Nearly 200 Dinosaur Footprints Discovered on Dinosaur Highway

Nearly 200 Dinosaur Footprints Discovered on Dinosaur Highway

Scientists have discovered nearly 200 dinosaur footprints dating back to 166 million years ago middle Jurassic are to be assigned. This remarkable discovery was made at Dewars Farm Quarry in Oxfordshire, England. Quarry worker Gary Johnson had noticed the "unusual bumps" in the ground while quarrying limestone for road construction and dubbed the find the "Dinosaur Highway" in homage to the extensive trails left by these prehistoric creatures.

The largest known dinosaur tracking site in the UK

Although other Jurassic trails have been documented around the world, the recently discovered 'highway' in Oxfordshire is the largest known dinosaur footprint site in the UK. In June 2023, around 100 volunteers from the universities of Birmingham and Oxford worked together for a week to excavate the footprints and collect as much information as possible about the extensive site.

A historic anniversary

This discovery has particular significance as it coincides with the 200th anniversary of the first dinosaur ever described, Megalosaurus, found in Oxfordshire in 1824. “There is a long tradition of exciting dinosaur footprints and corpse fossils in this region,” explained Kirsty Edgar, Professor of Micropalaeontology at the University of Birmingham, who was involved in the excavations.

Hidden treasures of the prehistoric past

The recently discovered footprints are linked to a previously discovered dinosaur trail found in the same Oxfordshire quarry in 1997, but which is no longer accessible. Thanks to advanced technologies, the new tracks offer scientists the opportunity to analyze previously inaccessible information about these extinct animals and unlock secrets about their movements, feeding habits and social dynamics.

A prehistoric timetable

During the excavation, scientists discovered five extensive footpaths, with the longest continuous path being more than 150 meters long. Four of these trails contained prints of colossal, long-necked, four-legged herbivores from the sauropod subgroup - most likely Cetiosaurus, which could grow up to 18 meters long. The largest prints measure 90 centimeters.

Decoding dinosaur behavior

The footprints also allowed researchers to determine the direction and speed at which the dinosaurs moved. According to Edgar, most giants moved at an average speed of about 5 km/h, which is comparable to the pace of a human walk. Scientists believe that larger theropods, like Megalosaurus, were unable to run fast, unlike their smaller relatives.

Ideal conservation conditions

The preservation of such an extensive ancient footpath is rare and was made possible by the country's unique conditions in the Jurassic period. The distinctive footprints indicate that the area was once covered by soft sediments and that the ideal amount of water was present to preserve the impressions.

Planning future discoveries

During the excavation, researchers captured more than 20,000 images of the footprints using drone photography. The team will use these images to create detailed 3D models and further study the dinosaurs' interactions and biomechanics. Over the next six months to a year, researchers will quickly analyze the data collected and present their findings to the public.

“We have these 3D models for the first time, which means that once we release them, everyone will be able to see the site and its heritage,” Edgar said. Because of the limited time to document the site to prevent further disturbance to the quarry, much of the surface remains unexplored, which could potentially provide even more information about the diverse creatures that once lived here.