‘Dinosaur highway’ uncovered in England dating back 166 million years
A remarkable discovery was made in a limestone quarry in southern England, where a worker digging up clay stumbled upon unusual bumps that turned out to be a “dinosaur highway.” Nearly 200 tracks dating back 166 million years were found at Dewars Farm Quarry in Oxfordshire in June 2024, thanks to the efforts of over 100 researchers.
The find, led by experts from the universities of Oxford and Birmingham, sheds new light on the Middle Jurassic period and provides valuable insights into the lives of dinosaurs that inhabited the region. According to Kirsty Edgar, a micropaleontology professor at the University of Birmingham, these footprints offer a unique glimpse into the movements, interactions, and the tropical environment in which these ancient creatures lived.
Among the tracks discovered, four sets belong to sauropods, massive herbivorous dinosaurs believed to be Cetiosaurus, which could reach up to 18 meters in length. Another set of tracks belonged to the Megalosaurus, a fearsome predator measuring nine meters in length and known for its distinctive triple-claw print. The crossing of these tracks raises questions about potential interactions between carnivores and herbivores in the prehistoric landscape.
Emma Nicholls, a vertebrate paleontologist at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, expressed excitement about the discovery, highlighting the ongoing potential for new findings about these ancient creatures. The excavation team utilized drones and digital imaging technology to capture over 20,000 images and create 3D models of the footprints, providing valuable data for future research on dinosaur size, movement, and behavior.
Duncan Murdock, an earth scientist at the Oxford museum, emphasized the detailed preservation of the tracks, which offers insights into the muddy lagoon environment where the dinosaurs roamed. The findings will be showcased in a new exhibit at the museum and featured on the BBC’s “Digging for Britain” program, allowing a broader audience to appreciate the significance of this extraordinary discovery.
