Have you ever thought about where your city stood millions of years ago? Curious about the dinosaurs that might have roamed nearby? An interactive map created by paleontologist Ian Webster makes this exploration exciting and eye-opening. It shows how our continents have changed over millions of years, revealing what prehistoric creatures lived where you are now.
Earth is a constantly shifting place. For the last 750 million years, its surface has transformed dramatically. The continents have moved, merged, and broken apart. Oceans have opened and closed, and climates have shifted from lush jungles to icy regions. Webster’s map is a part of his Ancient Earth Globe project, based on scientific research from the PALEOMAPS project and tectonic data from GPlates, a geoscience platform. This tool brings over 500 million years of Earth’s history to life, showcasing vital moments like the rise of the first bacteria and later, the dinosaurs.
The map defaults to the Middle Triassic period, about 240 million years ago, when all continents were combined into the supercontinent Pangaea. This period was crucial as Pangaea began to split apart, leading to the formation of today’s continents. It also marks the dawn of dinosaurs, mammals, and birds, setting the stage for a remarkable explosion of species during the Mesozoic era.
Users can type in their city and see how its location has shifted throughout geological history. The map reveals whether your area was underwater, near the equator, or positioned in polar regions during different periods. It’s an engaging way to appreciate the vast changes Earth has undergone.
Besides geography, the map connects to the Dinosaur Pictures and Facts database, showcasing fossils found near various modern locations. For instance, in Paris, fossils show that large carnivorous dinosaurs like megalosaurs once roamed nearby, while southern France was home to plant-eating dinosaurs like Hypselosaurus and Rhabdodons. However, if you’re hoping to find T. rex remains in Europe, you won’t—you’ll only find them in North America.
This interactive map is not without minor inaccuracies, but it creates a fascinating visual of our planet’s complex history. By linking geographical shifts with fossil discoveries, it helps us understand how our world has evolved. Whether your city used to be a bustling coastline, submerged in ancient waters, or at the heart of Pangaea, this map offers a fresh perspective on our surroundings.
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