THIS is the incredible moment researchers uncover one of the world’s longest set of dinosaur tracks – at a UK quarry.
Archaeologists unearthed the historic footprints – believed to be around 166 million years old – at Dewars Farm Quarry in Oxfordshire.
Archaeologists unearthed the historic footprints at Dewars Farm Quarry in Oxfordshire[/caption]
The prints are believed to be around 166 million years old[/caption]
Prints belonging to a Megalosaurus have previously been found at the quarry[/caption]
The impeccably preserved trail, which spans the entire quarry, measures roughly 220 metres.
Scientists reckon the tracks were made by a single Cetiosaurus – a plant-eating dinosaur that could reach up to 18 metres-long.
Using data collected from the rare prints, researchers have now been able to recreate footage of the prehistoric creature walking.
From the findings, Professor Peter Falkingham, from Liverpool John Moores University, was able to design a 3D-model of the sauropod.
Prof Falkingham was able to observe the creature’s behaviour from the tracks, which don’t always follow a distinct line.
In particular, one of the footprints pulled to the side – suggesting the dinosaur had stopped to lean on one leg.
The tracks measure roughly one metre wide – which is twice the size of those left by an elephant.
Palaeontologist Kirsty Edgar, from the University of Birmingham, said the discovery of such a large trackway was “rare”.
It is not the first major discovery made in the limestone rock at Dewars Farm either.
Digs have been taking place at the site since the 1990s, with five trackways uncovered last year alone.
Teams from Oxford University Museum of Natural History (OUMNH) and University of Birmingham returned this summer to continue the dig.
Their work led to the discovery of hundreds more prints, revealing the longest trackway in Europe made by an individual sauropod.
Dr Duncan Murdock, Earth Scientist at OUMNH, said: “What is most exciting about this site is the sheer size and number of footprints.
“We now have evidence of tens of individuals moving through this area at around the same time, perhaps as a herd.“
Palaeontologists battled stifling conditions to unearth the distinctive marks in the ground.
Dr Murdock added: “Hot and dry weather baked the surface like concrete, so we weren’t able to fully excavate every footprint.”
While the majority were believed to be from the Cetiosaurus, another trackway was made by the three-toed Megalosaurus.
The clawed, nine metre-long carnivorous creature was the first to be scientifically named by researchers in 1824.
Dr Emma Nicholls, Vertebrate Palaeontologist at OUMNH said the dinosaur has been studied more than any other.
Speaking after last year’s discovery, she said: “Scientists have known about Megalosaurus for longer than any other dinosaur on Earth.
“Yet these recent discoveries prove there is still new evidence of these animals out there, waiting to be found.“
The so-called highways were discovered following a controlled explosion at the site.
An artist impression issued by University of Birmingham of how the Megalosaurus and Cetiosaurus may have created the footprints[/caption]
The impeccably preserved trail, which spans the entire quarry, measures roughly 220 metres[/caption]
It removed millions of years of sediment and limestone rock, giving the research teams easier access to the prints.
Scientists believe the trackways have lasted the test of time as a result of being preserved in ideal conditions.
During the Middle Jurassic Period, the UK as we know it today was situated much closer to the equator.
So when the Cetiosaurus walked across the mud, the marks were hardened in the intense heat.
Over millions of years, they have been coated and ultimately protected by layers of sediment and rock.
Richard Butler, Professor of Palaeobiology from the University of Birmingham, added there was “much more” to learn from the site.
He said: “There is much more that we can learn from this site, which is an important part of our national Earth heritage.
“Our 3D models will allow researchers to continue to study and make accessible this fascinating piece of our past for generations to come.“
Scientists believe the trackways have survived after being preserved in ideal conditions[/caption]
Some of the tracks measure roughly one metre wide[/caption]
