Dinosaur-Era Fossils found during Pond excavation in Jaisalmer

Dinosaur-Era Fossils found during Pond excavation in Jaisalmer

Why in News? 

Recently, fossil-like remains were discovered during pond excavation in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The findings include large bone structures and traces of petrified wood. Experts believe these may connect to the dinosaur era, but confirmation will come only after scientific studies are conducted by Geological Survey of India (GSI).

The Recent Discovery in Jaisalmer

• A recent fossil-like discovery has been reported near Megha village in Jaisalmer district, adding to the region’s growing record of prehistoric findings. While villagers were carrying out pond excavation, they noticed unusual stone formations. 

• Among them one was a large bone-shaped structure along with several pieces that looked like petrified wood. 

• Archaeologists observed that the structure resembles a backbone or part of a skeleton, an unusual combination.

• The presence of skeletal could be linked to creatures from the Jurassic period nearly 150–200 million years ago.
• Experts noted that the stone ridges around the pond are typical of sedimentary deposits where fossils often survive for millions of years.  
• Following the inspection, government recommended that the Geological Survey of India (GSI) carry out a scientific examination. 
• Geological Survey of India (GSI) will soon conduct carbon dating and other scientific methods.

Process Behind Fossil Verification by GSI

• Site Inspection: The first step of the process is a field inspection. The team visits the site and carefully observes the fossil structures in their natural setting. They check whether the remains are lying on the surface or embedded deep in sedimentary rocks. Tools like geological hammers, magnifying lenses, and measuring tapes are used during this stage. 

• Documentation: The GSI prepares a detailed map of the discovery site. They record the geographic coordinates using GPS devices. They also photograph the fossils from different angles to document their condition before removal. Experts prepare sketches and field notes that describe the colour, texture, and structure of the remains. 

• Excavation: If fossils are partly buried, the GSI team begins careful excavation. They use chisels, brushes, and small drills instead of heavy machines to avoid damage. The material is then wrapped in protective layers and transported to laboratories. 

• Test & Anylisis: Once fossils reach the laboratory, the process of scientific testing begins. 

• One common method is radiometric dating, which uses radioactive isotopes to measure the age of rocks and fossils. 

• In cases of wood or organic remains, carbon dating is also applied, though it is effective only up to 50,000 years. 

• For older fossils, GSI scientists often rely on uranium-lead dating and potassium-argon dating, which can determine ages up to millions of years.

• • 1. GSI experts also use microscopes and scanning electron microscopes (SEM) to study the fine details of fossils. 
    2. Apart from dating techniques, GSI applies X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to study the chemical composition of the fossil. 

• Final Interpretation: After all tests are complete, GSI experts prepare a comprehensive report. The report includes age estimates, fossil type, possible species, and the geological context. These findings are shared with state authorities, universities, and international research bodies. 

Previous Fossil Discoveries in Jaisalmer Region 

• For years, the Jaisalmer region has drawn attention for fossil evidence. Since 2018, experts from the Geological Survey of India (GSI), including Debashish Bhattacharya, Krishna Kumar, Pragya Pandey, and Triparna Ghosh, have carried out surveys that revealed several important remains.
• In 2023, hydrogeologist Dr. Narayan Das Inkhiya discovered what looked like a fossilised dinosaur egg near Jethwai Hill, believed to be millions of years old. It was noted as one of the rarest finds of its kind in India. 
• Surveys in the Thaiyat Hills brought to light dinosaur footprints preserved in the rocks. These tracks suggested that large reptiles once roamed this part of the desert. Unfortunately, some of the footprints were later stolen. 
• Jaisalmer is also home to one of the most significant plant fossil sites in India. At Akal village, researchers discovered fossilised trees estimated to be around 180 million years old. These findings provided evidence that during the Jurassic period the region supported dense vegetation. 
• Villages such as Jethwai, Thaiyat, and Lathi have become known as “dinosaur villages” due to the consistent discoveries of fossils and footprints. These areas have yielded evidence of both plants and animals from prehistoric times.

Historical Context & International Recognition of the Region

• Historical Context: Millions of years ago, the Jaisalmer region looked very different from the desert we see today. Around 250 million years ago, this land was part of the Tethys Sea, a vast ocean that stretched from what is now India to Africa and South America. The region was not dry sand but a coastal area where large reptiles and marine creatures lived together. Geological studies confirm that the desert once had rivers, forests, and a humid climate that supported diverse life.

• • • The Tethys Sea played a central role in shaping the history of western India. Dinosaurs and other reptiles often came to this seashore in search of food and water. Fossil records show that the coastline was home to rare sharks, whales, and giant reptiles, many of which are now extinct. The shifting of tectonic plates later caused the sea to disappear and created the dry desert plains of Rajasthan. 

• Connection with Global Continent: During the Mesozoic era, India was part of the ancient supercontinent known as Gondwana. Millions of years ago, India was joined with Africa, Madagascar, and South America as part of the Gondwana supercontinent. The gradual breakup of this landmass pushed India northward, leading to its collision with Asia and the eventual formation of the Himalayas. This is why fossils from the dinosaur age can be found in the desert of Jaisalmer today.

• Global Attention: The importance of Jaisalmer’s fossil sites has attracted international recognition. In 2014, the 9th International Congress on the Jurassic System brought global paleontologists to Rajasthan, where they studied fossil sites and recognised the scientific value of the region. They visited the Akal Wood Fossil Park and nearby areas where several discoveries had been made. Experts identified theropod dinosaur footprints and confirmed the presence of flying reptiles known as pterosaurs.

• International Recognition: Jaisalmer has now been identified as one of India’s key fossil heritage zones. International journals and conferences often cite the Jaisalmer finds as rare examples of combined plant, animal, and marine fossils from one location.

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