Sound of Parasaurolophus Dinosaur to Resonate through Museum on December 5

Sound of Parasaurolophus Dinosaur to Resonate through Museum on December 5

Albuquerque, NM ó Did the large plant-eating Parasaurolophus dinosaur bellow, screech, roar or honk?

Find out at 10 a.m. Dec. 5 when Sandia National Laboratories and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science ìunveilî the sound the Parasaurolophus dinosaur made some 70 million years ago. It is a resonating noise one not only hears, but feels. Production of the sound is the result of a joint project that has aroused the curiosity of scientists and media worldwide. The project already has been featured in such media as CNN, the BBC, the New York Times, and the London Times.

The project was accomplished by computer scientists and paleontologists using computer axial-tomography and powerful computers sometimes used for nuclear weapons work. The study of dinosaur vocalization began after the discovery in August 1995 of a rare Parasaurolophus skull fossil measuring nearly 5 feet long. The dinosaur had a bony tubular crest that extended back from the top of its head. Many scientists have believed the crest, containing a labyrinth of air cavities and shaped something like a trombone, might have been used to produce distinctive sounds.

The Parasaurolophus dinosaur was one of the many dinosaurs featured in the movie, The Lost World. Find out how Hollywoodís imagination compares with the work of Americaís top scientists.

A 10 a.m. news conference is scheduled in the West Gallery of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, 1801 Mountain Road NW, in Albuquerque. Sandia computer scientist Carl Diegert and paleontologist Tom Williamson will be on hand to explain the project and respond to questions. Still images of the computer work, videotapes showing highlights of the project, and audiotapes of the sound will be available. Information about the project and the sound itself will be posted on a web site that can be reached through Sandiaís home page, www.sandia.gov, beginning 10 a.m. Dec. 5.

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For More Information:

Chris Miller, Sandia National Laboratories, 505-844-5550, [email protected]

John Arnold, New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, 505-841-2826, [email protected]