Why in News?

• Because of continued quarrying and land diversion, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has issued a warning about serious threats to the Guryul Ravine fossil site in Kashmir.

Concerning the Guryul Ravine Fossil Site:

What Is It?
• The Permian–Triassic boundary (PTB), Earth’s greatest mass extinction, is captured in the 260 million-year-old geological fossil site known as Guryul Ravine.
• It provides unparalleled understanding of past evolutionary events and climate change.

Situated in:
• Located in Khonmoh, Jammu & Kashmir, on the outskirts of Srinagar.
• Part of the Vihi District geologically.

How Did It Get Started?
• Formed as a result of worldwide die-offs brought on by volcanic activity, oxygen depletion, and climate change during the Permian–Triassic transition.
• Fossil-rich strata were preserved over time by terrestrial and marine sediments.

Guryul Ravine’s Characteristics Include:
• Triassic–Permian Marker: Contains unique fossil evidence of the “Great Dying” that wiped out/destroyed 70% of terrestrial species and 90% of marine ones.
• The oldest tsunami record in the world is found in exposed layers that provide geological evidence of the first tsunami ever recorded.
• Geologists from more than ten nations, including the USA, Japan, and China, come to the Global Research Hub to conduct scholarly research.
• Declared Fossil Zone: Announced in accordance with the 2017 Government Order to protect 9.8 lakh square meters.
• Much Bigger Than the Meishan in China: It is superior in scale and significance because its 3 m thick boundary section dwarfs China’s 27 cm fossil record.

The Site’s Significance:

Scientific Value:
• Essential for comprehending historical climate changes and how they relate to the current environmental catastrophe.

Heritage Significance:
• Qualified as a National Geological Monument and UNESCO Global Geopark.

Potential for Tourism:
• Offers unique geotourism value and has the potential to grow into a popular destination similar to China’s Meishan.