DWARKA BASIN: AN ANCIENT HAVEN

NEWS: Researchers from: IIT Bombay, Indian Statistical Institute, IISER Kolkata found fossil beds in Dwarka

HIGHLIGHTS

• Basin dating to: Early Miocene epoch (23– 5.3 million years ago)
• Dwarka Basin reveals ancient marine life & environmental conditions of western India

Dwarka Basin

• A sedimentary basin located: Off the coast of Gujarat (Kathiawar Peninsula)
• Contains: Marine rocks, Fossils
• Helps understand Earth’s geological history

Geological Features

• Rock formations: Gaj Formation, Dwarka Formation
• Age: Miocene epoch
• These layers preserve: Marine fossils
• Evidence of past ocean conditions

Key Scientific Findings

• Fossil Evidence Found:42 species of snails, Including 4 new species (new to science)
• Indicates: Region was once Warm, Nutrient-rich marine ecosystem
• Microfossils: Presence of: Foraminifera (e.g., Ammonia species)
• Used to study: Past climate, Ocean conditions

Dwarka Basin Important

• Geological Importance: Helps study Earth’s history over millions of years
  • Shows: Marine evolution
• Ecological Insights–> Reveals: Ancient biodiversity, Marine ecosystems of past
• Economic Importance–>Explored for Oil & gas deposits
• Archaeological Importance–> Marine archaeologists found: Submerged pillars, 120+ stone anchors
• Suggests: Ancient maritime activity near Dwarka