Why in the News?
A huge 600-million-year-old group of stromatolites was found in Chambaghat, Himachal Pradesh, sparking new interest in India’s ancient rocks and the early history of life on Earth.
What are stromatolites?Stromatolites are layered, reef-like structures formed by ancient blue-green algae called cyanobacteria. These tiny microbes trapped and bound sediments in shallow seas, creating mineral mounds over millions of years. They are some of the oldest evidence of life on Earth. |
How do they contribute to understanding Earth’s early history?
- Earliest Evidence of Life: Stromatolites, built by cyanobacteria over 3.5 billion years ago, are among the oldest records of life on Earth. Eg: Stromatolites in Australia date back to 3.6 billion years, showing microbial activity long before complex life existed.
- Oxygen Production and Atmospheric Change: Cyanobacteria in stromatolites performed photosynthesis, releasing oxygen and leading to the Great Oxidation Event(~2.4 billion years ago). Eg: This oxygenation made the atmosphere suitable for the evolution of multicellular organisms.
- Tectonic and Environmental Insights: Their presence in now-mountainous regions like Chambaghat in Himachal Pradesh, originally shallow seas, reveals tectonic shifts and lost oceans. Eg: The Chambaghat stromatolites formed in the Tethys Sea, later uplifted to the Himalayas by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates.
Where was the recent significant stromatolite outcrop discovered?A large outcrop was discovered in Chambaghat, Solan district, Himachal Pradesh. It is located in the pine-clad ridges at around 5,000–6,000 feet above sea level. It belongs to the Krol Group, sedimentary rocks formed in the ancient Tethys Sea. Why is it unique?
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Why is there scientific disagreement about the importance of the Chambaghat stromatolites?
- Not True Fossils but Biosedimentary Structures: Some scientists argue that stromatolites are organo-sedimentary structures, formed by trapped sediments and calcium carbonate, rather than preserved fossils of organisms. Eg: fossils are inaccurate because the original organisms are not preserved, only the structures formed by cyanobacteria.
- Common and Widespread Geological Features: Stromatolites are found all over India and globally, so some experts feel the Chambaghat stromatolites are not a rare or unique discovery. Eg: The oldest stromatolites in India, like those in Dharwad, Karnataka (2,500 million years old), and worldwide (3.6 billion years old in Australia) are much older and more significant.
- Not the Oldest or Most Unique Evidence of Life: While Chambaghat stromatolites are impressive, they are relatively young compared to other sites and not the earliest proof of life. Eg: Dr Arun Deep Ahluwalia notes that stromatolites in the Krol Belt are the youngest stromatolites, making them less important for studying the very earliest life forms.
What is the significance of preserving stromatolite sites like Chambaghat?
- Educational and Scientific Value: Preserving stromatolite sites helps in studying Earth’s early life and geological history, providing valuable insights into how oxygenation of the atmosphere led to complex life. Eg: Chambaghat’s stromatolites can be used as an exhibit for students and researchers to understand the origin of life and ancient marine environments.
- Cultural and Geoheritage Importance: Protecting these sites promotes public awareness and tourism, fostering a sense of pride and responsibility towards India’s unique geological heritage. Eg: Creating a Geoheritage Park at Chambaghat can engage locals, tourists, and schools, preserving the site while boosting local economy and education.
Way forward:
- Formal Protection and Geoheritage Park Development: Declare Chambaghat stromatolite site a protected geological monument and develop it into a Geoheritage Park to ensure conservation, promote scientific research, and boost geo-tourism.
- Public Awareness and Educational Outreach: Launch educational programs and community engagement initiatives involving schools, researchers, and local stakeholders to increase awareness about the site’s scientific and cultural significance.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2021] What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect global society? Has it been affecting Indian society also?
Linkage: The growing importance of cryptocurrency, its disruptive potential in global finance, and its implications for India, specifically mentioning India’s significant number of crypto users. This PYQ demonstrates the UPSC’s interest in the fundamental understanding and societal effects of this technology.
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