Saturday | April 5, 2025
Dinosaur Tracks in Microbial Mats
Characteristics of Microbial Mat-Related Lagerstatten of Dinosaur Tracks in Sandy Tidal and Sabkha Deposits
Led by: Dr. Paul C Murphey
We will visit elite dinosaur track sites located to the south of Moab formed in sandy tidal and sabkha deposits, and examine different types of microbial mat-mediated preservation and what fossilized microbial mat reveals about ancient environmental conditions.
This is a full-day field trip focused on a fascinating, niche aspect of paleontological study and is well suited for adults and teens with a keen interest in geosciences.
See below for important trip information.
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Participants must drive their own vehicles.
Some clearance is necessary. 4WD is required in the event of wet weather.
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A full tank of gas.
Lunch, water, sturdy shoes, binoculars, camera, and snacks.
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Dr. Paul C. Murphey is a research associate at the San Diego Natural History Museum and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Principal Investigator at Paleo Resource Specialists, Alaska Paleontology Program Director at the Institute for Field Research, and Science Director at the Moab Giants Museum. His current research includes the effects of rapid global temperature increase on vertebrate communities during the Eocene, and 4D surface analysis of dinosaur trackways and the identification of dinosaur footprints using machine learning.
A theropod track preserved in a microbial mat feature within the Ruby Ranch Member of the Cedar Mountain Formation. Photo by Ryan Baxter.