Borkowice - iwiatowej klasy stanowisko paleontologicz- ne z tropami i koierni wczesnojurajskich dinozaurOw : Borkowice - a world-class paleontological site with foot¬prints and bones of Early Jurassic dinosaurs

Abstract

As part of the implementation of the Polish Geological Survey numerous and per¬fectly preserved dinosaurfootprints were discovered in the upper Hettangian (Lower Jurassic) barrier-lagoon deposits, outcropping in the ceramic clay pit in Borkowice (Przysucha County\ Poland). A large part of the specimens shows (especially visible in 3D scans) three-dimensional natural casts of dinosaur feet, on which anatomical features and impressions of the scaly skin are preserved in unusual details. These are the best-preserved traces ofdinosaurs so far discov¬ered in Poland and the quality of their preservation is equal to the best-known discoveries worldwide. In order for such a state ofpreservation to be possible, a very special sequence of sedimentary/taphonomic events had to take place in a very short time. The collection also includes records of ethology (behaviour) left by dinosaurs running, swimming, resting and sitting on a muddy sediment, as well as many enigmatic biogenic structures, probably related to various life activities of dinosaurs living there. So far, several hundred dino¬saur tracks, representing at least seven different species of these animals have been collected and secured in Borkowice, and the pros¬pects for newfinds are much more promising. Unique bone remains of ornithischian dinosaurs preserved in the form ofcasts have also been found. It is necessary to act in cooperation with local authorities and the entrepreneur exploiting the clay deposits in order to secure and protect the geoheritage site.