Fossil forecast · cliffs after storms

Checking where the storm undercut the cliffs…

The index uses wave energy hitting the foot of each cliff and time since the storm peak.

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Fossil coasts worldwide

Where the cliffs give up fossils

80–100 very good60–79 good40–59 fair20–39 low0–19 poor

Tap a pin to see the forecast for that cliff.

    How to read the index

    Storms undercut the cliff foot and wash out fresh fossils. The best time is a few hours after the storm peak. Outside the Baltic we measure the storm against the usual waves at each spot.

    Never stand under an overhang or on a fresh landslide. Many coasts have collecting codes and ban digging into the cliff; each cliff page lists them.

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    The best windows last a few hours: after a storm, after rain, on a clear night with an active Sun. Sign up and we will email you when the index at your spots goes above 60.

    Guides

    Forecast for every cliff

    FAQ

    Where are the best fossil beaches?

    The Jurassic Coast (Charmouth, Lyme Regis), the Yorkshire coast, Stevns and Møns Klint in Denmark, and Calvert Cliffs in Maryland. Each has its own rules.

    When is the best time to look for fossils?

    A few hours after a storm that hit the cliff, and after winter rain when the cliff slumps. Go on a falling tide and keep away from overhangs.

    Can I keep the fossils I find?

    Usually yes for loose finds on ordinary beaches. Some places require you to record or report important finds, for example danekræ in Denmark, and reserves ban collecting.