How one of the longest dinosaur trackways in the world was uncovered in the UK
6 days ago
- #dinosaurs
- #palaeontology
- #Jurassic
- A dinosaur superhighway with massive footprints, likely from a sauropod dinosaur called Cetiosaurus, has been discovered in an Oxfordshire quarry.
- The excavation uncovered one of the longest continuous trackways in the world, stretching 220 meters.
- Footprints reveal the movement and behavior of dinosaurs, including a sauropod moving at about 2 meters per second.
- Smaller footprints from a carnivorous Megalosaurus were also found, showing a distinctive three-toed mark.
- The site provides unique insights into dinosaur behavior, such as whether they moved alone, in herds, or were being chased.
- The preservation of the footprints required the 'Goldilocks effect'—perfect sediment consistency and environmental conditions.
- The Jurassic environment in Oxfordshire was tropical, with a shallow sea, as evidenced by tiny sea creatures found at the site.
- The discovery is significant for understanding dinosaur movement and the prehistoric landscape, offering a snapshot of life 166 million years ago.