Fossilised footprints would not tell us much without scientific interpretation. Scientists used mathematics, comparisons and inspired guesswork to uncover the story of the Trackways.

Back in the lab, scientists studied each footprint print on a latex mould taken from the site. The footprints were measured and described, and (where individual tracks could be followed) pace length, stride length and pace angulation were measured.

Scientists then compared the footprints to dinosaur skeletons from all over the world with feet roughly matching the Lark Quarry tracks.

The dinosaur running speeds were worked out using equations based on locomotion of living animals, incorporating size, weight and flexibility differences.

Once the scientists knew which dinosaurs made the tracks, how many there were and how fast they were moving, they were able piece together the stampede story.

» To find out how scientists knew it was a stampede, download Fact Sheet 1 (PDF 264kb)