The fossil forests on Axel Heiberg Island were discovered by Paul Tudge, a helcopter pilot, as he flew over the Island in 1985. This is one of the best fossil forest finds in the world and it is located only 1,100 km. from the North Pole.

B.D. Ricketts of the Geological Survey of Canada is the reaserch scientist in charge of studying the stratigraphy and sedimentology of the beds containing the fossil forests. An excellent publication containing the most recent work on Axel Heibergs fossil forests is edited by R.L. Christie and N.J. McMillan and is listed in the refrences