OUS international research project on Mongolian dinosaurs

Precise age determination of dinosaur bearing beds in Mongolia is the first theme of the project. Hence, in order to determine the deposition age in detail, we are going to conduct U-Pb radioisotope analysis by using laser-ablation inductivity coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS). Moreover, we would try to obtain the age information directly from the dinosaur fossils by using various analytical equipment such as LA-ICPMS, SEM-CL, EPMA and so on. The data gained from these analyses are expected to help us learn more about the course of evolution of the Cretaceous dinosaurs from the viewpoint of geology and geochronology. Investigating dinosaur from physiological pathological and ethological viewpoints is another theme of the project. Excellent preservation of dinosaur fossils and abundant dinosaur footprint remains in Mongolia are suitable for these studies. We conduct these studies as a cooperative research project with the Mongolian Institute of Paleontology and Geology, and we will establish a dinosaur research museum in the university as an international dinosaur research center.