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 & Dr. Nora Noffke
We will visit elite dinosaur track sites located to the north and 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.
Saturday | April 5, 2025
*Trip is limited to 5 vehicles total.*
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.
-
Some clearance is necessary. 4WD is required in the event of wet weather.
-
Bring lunch, water, sturdy shoes, binoculars, camera, and snacks.
-
Dr. Paul C Murphey
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 and identification of dinosaur trackways using machine learning.
Dr. Nora Noffke
Dr. Nora Noffke is a sedimentologist who has fundamentally contributed to the scientific field of biofilms and microbial mats in clastic sedimentology. Her research is highly interdisciplinary combining sedimentology with microbiology, geochemistry, paleontology and mineralogy.
