The local Devonian geography and climate was much different than today. The abundance of corals and limestone rock indicates this area was a warm, tropical, shallow sea.

We know it was an ocean and not freshwater because the fossils are similar to animals that live in the ocean today.
We are certain it was warm and tropical because limestone only forms under those conditions.

We are sure it was shallow because many corals, including some over a meter (40 inches) in diameter can be found upside-down. This indicates that strong currents, like those from a hurricane, tossed heavy corals.

For more information, read the Patch Reef Brochure.