Brgy. Taguanao In Cagayan De Oro; Geological History
In approximately 145 to 66 million years ago that took place
in Taguanao it lies on Cretaceous arc crust
created by old volcanic activities, influencing a significant part of
Mindanao's terrain. The area is home to the Huluga Archaeological Site, where
tools and artifacts reveal that early humans settled here thousands of years
ago.
Its history functions as the location of the Huluga
Archaeological Complex. Indeed, Huluga was one of the first human settlements
in Northern Mindanao, providing necessary information about the area's
prehistory. The creation of the Cretaceous volcanic crust caused the river
systems to be affected and shaped the rough and rugged land, soil composition,
and biodiversity.
The formation of the Cagayan River System in Barangay
Taguanao happened during the late Tertiary to Quaternary period, around 2.6
million to 11,000 years ago. It significantly shaped the region’s landscape,
carving valleys and depositing fertile soil that supported biodiversity. This
system also turned into an essential resource for early humans, providing water
and creating fertile land ideal for agriculture.
As a result of this occurrence, the river had attracted the
communities, gathering the advance of early settlements. The changes played
crucial roles in the development of local ecosystems and the establishment of
trade networks, eventually shaping the region’s cultural and ecological
landscape.
FOSSILS
Fossils found in Taguanao are mostly marine fossils, like corals and shells from ancient sea animals. This shows that a long time ago, the area was underwater, probably part of a shallow sea. Scientists believe this happened millions of years ago during the Miocene period, when parts of Mindanao were covered by the ocean.
These fossils tell us a lot about the past. First, they prove that the place used to be a marine environment, with coral reefs and sea creatures living there. Second, it shows how the land changed over time because of natural events like earthquakes and volcanic activity, which caused the seabed to rise and become land. Lastly, studying these fossils can help us understand what the climate and biodiversity were like back then, like how warm the oceans were and what kinds of animals lived in the area.
1. Ancient Marine Environment: The presence of marine fossils indicates that Taguanao was once part of a seabed. This highlights the tropical marine conditions that characterized the area in the distant past.
2. Geological Transformations: The fossils reveal that tectonic activities gradually transformed the seabed into the landforms we see today. These activities are part of the larger geological history of the Philippines, shaped by its position along the Pacific Ring of Fire.
3. Biodiversity and Climate: The types of marine life found in these fossils can provide clues about the region’s ancient biodiversity and climatic conditions
Examples of these fossils:
