Dwarka Basin: an ancient haven

In February, researchers from IIT-Bombay, the Indian Statistical Institute, and IISER-Kolkata reported that fossil beds in the Dwarka Basin date back to the early Miocene epoch. They identified 42 species of snails, including four new to science, that indicated the area was once warm and rich in nutrients. The findings are expected to help scientists better understand the ancient marine environments and biodiversity of western India.

The Dwarka Basin is a significant geological and archaeological region located off the coast of Gujarat. It mainly refers to a sedimentary basin in the Kathiawar Peninsula that contains layers of marine rocks and fossils.

Geologists are interested in the Basin to understand the earth’s history over millions of years. The Basin features rock layers such as the Gaj and Dwarka formations dating back to the Miocene epoch (23 million to 5.3 million years ago). These layers hold a wealth of marine fossils, including ancient snails and foraminifera. Energy companies are also exploring the basin for potential signs of oil and gas deposits beneath the volcanic rock.

The area’s popularity surged in the 1980s when marine archaeologists found submerged pillars and over 120 stone anchors on the seafloor near the modern city of Dwarka. Experts from the Archaeological Survey of India continue to dive into the basin to map these structures. The Gujarat government has also announced plans to launch submarine tourism here to allow visitors to see the structures firsthand.