Unearthed ancient footsteps: UK's largest dinosaur trackway found
In the United Kingdom, approximately 200 giant dinosaur footprints dating back 166 million years have been discovered. This find enables researchers to track the movements of two dinosaur species: the herbivorous Cetiosaurus and the predatory Megalosaurus, according to the BBC.
The largest site in the history of the United Kingdom for dinosaur footprints was uncovered in a quarry in Oxfordshire County. Approximately 200 gigantic footprints, 166 million years old, are found on the limestone base, revealing the movements of two different dinosaur species, reports the BBC.
According to scientists, the footprints belong to the herbivorous, long-necked Cetiosaurus and the smaller, carnivorous Megalosaurus. The longest trackways are 150 metres long and may be even longer, as only part of the quarry has been surveyed.
This is one of the most impressive track sites I've ever seen, in terms of scale, in terms of the size of the tracks, said Prof. Kirsty Edgar, a micropaleontologist from the University of Birmingham, to the BBC.
The footprints were first noticed by Gary Johnson, a quarry worker, while operating an excavator. He observed regular bulges every 3 metres and realized they might be dinosaur footprints, notes the British portal.
During the summer, over 100 scientists, students, and volunteers participated in the excavations. The team found five different trackways: four belonging to sauropods, which were up to 18 metres long, and one attributed to the Megalosaurus, a predator measuring between 6 and 9 metres long.
The footprints were likely preserved by sediment deposits from storms, which covered and protected them from erosion. Prof. Richard Butler from the University of Birmingham explains that the footprints provide unique insights into the behaviour of these animals and their environment.
The research team meticulously documented the find, creating casts and over 20,000 photographs to produce 3D models. In one area, it was discovered that the paths of Cetiosaurus and Megalosaurus crossed, which helped determine the sequence of their movements.
