CRETACEOUS OF TRICHINOPOLY

Introduction to the Cretaceous Period of Trichinopoly

• The Cretaceous epoch, which lasted from around 145 to 66 million years ago, was a pivotal time in Earth's history, distinguished by diversified marine life, the birth of dinosaurs, and tremendous geological changes.

1. Geological Setting

•  Trichinopoly is located in southern India and has rock formations from several geological ages.
• The Cretaceous strata are crucial to understanding the region's geological history.
• Trichinopoly's Cretaceous rocks are mostly from the "Tiruchirappalli Group" and consist of limestone, clay, and sandstone sediments.

2. Fossil Record

• The area is known for its abundance of marine fossils from the Cretaceous era, displaying a diverse range of living types.
• Examples include ammonites, bivalves, and sea urchins.
• Some terrestrial fossils have been unearthed, showing a diversified environment despite the majority being marine.
• Dinosaur bones and footprints have been discovered, indicating their existence in adjacent places.
  
  

3. Paleoenvironments

• The Cretaceous sediments imply shallow waters that supported marine life.
• Evidence supports the presence of coastal plains and deltaic settings that influenced sediment deposition and creature diversity.

4. Economic Significance

• Limestone Resources: Cretaceous limestone is widely utilised in building and cement manufacturing.
• Some Cretaceous strata may contain hydrocarbon resources, but this has not been fully explored.

5. Current Research and Exploration

• Ongoing geological study in Trichinopoly strives to better understand the region's geological history and its role in plate tectonics.
• Scientists and students perform fossil research to record and conserve the area's paleontological legacy, providing insight into ancient life.

IMAGE SOURCE (THUMBNAIL)