Geologist digs up coral reef fossils at 18,000ft in Ladakh

SHIMLA: The discovery of coral reef fossils, including intricate structures of coral colonies, in Burtse area of Ladakh offers a glimpse into the region’s geological past comprising an ancient underwater world and the incredible biodiversity that once thrived in this area. Geologist Ritesh Arya has unearthed coral reef fossils at 18,000 feet above sea level at Burtse in the eastern Ladakh Himalayas.
“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,” Arya said on the eve of the World Fossil Day, which is celebrated on October 19.
He said coral reefs are not only geological wonders but also repositories of earth’s climate secrets, as they contain a record of past climate conditions, including sea surface temperatures and sea level fluctuations. The study of these coral reef fossils promises to unlock invaluable insights into earth’s climate history and enhance understanding of climate change.
The geological history of Burtse offers a remarkable parallel to the beaches of Rameshwaram or Andaman Nicobar today, Arya added.