Ancient seashells from Jurassic era uncovered in Surat Thani
Discovery of ancient seashells sheds light on Thailand's prehistoric coastline and climate history
In a stunning discovery that has put Surat Thani in the spotlight, a bunch of ancient seashell fossils have been unearthed in the south of Thailand, offering a rare glimpse into the distant past. Experts believe these fossilised treasures are over 145 million years old, dating back to the Jurassic period.
The fossils were found across four distinct sites, including Ban Khuan Niyom School and nearby palm plantations in Villages 4, 6, and 8 of Sin Pun subdistrict, Phrasaeng district. The discovery sparked excitement in both the local community and the scientific world, as it provides new insights into Thailand’s prehistoric coastline.
The find was initially made by local Somchit Klaiprasong, who reported it to government officials. Following the discovery, experts from the Surat Thani Geological and Natural History Fossil Museum and the Mineral Resources Regional Office 4 conducted a thorough survey of the area. They were joined by locals eager to learn more about their community’s newfound historical significance.
The area, characterised by rolling land used for palm plantations and agricultural water storage, revealed layers of hard rock when excavated to depths of 1 to 2 metres. These layers, consisting of limestone, mudstone, and sandstone, contained a wealth of fossilised bivalves and gastropods.
The fossils, which range from 0.5 to 5 centimetres, are densely packed within the rock layers. Experts have identified at least five distinct types of seashells, all pointing to an ancient coastal lagoon environment.
“The fossils belong to the Khlong Min Formation,” said one of the experts, “which dates back to the Jurassic period, when this area was submerged under water.”
Despite the fossilised seashells not being particularly rare, the find has drawn attention to the region’s rich geological history. Locals have been provided with initial information about the fossils, although the discovery doesn’t warrant immediate conservation efforts, reported Bangkok Post.
The unearthing of these seashells adds to Thailand’s growing list of remarkable paleontological discoveries, shedding light on the country’s prehistoric ecosystems and deepening our understanding of Earth’s ancient past.
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