9 months ago
Scientists Study Ancient Stromatolites at Uttar Pradesh's Salkhan Fossil Park
Scientists from a special institute in India are studying ancient rock formations called stromatolites.
These rocks are very old and important to understand how life began on Earth.
They are working to protect these rocks and teach others about them.
Scientists from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) are studying stromatolites at Salkhan Fossil Park in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh.
The team, led by Dr. Shilpa Pandey and Dr. Sanjay Singh, is supported by the Kaimur forest division and the UP Eco-Tourism Development Board.
The study began in June 2025 and is part of UNESCO's Tentative List for Natural Heritage.
The team is documenting stromatolites to understand their significance as biological markers of early life on Earth.
The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the team is working to preserve the fragile fossils and educate visitors about their importance.
- Who
- A team from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), led by Dr. Shilpa Pandey and Dr. Sanjay Singh, with support from the Kaimur forest division and the UP Eco-Tourism Development Board.
- What
- Stromatolites at Salkhan Fossil Park in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh.
- Where
- Salkhan Fossil Park, Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, India
- When
- June 2025
- Why
- To study and document stromatolites to understand their significance as biological markers of early life on Earth, and to preserve UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Key facts
- Location
- Salkhan Fossil Park, Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Age of Stromatolites
- Approximately 1.4 billion years old
- Forming Organisms
- Primitive cyanobacteria
- Studying Institute
- Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP)
- UNESCO Status
- Tentative List for Natural Heritage
Quotes
Dr Shilpa Pandey
Leading scientist of the expedition from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences
“What appears to be patterned stone is actually a biological archive recording some of the earliest ecosystems.”
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Dr Sanjay Singh
Member of the scientific team conducting the study
“Stromatolites formed, their role in shaping early atmospheres and why such fossils are rare across the world.”
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Jaiveer Singh
Tourism and Culture Minister of Uttar Pradesh
“Salkhan Fossil Park is among India’s most valuable geological heritage assets.”
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