When Uttarakhand Was Underwater: Fossils Reveal 500-Million-Year-Old Secret
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BSIP scientists are looking for 520-million-year-old marine fossils in Uttarakhand's Tethys Himalayas to uncover secrets of early life and ancient ocean ecosystems
In a major scientific endeavour, Dr Hukam Singh and Dr Ranveer Singh Negi, distinguished researchers from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), Lucknow, are carrying out a groundbreaking geological study in the Niti–Malari–Sumna region of Uttarakhand.
Their mission: to uncover marine fossils embedded in the rock formations of the Garhwal Himalayas, dating back approximately 520 to 510 million years, from the Cambrian period—a key phase in Earth's early biological evolution when many major animal groups first appeared in the fossil record.
These fossil-rich formations lie within the Tethys Himalayas, a region that was once part of the long-vanished Tethys Ocean. Though this ancient ocean disappeared millions of years ago due to tectonic plate collisions that uplifted the Himalayas, its secrets remain locked in the sedimentary rocks of this remote region.
Through stratigraphic and paleontological analysis, the scientists aim to reconstruct early marine ecosystems that once thrived here, contributing to a better understanding of biodiversity patterns, plate tectonics, and climate shifts that have shaped Earth's past.
The study also holds implications for broader research on continental drift and the formation of the Indian subcontinent. Fossils from this period can offer clues about the biogeographic links between ancient landmasses and provide a clearer picture of India's evolutionary journey as it separated from Gondwana and collided with Asia.
Inspiring Young Minds
On World Environment Day (June 5), Dr Singh and Dr Negi visited PM Shri Rajkiya Adarsh Balika Inter College in Jyotirmath, where they held an interactive session with Principal-in-charge Mrs Tara Rana, teachers, and students. The event focused on the importance of geological history and environmental preservation, linking scientific curiosity with the urgent need to protect our natural world.
One of the highlights of the event was a live fossil exhibition, where students viewed ancient specimens, including fossilised wood of the Sindora tree from the Pliocene-Pleistocene period (3 to 1 million years ago), brought from Jharkhand. These were juxtaposed with modern Eucalyptus wood to demonstrate how flora has evolved over millions of years. Students were encouraged to ask questions and even handle some of the samples under supervision, sparking a hands-on interest in earth sciences.
This rare scientific initiative not only contributes to our collective knowledge of Earth's geological timeline but also serves as a powerful tool to encourage scientific inquiry and environmental consciousness among school students. It aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and public engagement, especially in underserved and remote areas where exposure to such academic opportunities is limited.
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