Syllabus:
GS-1: Distribution of Key Natural Resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India).
Context:
Recently, a 600-million-year-old stromatolite outcrop discovered in Chambaghat, Solan (Himachal Pradesh) has renewed calls to preserve and promote India’s geological heritage.
More on the News:
- These ancient formations reveal a time when Earth’s atmosphere lacked oxygen and was rich in greenhouse gases.
- Their location in the Himalayas, far from today’s coastlines, tells a tale of tectonic shifts, vanished oceans, and life’s microbial beginnings.
Stromatolite
- Stromatolites are layered colonial structures predominately formed by cyanobacteria.
- These are the oldest fossils on earth, dating back to more than three billion years ago. The oldest stromatolites are 3.6 billion years old and are found in Australia.
- These structures are essentially fossilized microbial mats that have accumulated over time in shallow water environments.
- They are known for their characteristic layered appearance, which can be flat, hummocky, or dome-shaped.
Significance of Stromatolite
- Preserving microbial legacy: Stromatolites offer direct insight into ancient microbial life, aiding scientists in studying Earth’s early biosphere.
- Evolution of Atmosphere: Stromatolites, particularly those formed by cyanobacteria, were vital in releasing oxygen into Earth’s atmosphere, paving the way for complex life to evolve.
Distribution of Stromatolite in India
- Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh: Known for columnar stromatolites in Vindhyan limestones.
- Morni Hills, Haryana: Features well-preserved stromatolite beds in dolomite formations.
- Mussoorie and Nainital, Uttarakhand: Sites in the Krol Belt showcase Precambrian marine sedimentation.
- Jaisalmer Fossil Park, Rajasthan: A protected area highlighting a range of Mesozoic fossils, including marine life.