Use of ground penetrating radar in detecting fossilized dinosaur bones

Todd M. Meglich

doi:10.1117/12.383626

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27 April 2000 Use of ground penetrating radar in detecting fossilized dinosaur bones

Todd M. Meglich

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Proceedings Volume 4084, Eighth International Conference on Ground Penetrating Radar; (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.383626
Event: 8th International Conference on Ground Penetrating Radar, 2000, Gold Coast, Australia

Abstract

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) has been used successfully to help archaeologists locate building foundations and other artifacts of past civilizations. Yet, little has been done to help paleontologists in their search for fossilized remains. Fossilized and partially fossilized dinosaur bones are located in a sandstone outcrop at the Dinosaur Ridge Natural Landmark outside Morrison, Colorado. The bones are located within a cliff face and in two large boulders located along the road. Little work has been done to characterize the size of these bones and to study the possibility of bones located deeper within the sandstone cliff face. Mineralogical studies have shown that these bones contain approximately 15% iron oxides (Fe₂O₃) along with smaller percentages of MgO and Al₂O₃. Due to the presence of Fe₂O₃, as strong reflection is expected on the GPR record. Data have been collected along the cliff face using a Sensors and Software pulseEKKO 1000 900 MHz antenna. The area of interest measures approximately 1 meter high and 3.5 meters long. Several strong hyperbolas stand out in the raw and processed data. Velocity estimations show the depth of investigation to be greater than 1.1 meters. Data have been collected along crosslines in order to judge size and orientation of any anomalies discovered. Full waveform modeling was performed on traces showing anomalies to better characterize the dielectric permittivity and magnetic permeability. These results will be analyzed to determine what anomalies have the possibility of being dinosaur bones.

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Todd M. Meglich "Use of ground penetrating radar in detecting fossilized dinosaur bones", Proc. SPIE 4084, Eighth International Conference on Ground Penetrating Radar, (27 April 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.383626

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