Thiruvakkarai puducherry
The
National Fossil Wood Park in Thiruvakkarai, located about 35 km from Puducherry
on the road to Tindivanam in Villupuram district, maintained by the Geological
Survey of India (GSI) is a repository of spectacularly preserved fossilised
trees that are at least 20 million years old. They belong to what is called the
‘Mio-Pilocene' age and give a glimpse of the composition of flora that existed
in the
pre-historic ages.
R. Pitchai Muthu, Director of the GSI, Tamil Nadu believes that the fossil woods was the result of a huge flood that occurred millions of years ago. The flood waters destroyed large parts of forests in the adjoining area. The trees were then transported to the present site of deposition in inland seas. This can be confirmed from the fact that “branches and roots are absent in these horizontally disposed trees,” he says.
They then underwent the ‘petrification' process “during which the woody matter was replaced by silica and the water was expelled due to compaction of the superposed elements.”
The silica that has preserved these tress are said to be derived from volcanic ash ejected during explosions. But even today, the annular rings and pit structures of the tress are brilliantly preserved and are visible even to the naked eye. All these provide vital evidences in determining the age of such fossils. Infact, Mr. Muthu says that the degree of perfection in the petrification process in Thiruvakkarai is a rarity. Very few fossil forests in the world can boast of such high levels of preservation.
The park has around 200 fossil trees ranging from 3 to 15 metres in length and 5 metres in girth. According to local legends, the trees are the bones of a demon that was slain by Lord Vishnu. They also find mention during festivals at the famous Kali temple in the village. The number of tourists visiting this park has been minimum largely due to its location. The approach roads leading to the park are in a deteriorated state and travelling in cars and buses could be a difficult task. In order to improve such infrastructure, the GSI has proposed a Rs. 56 lakh project to construct a mini museum and approach steps to the park. Once completed, Mr. Muthu says it would help promote Thiruvakkarai as a major tourist spot in the State. he National Fossil Wood Park in Thiruvakkarai, located about 35 km from Puducherry on the road to Tindivanam in Villupuram district, maintained by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) is a repository of spectacularly preserved fossilised trees that are at least 20 million years old. They belong to what is called the ‘Mio-Pilocene' age and give a glimpse of the composition of flora that existed in the pre-historic ages.
R. Pitchai Muthu, Director of the GSI, Tamil Nadu believes that the fossil woods was the result of a huge flood that occurred millions of years ago. The flood waters destroyed large parts of forests in the adjoining area. The trees were then transported to the present site of deposition in inland seas. This can be confirmed from the fact that “branches and roots are absent in these horizontally disposed trees,” he says.
They then underwent the ‘petrification' process “during which the woody matter was replaced by silica and the water was expelled due to compaction of the superposed elements.”
The silica that has preserved these tress are said to be derived from volcanic ash ejected during explosions. But even today, the annular rings and pit structures of the tress are brilliantly preserved and are visible even to the naked eye. All these provide vital evidences in determining the age of such fossils. Infact, Mr. Muthu says that the degree of perfection in the petrification process in Thiruvakkarai is a rarity. Very few fossil forests in the world can boast of such high levels of preservation.
The park has around 200 fossil trees ranging from 3 to 15 metres in length and 5 metres in girth. According to local legends, the trees are the bones of a demon that was slain by Lord Vishnu. They also find mention during festivals at the famous Kali temple in the village. The number of tourists visiting this park has been minimum largely due to its location. The approach roads leading to the park are in a deteriorated state and travelling in cars and buses could be a difficult task. In order to improve such infrastructure, the GSI has proposed a Rs. 56 lakh project to construct a mini museum and approach steps to the park. Once completed, Mr. Muthu says it would help promote Thiruvakkarai as a major tourist spot in the State.
R. Pitchai Muthu, Director of the GSI, Tamil Nadu believes that the fossil woods was the result of a huge flood that occurred millions of years ago. The flood waters destroyed large parts of forests in the adjoining area. The trees were then transported to the present site of deposition in inland seas. This can be confirmed from the fact that “branches and roots are absent in these horizontally disposed trees,” he says.
They then underwent the ‘petrification' process “during which the woody matter was replaced by silica and the water was expelled due to compaction of the superposed elements.”
The silica that has preserved these tress are said to be derived from volcanic ash ejected during explosions. But even today, the annular rings and pit structures of the tress are brilliantly preserved and are visible even to the naked eye. All these provide vital evidences in determining the age of such fossils. Infact, Mr. Muthu says that the degree of perfection in the petrification process in Thiruvakkarai is a rarity. Very few fossil forests in the world can boast of such high levels of preservation.
The park has around 200 fossil trees ranging from 3 to 15 metres in length and 5 metres in girth. According to local legends, the trees are the bones of a demon that was slain by Lord Vishnu. They also find mention during festivals at the famous Kali temple in the village. The number of tourists visiting this park has been minimum largely due to its location. The approach roads leading to the park are in a deteriorated state and travelling in cars and buses could be a difficult task. In order to improve such infrastructure, the GSI has proposed a Rs. 56 lakh project to construct a mini museum and approach steps to the park. Once completed, Mr. Muthu says it would help promote Thiruvakkarai as a major tourist spot in the State. he National Fossil Wood Park in Thiruvakkarai, located about 35 km from Puducherry on the road to Tindivanam in Villupuram district, maintained by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) is a repository of spectacularly preserved fossilised trees that are at least 20 million years old. They belong to what is called the ‘Mio-Pilocene' age and give a glimpse of the composition of flora that existed in the pre-historic ages.
R. Pitchai Muthu, Director of the GSI, Tamil Nadu believes that the fossil woods was the result of a huge flood that occurred millions of years ago. The flood waters destroyed large parts of forests in the adjoining area. The trees were then transported to the present site of deposition in inland seas. This can be confirmed from the fact that “branches and roots are absent in these horizontally disposed trees,” he says.
They then underwent the ‘petrification' process “during which the woody matter was replaced by silica and the water was expelled due to compaction of the superposed elements.”
The silica that has preserved these tress are said to be derived from volcanic ash ejected during explosions. But even today, the annular rings and pit structures of the tress are brilliantly preserved and are visible even to the naked eye. All these provide vital evidences in determining the age of such fossils. Infact, Mr. Muthu says that the degree of perfection in the petrification process in Thiruvakkarai is a rarity. Very few fossil forests in the world can boast of such high levels of preservation.
The park has around 200 fossil trees ranging from 3 to 15 metres in length and 5 metres in girth. According to local legends, the trees are the bones of a demon that was slain by Lord Vishnu. They also find mention during festivals at the famous Kali temple in the village. The number of tourists visiting this park has been minimum largely due to its location. The approach roads leading to the park are in a deteriorated state and travelling in cars and buses could be a difficult task. In order to improve such infrastructure, the GSI has proposed a Rs. 56 lakh project to construct a mini museum and approach steps to the park. Once completed, Mr. Muthu says it would help promote Thiruvakkarai as a major tourist spot in the State.
Tamilan
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