-
Geologist Ritesh Arya has unearthed coral reef fossils at 18,000 feet above sea level at Burtse in the Eastern Ladakh Himalayas.
Geologist Ritesh Arya has unearthed coral reef fossils at 18,000 feet above sea level at Burtse in the Eastern Ladakh Himalayas. The unearthed fossils include structures of coral colonies, and give a glimpse into Burtse area’s geological past which comprised of an ancient underwater world. The findings are indicative of a biodiversity that once existed in the said region.
According to geologist Arya, these findings have the potential to redefine our understanding of the region’s past. Ladakh, famous for its high-altitude desert landscapes, might have been a different geological entity, one that was home to vibrant marine life, coral reefs and beaches.
According to Arya, the geological history of Burtse offers a remarkable parallel to the beaches of Rameshwaram or Andaman Nicobar today. Earlier in August, the Geologist had discovered well-preserved fossils of marine animals at an altitude of 16,000 feet above sea level further in Ladakh, augmenting the idea that Himalayas were born as continental plates thrust out of Tethys Sea about 40 million years ago.
Coral reef, an underwater ecosystem comprising of colonies of corals, held together by a building of calcium carbonate. These reefs are considered extremely important for healthy marine ecology. One of the rarest and exquisite ecosystems on Earth, it is a source of food and shelter for about 25% of all marine species.
The corals also contribute to the fishing industry, protect the beaches and coastlines from erosion, act as ocean’s filter, and provides life-saving medicines.
The discovery will be significant in understanding the history and existence of Ladakh as well as the Himalayas and shed light on their biodiversity.
Trending Now
- सामाजिक सञ्जालमा देखिने शङ्कास्पद पोस्टहरू क्लिक नगर्न प्रहरीको आग्रह
- पत्रकारलाई प्रधानन्यायाधीशको आग्रह- समाचार सनसनीपूर्ण नबनाइदिनू
- अमेरिकामा क्यान्सरसँग संघर्षरत नेपाली युवा विवेक पंगेनीको उपचारका क्रममा हिजो दु:खद निधन
- Israel Expands Military Operations with Airstrikes in Yemen
- Knighthood awarded to director Christopher Nolan, becoming ‘Sir’ Christopher Nolan
- Russian oil spill pollutes 50 km of Krishna Sea coast
- गठबन्धन सरकार ढल्छ कि भन्ने भ्रममा नपर्न सञ्चारमन्त्रीको आग्रह
- TIPF agreement between Nepal and Korea
- At least 100 North Korean soldiers die in Ukraine war
- Again the date of Sunita and Butch’s return to Earth is uncertain
Comments are closed.