Jurassic journey unearthed: 150-metre dinosaur super highway discovered in Oxfordshire – Newz9

Scientists from Oxford and Birmingham Universities have discovered an intensive quarry flooring containing quite a few dinosaur footprintsThe outstanding discovery consists of a number of large trackways from the Middle Jurassic Periodroughly 166 million years in the past.
The trackways, a part of an unlimited prehistoric pathway, embrace prints from the 9-metre predator Megalosaurus and plant-consuming dinosaurs twice that measurement.
The excavation might be proven on BBC Two’s Digging for Britain on January 8 and showcased in a brand new exhibition known as Breaking Ground at Oxford University Museum of Natural History (OUMNH).
These preserved footprints present distinctive insights into dinosaur habits, displaying their actions, interactions and their tropical habitat. The excavation at Dewars Farm Quarry in Oxfordshire revealed 5 substantial trackways with indications of further prints close by. The most in depth steady trackway stretched past 150 metres.
Four trackways have been created by huge herbivorous sauropods, doubtless Cetiosaurusreaching as much as 18 meters in size and associated to Diplodocus. The remaining trackway belonged to the carnivorous Megalosaurus, characterised by massive three-toed ft with claws.
One part exhibits intersecting carnivore and herbivore tracks, prompting questions on potential interactions between the species. Megalosaurus, named and described in 1824, was the primary scientifically documented dinosaur, initiating two centuries of dinosaur analysis.
Dr Emma Nicholls, Vertebrate Palaeontologist at OUMNH, mentioned, “Scientists have known about and been studying Megalosaurus for longer than any other dinosaur on Earth, and yet these recent discoveries prove there is still new evidence of these animals out there, waiting to be found. .”
The prints have been discovered when quarry employee Gary Johnson observed uncommon floor irregularities while clearing clay to reveal the quarry flooring. Specialists have been subsequently consulted. Working with Dewars Farm and Duns Tew Quarry Manager Mark Stanway and employees, Oxford and Birmingham Universities led over 100 folks in every week-lengthy excavation in June 2024.
The crew methodically uncovered roughly 200 footprints and created detailed 3D fashions utilizing drone pictures, documenting the prints extensively for future research.
Professor Kirsty Edgar, Professor of Micropalaeontology on the University of Birmingham, mentioned, “These footprints offer an extraordinary window into the lives of dinosaurs, revealing details about their movements, interactions, and the tropical environment they inhabited.”
Mark Stanway and Smiths Bletchington’s crew supplied essential assist all through the venture, providing their geological experience and working specialised tools.
These trackways connect with 1997 discoveries in the realm, the place earlier quarrying revealed over 40 units of prints, with some trackways extending 180 metres. The unique findings considerably superior the understanding of British Middle Jurassic dinosaurs. The location grew to become acknowledged globally as an important dinosaur observe web site and acquired Site of Special Scientific Interest standing.
The unique web site is now largely inaccessible, and because of pre-digital documentation, photographic proof is proscribed. The new discoveries improve the realm’s significance, and regardless of the thirty-yr hole, modern expertise allows extra complete documentation than beforehand doable.
Professor Richard Butler, Professor of Palaeobiology on the University of Birmingham, mentioned, “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 previous for generations to come back.”
The recent excavation produced over 20,000 images of the prints, providing extensive material for research and education, potentially revealing insights into dinosaur locomotion, size and interactions.
Dr Duncan Murdock, Earth Scientist at OUMNH, said, “The preservation is so detailed that we are able to see how the mud was deformed because the dinosaur’s ft squelched in and out. Along with different fossils like burrows, shells and vegetation we are able to convey to life the muddy lagoon setting the dinosaurs walked by way of.”
BBC’s Digging for Britain documented the excavation for a brand new sequence. Presented by Professor Alice Roberts, Birmingham University’s Professor of Public Engagement in Science, this system might be accessible on iPlayer from January 7, and broadcast on BBC Two on January 8, 2025.
The excavation will characteristic in OUMNH’s Breaking Ground exhibition, showcasing main developments in life and Earth historical past understanding. Visitors can study the unique Megalosaurus fossils, view dig web site documentation, and study modern palaeontological strategies.
The Geologists’ Association, Birmingham University’s School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, and the University’s Alumni Fund supported the excavation.