In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have unearthed a substantial number of coral fossils in Yunxi Daliang, a significant branch range of the Qinling Mountains in central China's Hubei Province. These fossils, dating back approximately 350 million years, provide compelling evidence that the Qinling Mountains were once submerged under a vast sea.
The presence of such ancient coral suggests that the region experienced dramatic geological transformations over millions of years. This finding not only sheds light on the paleoenvironment of the Qinling Mountains but also contributes to our understanding of Earth's historical climate and sea-level changes.
Scientists are excited about the implications of this discovery, as it opens new avenues for studying the evolutionary history of marine life and the tectonic activities that shaped one of China's most important mountain ranges. The Qinling Mountains, known for their rich biodiversity and cultural significance, are now also recognized for their intriguing geological past.
Reference(s):
Discovery of coral fossils unveils Qinling Mountains' underwater past
cgtn.com
