A 600-million-year-old “time capsule” with vital data on the evolution of the oceans has been found in the Himalayas.

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August 15, 2024, 10:50 am

A team of scientists discovered water droplets trapped in mineral deposits from an ancient ocean dating back some 600 million years. Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Niigata University in Japan observed this discovery hidden in the Himalayan mountains, which hold clues to Earth's evolution.

By ABC

“We have discovered a time capsule of paleo-oceans,” said Prakash Chandra Arya, a doctoral student at IISC's Center for Earth Sciences (CES) and first author of the study, showing that mineral deposits can contain valuable information. Sea conditions.

Scientists believe that between 700 and 500 million years ago, the Earth was covered with thick layers of ice for a long time, which is known as the Snowball Earth glaciation.

Analysis of deposits containing calcium and magnesium carbonates allowed the team to provide a possible explanation for the events that led to a major oxidation event in Earth's history. A subsequent increase in atmospheric oxygen is known as the second major oxidation event. This moment led to the evolution and emergence of complex life forms.

However, due to the lack of well-preserved fossils and the disappearance of ancient oceans, scientists have not yet fully understood the exact relationship between these phenomena. Because of this, the Himalayas and their ancient sea rocks will be a key point in providing some answers.

Prakash commented, “We don't know much about the oceans of the past.” “Are they very different or similar compared to today's oceans? “Are they more acidic or basic, nutrient-rich or deficient, warm or cold, and what is their chemical and isotopic composition?”

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