Paleontologists Use Explosives To Uncover Dino Bones
Earlier this month, researchers from a Dinosaur National Monument quarry turned to explosives in order to get beyond the thick layers of rigid sandstone.
Several controlled explosions were ignited at the quarry called DNM 16, where researchers discovered a full sauropod skull years ago.
That rare find led them to want to see what else was trapped within the layers of sandstone. But those layers were too thick to be broken with traditional paleontologists’ tools.
Dan Chure, paleontologist at the monument told the Associated Press that the team discovered the rock to be too tough for even a jackhammer. So, they determined that more drastic methods would be needed.
They were introduced to the blasting crew from Rocky Mountain National Park. The crew is experienced with using explosives on man-made structures such as roads, utility lines and parking lots. But the researchers’ desire to see beyond the layers of sandstone led them to seek help using an unusual approach.
"There was no other way for us to get to these bones other than using these explosives," Chure told the AP.
The team worked for three days using explosive charges to break up the sandstone.
"It was three of us putting our heads together and calling on our best judgment so we didn’t screw anything up," said Dave Larsen, leader of the blasting team.
After three days, the team had about 40 holes for explosives to be put into. The explosives made it easier for paleontologists to remove debris by hand.
Chure told the AP that digging at the site is set to continue this spring and he has not noticed any signs of damage to dinosaur bones in the quarry.
The DNM 16 quarry is known for the rare discovery by researchers from Brigham Young University of the skull of a sauropod in 2005. Although sauropod bones aren’t particularly rare, researchers said they are rarely found with their head in tact.
"It must be there’s some relatively loose connection between the skull and the neck," Chure said. "There are lots of what we call ‘headless wonders.’"
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