Description

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Context

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has issued a warning about serious dangers to the Guryul Ravine fossil deposit in Kashmir due to continuous quarrying and land diversion.

What Is Guryul Ravine?

Guryul Ravine is a 260-million-year-old fossil-rich geological site, marking the Permian–Triassic boundary (PTB)—the period that witnessed Earth’s largest mass extinction.
The site provides vital clues about ancient climate shifts, biodiversity collapse, and evolutionary recovery.

Where Is It Located?

The site lies in Khonmoh, on the outskirts of Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, and is geologically part of the Vihi District.

Formation of Guryul Ravine

Guryul Ravine originated during the Permian–Triassic transition, a period marked by volcanic eruptions, falling oxygen levels, and drastic climatic upheavals that caused mass die-offs.
Layers of marine and terrestrial sediments gradually preserved the fossil-bearing strata.

Key Features of Guryul Ravine

Permian–Triassic Boundary Evidence:
Contains exceptional fossil records of the “Great Dying” that wiped out nearly 90% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial life.
World’s Earliest Tsunami Record:
Geological layers reveal signs of Earth’s first known tsunami, adding to its scientific significance.
Global Research Significance:
A hub for international geologists and researchers, attracting scientists from the USA, Japan, China, and other countries for field studies.
Protected Fossil Zone:
Recognized as a notified fossil site by the Government in 2017, covering 9.8 lakh square meters for conservation.
Scale Advantage Over Meishan, China:
Its 3-meter-thick boundary layer far surpasses China’s Meishan site (27 cm), making it one of the most substantial PTB fossil records globally.

What is the Permian–Triassic Extinction Event?

It is also known as the End-Permian Extinction, or the 'Great Dying'.
The Permian-Triassic extinction occurred around 251.9 million years ago, marking the boundary between the Permian and Triassic geological periods, as well as the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras.
It was one of the most severe extinction events the globe has ever seen, with biodiversity declining swiftly and across vast areas.

Source: Deccanherald.com

Practice Question:

Q. Consider the following statements about Guryul Ravine Fossil Site:

It represents the Permian–Triassic boundary (PTB), linked to Earth’s largest mass extinction.
The site is located near Srinagar in Jammu & Kashmir and is notified as a protected fossil zone.
It contains the world’s first known tsunami record preserved in its geological layers.
Its fossil-bearing boundary section is thinner than China’s Meishan site, making it less significant.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1, 2 and 3 only
C) 1, 2 and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer:

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

Statement 1: Correct – Guryul Ravine marks the Permian–Triassic boundary, capturing Earth’s “Great Dying” event.
Statement 2: Correct – It is situated near Khonmoh, Srinagar (J&K) and was declared a protected fossil zone in 2017.
Statement 3: Correct – Geological layers here show the world’s earliest tsunami record.
Statement 4: Incorrect – Guryul Ravine’s boundary section is 3 meters thick, which is much larger than China’s Meishan site (27 cm), making it more significant, not less.