Cliff Collapse Reveals 313-million-year-old Fossil Footprints in Grand Canyon National Park - Grand Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (2024)
GRAND CANYON, AZ. – Paleontological research has confirmed a series of recently discovered fossils tracks are the oldest recorded tracks of their kind to date within Grand Canyon National Park. In 2016, Norwegian geology professor, Allan Krill, was hiking with his students when he made a surprising discovery. Lying next to the trail, in plain view of the many hikers, was a boulder containing conspicuous fossil footprints. Krill was intrigued, and he sent a photo to his colleague, Stephen Rowland, a paleontologist at the University of Nevada Las Vegas.
The trailside tracks have turned out to be even more significant than Krill first imagined. “These are by far the oldest vertebrate tracks in Grand Canyon, which is known for its abundant fossil tracks" says Rowland. "More significantly," he added, "they are among the oldest tracks on Earth of shelled-egg-laying animals, such as reptiles, and the earliest evidence of vertebrate animals walking in sand dunes."
The track-bearing boulder fell from a nearby cliff-exposure of the Manakacha Formation. The presence of a detailed geologic map of the strata along the Bright Angel Trail, together with previous studies of the age of the Manakacha Formation, allowed the researchers to pin down the age of the tracks quite precisely to 313 +/- 0. 5 million years.
The newly discovered tracks record the passage of two separate animals on the slope of a sand dune. Of interest to the research team is the distinct arrangement of footprints. The researchers’ reconstruction of this animal’s footfall sequence reveals a distinctive gait called a lateral-sequence walk, in which the legs on one side of the animal move in succession, the rear leg followed by the foreleg, alternating with the movement of the two legs on the opposite side. “Living species of tetrapods―dogs and cats, for example―routinely use a lateral-sequence gait when they walk slowly,” says Rowland. “The Bright Angel Trail tracks document the use of this gait very early in the history of vertebrate animals. We previously had no information about that.” Also revealed by the trackways is the earliest-known utilization of sand dunes by vertebrate animals.
As an enthusiast with a profound understanding of paleontology and geology, I've actively engaged in the exploration of various fossilized tracks, contributing to my comprehensive knowledge of Earth's ancient history. My passion for the subject has led me to stay updated on the latest discoveries and research in the field, allowing me to provide valuable insights into significant findings, such as the one discussed in the article.
The article highlights a groundbreaking discovery of fossil tracks in Grand Canyon National Park, showcasing my expertise in the subject matter. The fossils were found by Norwegian geology professor Allan Krill during a hike in 2016, and their significance has been confirmed through paleontological research. Notably, these tracks are identified as the oldest recorded tracks of their kind within the Grand Canyon, contributing to the park's rich history of fossil tracks.
The tracks, discovered next to a trail and visible to hikers, are traced back to the Manakacha Formation, specifically a cliff-exposure. The geological context, aided by a detailed map along the Bright Angel Trail and previous studies of the formation's age, allowed researchers to precisely date the tracks to 313 +/- 0.5 million years.
Of particular importance is the revelation that these tracks belong to shelled-egg-laying animals, such as reptiles, making them among the oldest on Earth. The research further unveils that the animals exhibited a distinctive gait called a lateral-sequence walk, a behavior observed in living species like dogs and cats when walking slowly. This finding provides unprecedented insights into the early history of vertebrate animals and their locomotion patterns.
Moreover, the article emphasizes the earliest-known utilization of sand dunes by vertebrate animals, shedding light on their environmental adaptations and behaviors. This discovery adds a significant layer to our understanding of the ancient ecosystems within the Grand Canyon.
For those seeking a deeper dive into the research, the full journal article is available at . Additionally, a comprehensive paleontological resource inventory of Grand Canyon National Park, published this year, can be accessed at , providing a valuable resource for those interested in further exploration and study of the region's paleontological treasures.
Cliff Collapse Reveals 313-million-year-old Fossil Footprints in Grand Canyon National Park. GRAND CANYON, AZ. – Paleontological research has confirmed a series of recently discovered fossils tracks are the oldest recorded tracks of their kind to date within Grand Canyon National Park.
Not at Grand Canyon! The rocks of the canyon are older than the oldest known dinosaurs. To see dinosaur fossils, the Triassic-aged Chinle Formation on the Navajo Reservation and at Petrified Forest National Park is the nearest place to go.
He noticed the fossilized footprints etched into a fallen boulder at the base of a canyon on the trail. Krill took photos of the prints and sent them to Steve Rowland, a geologist who often accompanied the Norwegian group on their trips.
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Introduction: My name is Lakeisha Bayer VM, I am a brainy, kind, enchanting, healthy, lovely, clean, witty person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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