The recent significant discovery of dinosaur footprints in the Thar desert of Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district has made headlines, providing strong evidence of the presence of these magnificent creatures in the western part of the state. This article will delve into more about this discovery and the Thar desert.
Remarkable Discovery: Dinosaur Footprints in the Thar Desert
In an area renowned for its arid climate and stunning sand dunes, a surprising discovery was made recently. Paleontologists found footprints belonging to three species of dinosaurs – Eubrontes cf. giganteus, Eubrontes glenrosensis, and Grallator tenuis. These footprints, estimated to be 200 million years old, are substantial evidence that these gigantic reptiles once roamed these lands.
These dinosaur species are part of the theropod classification, known for their distinct features such as hollow bones and three-digited feet. Theropods were typically carnivorous and were among the flesh-eating dinosaurs. The footprints discovered belong to dinosaurs from the early Jurassic period. This period is part of the ‘Age of Dinosaurs’ that spanned the Mesozoic Era (252-66 Million Years Ago – MYA), which included the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous Periods. Each period had its unique roster of dinosaur species.
Thar Desert: A Brief Overview
The Thar desert, also known as the ‘Great Indian Desert,’ has a remarkable history and unique geographic features. Named ‘Thar’ after ‘thul,’ the regional term for its characteristic sand ridges, the desert partly occupies Rajasthan state in northwestern India and regions in Punjab and Sindh provinces in eastern Pakistan.
The Thar desert is bordered by various topographical features—the irrigated Indus River plain to the west, the Punjab Plain to the north and northeast, the Aravalli Range to the southeast, and the Rann of Kachchh to the south. This extensive arid region covers over 200,000 square kilometers.
Geographical Details and Biodiversity of the Thar Desert
The Thar desert’s surface is predominantly composed of aeolion (wind-deposited) sand that has accumulated over the past 1.8 million years. Its landscape presents an undulating array of high and low sand dunes, sandy plains, low barren hills known as bhakars, and crescent-shaped sand dunes known as Barchans, shaped by wind predominantly from one direction.
Despite its harsh conditions, the Thar desert supports a relatively rich biodiversity. Scattered throughout the region are several playas (saline lake beds), locally known as dhands. The desert is home to an array of large mammals, prominently the blue bull, blackbuck, and the Indian gazelle, or chinkara. These desert dwellers contribute to the unique biodiversity of the region, thriving amidst the challenging environment.
This hardy desert bears testament to the resilience and adaptability of nature, hosting a diverse range of creatures in its sands. And with the recent discovery of dinosaur footprints, the Thar desert continues to reveal its secrets, giving us a glimpse into the prehistoric past.
Source: TH
