Scientists from the University of Oxford and the University of Birmingham in the UK made the unexpected discovery at a quarry in Oxfordshire, central England after a worker accidentally discovered “unusual protrusions” while digging clay with a mechanical excavator. After examination, the research team confirmed that this was a dinosaur footprint.
A team of 100 people then excavated about 200 footprints forming 5 road sections considered “dinosaur highways”, with the longest section being 150 m. Four of the five tracks are believed to be footprints of the long-necked dinosaur Cetiosaurus, while the remaining segment belongs to the 9m-long carnivorous dinosaur Megalosaurus, according to the report. Le Monde reported.
Dinosaur footprints discovered at a mine in England
PHOTO: OXFORD UNIVERSITY
The excavated dinosaur footprints date back to 166 million years ago, and are believed to be one of the largest dinosaur discoveries in the UK. Researchers said they carried out the excavation process in June 2024.
“Scientists have studied megalosaurus longer than any other dinosaur, but recent discoveries show that there is still much to be discovered about this animal,” said paleontologist Emma Nicholls from the University of California. Oxford, said.
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The scientific team hopes that studying the newly discovered footprints will provide clues about how dinosaurs interacted, as well as their size and movement speed. Paleontologist Richard Butler from the University of Birmingham believes that it is possible that in the past there were storms in this area, creating layers of sediment that covered the footprints, causing them to maintain their shape to this day. instead of being swept away.
Mine worker Gary Johnson was the first person to discover the above mentioned dinosaur footprints. “They look so real. This is a truly emotional moment,” he said.
