The Guryul Ravine, located on the outskirts of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, is a geological treasure that records the Permian–Triassic mass extinction—an event around 252 million years ago when nearly all life on Earth vanished. It is one of the world’s most complete natural archives of this event.
The site preserves fossils and rock layers marking the transition between the Permian and Triassic periods, revealing evidence of global catastrophe and recovery. Scientists believe it also contains traces of one of the world’s earliest recorded tsunamis, embedded within a 1-metre-thick boundary section.
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) declared the Guryul Ravine a National Geo-Heritage Site on the 9th International Geoethics Day. This recognition highlights its scientific, educational, and cultural value in understanding Earth’s geological evolution.
A national geo-heritage site is a location designated for its exceptional geological formations, fossils, or landscapes that contribute to scientific research and education. These sites are protected to preserve their natural and historical significance.
Alongside Guryul Ravine, the Orbicular Granite of Pichhore in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, was also declared a geo-heritage site. It is known for its concentric magmatic formations that reveal insights into Earth’s crustal evolution.
The recognition of Guryul Ravine showcases India’s active participation in global geological research. It positions India as a guardian of sites that help decode Earth’s deep-time climate and biological transformations.
Guryul Ravine in Kashmir, recording the Permian–Triassic extinction, is now a national geo-heritage site. Recognised by the GSI for its fossils and tsunami traces, it stands among the most complete global records of the “Great Dying,” marking India’s contribution to preserving Earth’s geological history.
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