Coral Reef Fossils In Ladakh:
Geologists have made a remarkable discovery of coral reef fossils at an elevation of 18,000 feet above sea level in the Burtse region, Eastern Ladakh Himalayas.
- These fossils reveal the existence of ancient coral colonies and provide insights into a previously unknown geological past of the Burtse region, suggesting the presence of a diverse marine ecosystem.
- The findings support the idea that the Himalayas emerged when continental plates were thrust out of the Tethys Sea about 40 million years ago.
- The discovery of coral reef fossils in Ladakh is significant because it indicates that this region, now a high-altitude desert, was once submerged under a vast ocean.
- This finding offers insights into Ladakh’s geological history, the impact of tectonic activity, and ancient climate conditions.
Coral reefs:
- They are underwater ecosystems composed of coral colonies held together by calcium carbonate, which are vital for marine ecology.
