.co/gwXNJ8UfRY
CARG projet introduction
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
CARG projet documentary (Brescia sheet from minute 10:27 to 16:47)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
