Drought Uncovers Dinosaur Tracks in US Park

A handout image obtained on August 23, 2022 courtesy of the Dinosaur Valley State Park shows dinosaur tracks from around 113 million years ago. Handout Dinosaur Valley State Park/AFP
A handout image obtained on August 23, 2022 courtesy of the Dinosaur Valley State Park shows dinosaur tracks from around 113 million years ago. Handout Dinosaur Valley State Park/AFP
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Drought Uncovers Dinosaur Tracks in US Park

A handout image obtained on August 23, 2022 courtesy of the Dinosaur Valley State Park shows dinosaur tracks from around 113 million years ago. Handout Dinosaur Valley State Park/AFP
A handout image obtained on August 23, 2022 courtesy of the Dinosaur Valley State Park shows dinosaur tracks from around 113 million years ago. Handout Dinosaur Valley State Park/AFP

A drought in Texas dried up a river flowing through Dinosaur Valley State Park, exposing tracks from giant reptiles that lived some 113 million years ago, an official said Tuesday.

Photos posted on Facebook show three-toed footprints leading down a dry tree-lined riverbed in the southern US state. It is "one of the longest dinosaur trackways in the world," a caption accompanying the images says.

Stephanie Salinas Garcia of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said dry weather made the tracks visible.

"Due to the excessive drought conditions this past summer, the river dried up completely in most locations, allowing for more tracks to be uncovered here in the park," she said.

"Under normal river conditions, these newer tracks are under water and are commonly filled in with sediment, making them buried and not as visible," AFP quoted Garcia as saying.

Most of the recently revealed tracks were made by Acrocanthosaurus, which weighed nearly seven tons (6,350 kilograms) as an adult and stood 15 feet (4.5 meters) tall.

Another dinosaur, Sauroposeidon, also left tracks in the park. It measured 60 feet tall and weighed 44 tons in adulthood.

The state park -- located in an inland area southwest of the city of Dallas -- was once on the edge of an ancient ocean, and dinosaurs left footprints in the mud, its website says.

While drought revealed the tracks, rain is in the forecast, meaning they will likely be covered once more.

"While they will soon be buried again by the rain and the river, Dinosaur Valley State Park will continue to protect these 113 million-year-old tracks not only for present, but future generations," Garcia said.



Turki Alalshikh Honored as ‘Most Influential Personality of the Decade’ at MENA Effie Awards

Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Turki Alalshikh Honored as ‘Most Influential Personality of the Decade’ at MENA Effie Awards

Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (Asharq Al-Awsat)

In a landmark global achievement, Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, was named the “Most Influential Personality of the Decade” during the MENA Effie Awards ceremony.

Theprestigious honor recognizes his transformative contributions to the Kingdom’s entertainment sector and his pivotal role in its development and international prominence.

The MENA Effie Awards, renowned for celebrating impact and creativity across the Middle East and North Africa, distinguishes individuals whose efforts have delivered exceptional and lasting contributions over the past decade.

Alalshikh’s recognition underscores his status as one of the most influential figures in global entertainment and reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing impact on the international cultural and entertainment landscape.

Under his leadership, the General Entertainment Authority has played a key role in enhancing the quality of life in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. His efforts have established a world-class entertainment ecosystem, bolstering the national economy and fostering sustainable development.

Since the launch of Riyadh Season 2024 in October, spearheaded by Alalshikh, the event has attracted unprecedented global attention. In less than a month, approximately 6 million visitors attended, showcasing the event’s extraordinary appeal to both local and international audiences.

The season features thousands of events, ranging from concerts and art exhibitions to theater performances and family-friendly activities. Riyadh Season 2024 includes five main zones—Boulevard World, Kingdom Arena, Boulevard City, The Venue, and Al-Suwaidi Park—each offering a distinctive and immersive experience.

During its opening week, the season set a record with 2 million visitors, highlighting the public’s enthusiasm for this eagerly awaited event.