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.
