Importance Score: 55 / 100 🔵
British paleontologists have uncovered approximately 200 dinosaur tracks dating back 166 million years, potentially marking the largest such find in the United Kingdom. Researchers from the universities of Oxford and Birmingham revealed this significant discovery at a quarry in central England.
The captivating find
Academics from the respective universities described the “thrilling” discovery after a worker spotted “unusual protrusions” while removing clay with a mechanical excavator, as detailed in a forthcoming BBC documentary
Expert insights
Prof. Kirsty Edgar, a micropaleontologist from the University of Birmingham, expressed her amazement, stating, “This is one of the most remarkable track sites I’ve encountered, in terms of size and the dimensions of the tracks.” She added, “One can journey back in time and envision what it was like, with these colossal creatures freely roaming around.”
Track characteristics
The quarry site features five extensive trackways, with the longest continuous trail stretching nearly 500 feet in length. Nearly all of the trackways appear to have originated from long-necked herbivorous dinosaurs, possibly cetiosaurs or similar terrestrial creatures known as Cetiosaurs. They possibly grew up to twenty-five meters in length.
The remaining set of tracks may belong to a carnivorous Megalosaurus. This type of dinosaur is known for its three-clawed feet and reached lengths up to nine meters.
Research team findings
- Researchers emphasized the rarity of finding such an abundance of tracks in a single location, remarking on the extensive nature of the trackways.
- Emma Nicholls from Oxford University’s Museum of Natural History noted that this find could potentially become one of the world’s largest dinosaur track destinations.
The discovery is scheduled to be showcased in the upcoming BBC documentary “Digging for Britain,” set to air on January 8.
Expedition details
A team of 100 experts led by academics from Oxford and Birmingham, excavated the tracks over the course of a week-long dig in June.
This unearthed footprint follows a develagated find in 1997, where 40 sets were discovered during quarrying operations in the region.
Aerial imaging techniques & Data collection
The researchers captured 20,000 photographs of the confirmed dinosaur tracks and employed aerial drone pictures, creating detailed 3D models of the dig site. Scientists hope for a better understanding of the dinosaurs sapient nature and the speeds while traversing for motives of hunting and evading.
Historical observations
Richard Butler, a paleobiologist from the University of Birmingham, postulated that favorable climate conditions may have played a pivotal role in preserving these ancient trails. An intense storm might have blanketed the tracks in sediment, preventing them from being washed away.
The quarry worker’s encounter
Gary Johnson, the quarry worker whose keen observations triggered the excavation, described the encounter as spellbinding. “I felt like the first person to set eyes on them,” Johnson shared. “It was quite surreal—an exhilarating moment indeed.”