Massive dinosaur field confirmed in Chongqing

Local authorities in Chongqing in southwest China have confirmed the existence of a massive dinosaur field in a local county, reports qq.com.

A dinosaur field dating to the Jurassic era in Chonqging's Yunyang County. [File photo: qq.com]

The fossil field, around 150 meters long, 2 meters wide and 8 meters deep, is said to contain fossils from the middle and late stages of the Jurassic era, dating back 160 to 180 million years ago.

It was first discovered by locals in 2015. Excavation work began in October, 2016.

"The number of fossils found at the site in Yunyang surpasses the whole amount ever unearthed in Chongqing," said Li Shichuan, vice director of the Chongqing Municipal Bureau of Land and Housing.

Excavation and analysis of the site is being overseen by Zhou Zhonghe, chair of International Palaeontological Association and also academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences .

"The fossil field in Yunyang could fill a blank globally in understanding dinosaur fossils of the early and middle Jurassic periods, which is believed to be a key period for the evolution of the dinosaurs," said Zhou.

Local officials also say they intend to set up a museum at the site.