Increased drought in Texas leads to the discovery of more dinosaur tracks.
Ancient Dinosaur Tracks Unearthed in Texas State Park
A recent drought in Texas has unveiled a remarkable discovery in Dinosaur Valley State Park. Park officials have uncovered a new trail of dinosaur footprints, belonging to two different species, adding to the already impressive 20 miles of tracks that have been mapped. This exciting find was made possible as the water levels of the Paluxy River, which runs through the park, began to recede.
A Glimpse into Prehistoric Times
The newly discovered tracks are estimated to be around 110 million years old and were left behind by two fascinating creatures: the Acrocanthosaurus, weighing approximately seven tons, and the Paluxysaurus, a massive 44-ton Sauropodseiden. These footprints provide a unique window into the ancient world, allowing us to imagine these magnificent creatures roaming the land.
“Tracks were first discovered in 1909 following a flood in the area. The first set was decidedly theropod prints, according to the park’s website, but later, more prints would be found, even that of sauropods. In 1972, the park would open as a 1,587-acre dedicated space to preserving the remnants of ancient history.”
The park’s website reveals that the first dinosaur tracks were found in 1909 after a flood. Initially, only theropod prints were discovered, but over time, more tracks, including those of sauropods, were unearthed. In 1972, Dinosaur Valley State Park was established as a 1,587-acre sanctuary, dedicated to preserving these incredible remnants of our past.
Unveiling the Past Amidst Challenging Conditions
Currently, Texas is facing severe drought conditions, with 60% of the state experiencing these challenging circumstances. Approximately one-third of Texas is even suffering from extreme drought, a more severe classification. These droughts can have significant impacts on various aspects of the environment, including agriculture, grasslands, hydrology, and ecology.
“The combination of the drought and extreme heat has not only lowered the water levels of the Paluxy River but also made its riverbed drier, making the dinosaur tracks easier to discover. However, the park acknowledges on its website that the visibility of the tracks can differ on a daily basis due to weather and wet conditions, sometimes resulting in trails closing completely. During the summer, the river is known to dry up to the point that it becomes various isolated pools instead of a river.”
The current drought and extreme heat have caused the water levels of the Paluxy River to decrease significantly, exposing more of the riverbed. This has made it easier for researchers and visitors to spot the dinosaur tracks. However, the park cautions that the visibility of the tracks can vary due to weather conditions, and sometimes the trails may even close temporarily. In the summer, the river can dry up, transforming into isolated pools rather than a flowing river.
Expanding Texas State Parks
Exciting news for nature enthusiasts! Texas will be adding six new state parks, thanks to a tax proposition passed last year. This will bring the total number of state parks in Texas to an impressive 95. With over 64,000 acres of existing state lands, the addition of these new sites will provide even more opportunities for outdoor exploration and appreciation of the state’s natural beauty.
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