Scientists have discovered 34-million-year-old fossilised leaves in the Laisong Formation of Nagaland, providing groundbreaking insights into the connection between the formation of Antarctica’s ice sheets and the early evolution of the Indian monsoon system.

Key Findings from the Discovery

• The fossils date back to around 34 million years ago.

• Scientists used the Climate Leaf Analysis Multivariate Programme (CLAMP) to reconstruct the past climate of Nagaland.

• CLAMP analyses leaf size, shape, and structure to infer past temperature, rainfall, and seasonality.

• The study revealed that Nagaland’s climate at that time was warmer and wetter than today.

• Importantly, the age of the fossils coincides with the formation of massive Antarctic ice sheets.

• This event globally shifted the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), causing intense monsoonal rains in Northeast India.

• The research highlights that modern climate change and Antarctic ice melt may again influence ITCZ shifts, potentially affecting Indian monsoon patterns.

Statement-Based MCQs

Q1. Consider the following statements about the Nagaland fossil discovery:

1. The fossils were discovered in the Laisong Formation of Nagaland.

2. They are around 34 million years old.

3. The discovery linked Antarctic ice sheet formation with the Indian monsoon system.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: d) 1, 2 and 3