Dinos, meet drones: How new technology could reshape the fossil record
A groundbreaking study has emerged challenging the traditional method of dating dinosaur fossils in Alberta’s Dinosaur Provincial Park by introducing drone technology into the mix. Paleontologists have historically relied on measuring the elevation of skeletons above a distinct boundary where two major rock layers meet to estimate the age of fossils found in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, this method only provides a rough estimate of age, according to Alexandre Demers-Potvin, the lead author of the study and a PhD student at McGill University’s Redpath Museum.
Demers-Potvin and his team utilized drones to capture over 1,000 high-resolution images of a section of the park, creating a detailed 3D model of the terrain. The findings, published in the journal Palaeontologia Electronica, revealed that the boundary used to date fossils in the park fluctuates in elevation by up to 12 meters in short distances. This variation in the reference point could potentially skew the estimated ages of fossils measured against it. The drone technology offers a higher level of precision in dating fossils within the park.
The study marks a significant milestone for Demers-Potvin, who emphasized the collaborative effort involved in the research. The drone-assisted 3D modeling provides a promising avenue for better understanding the age differences among dinosaur fossils in Alberta, shedding light on the biodiversity of an ancient world.
In 2018, Demers-Potvin embarked on an exploration of a key fossil site known as “Bonebed 190” in Dinosaur Provincial Park with a team of researchers from McGill University. The site exhibited a rich biodiversity and exceptional fossil preservation, prompting a long-term project to delve deeper into the area. In 2021, drones were introduced to capture aerial images while a ground team placed markers using GPS technology to enhance the geolocation accuracy of the 3D model.
By employing structure-from-motion photogrammetry, the researchers stitched together the images to construct a comprehensive 3D model of the terrain. This innovative approach allowed them to segment the rock layers and establish different time zones within the section, offering a more reliable tool for dating fossils and rectifying previous estimates.
Emily Bamforth, a paleontologist and curator at the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum, highlighted the increasing use of drones in paleontology and commended McGill’s research for its contribution to understanding the fossil record accurately. She emphasized the importance of placing fossils in both a spatial and temporal context to gain a comprehensive understanding of the ancient ecosystems.
Demers-Potvin expressed his ambition to further refine the existing knowledge of Dinosaur Provincial Park using drone technology, with the ultimate goal of covering the entire park in future research endeavors. The transition from traditional dating methods to drone-assisted 3D modeling signifies a paradigm shift in paleontological research, bridging the gaps in the current timeline and deepening our understanding of prehistoric life.
