Mountain photographer stumbles on large collection of Triassic dinosaur prints
2 days ago
- #paleontology
- #dinosaur tracks
- #Triassic period
- Thousands of dinosaur tracks were discovered in the Fraele Valley of Stelvio National Park in the Italian Alps.
- The tracks, some as large as 40 cm across, date back about 210 million years, making it one of the richest Triassic dinosaur track deposits.
- The footprints were made by herds of large, herbivorous dinosaurs, likely prosauropods, ancestors of Jurassic sauropods like Brontosaurus.
- The tracks formed on muddy tidal flats along the prehistoric Tethys Ocean, predating the formation of the Alps.
- Studying the site, nicknamed 'Triassic Park,' is challenging due to its inaccessibility, requiring drones and remote sensing for research and preservation.
- The article calls for support for Scientific American to continue its science advocacy and reporting.