Fossil hunting in the Mongolian Gobi – Explorers Club use new technology to unearth dinosaurs on commemorative expedition
The Explorers Club will follow a route set by a famous adventurer as they aim to uncover fossils in the Gobi
Hongkongers are heading to the Gobi Desert, armed with new technology, to unearth fossils 100 years after a historic expedition changed the face of palaeontology.
Michael Barth, chairman of The Explorers Club Hong Kong Chapter, said: “The Gobi expedition marks roughly the 100-year anniversary of Roy Chapman Andrews’ historic discovery of the first-ever nest of fossilised dinosaur eggs, which not only proved that dinosaurs were reptilian, but opened up Mongolia for future discoveries.”
The Explorers Club Hong Kong Chapter is taking 35 of its members into rural Mongolia in a fleet of Infiniti SUVs, along with Drone Lidar technology, to cover areas that were previously impossible to inspect.
“I’m looking forward to the unique scenery of the southern Gobi, using cutting edge technology to find dinosaur fossils, working with experts from different fields,” he said, but added the long drives and work in the sun is going to be challenging despite the comfort of the SUVs.
Barth said the expedition was born out of a desire to seek challenges in the name of science.
The Explorers Club will cover more than 1,600 kilometres, much of which matches Andrews’ 1920s route, including The Flaming Cliffs, where Andrews first uncovered fossils.
Andrews used motorised vehicles so he was able to penetrate deeper into the Gobi than ever before and pave the way for expeditions to utilise new technology in the hunt for fossils.
The Explorers Club is based in New York, with various offshoots around the world, and supports exploration with scientific aims.
Founded in 1904, the club loan out their flag to be carried on expeditions – the flag has accompanied the first explorers to reach North Pole, the South Pole, the top of Everest, the bottom of the ocean and the moon.
