Coral Reefs Fossils

Facts for Prelims

Coral Reefs Fossils

News: 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.

Significance:
• 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 discovery of coral reef fossils in Ladakh is significant because it indicates that this region, now a highaltitude 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.