​Magnetofossils in Ladakh’s Rock Varnish

  • Magnetofossils, fossil remains of magnetic particles from magnetotactic bacteria, were found in rock varnish layers in Ladakh.
  • Rock varnish, rich in manganese, iron, and clay minerals, forms in extremely dry and cold environments and provides nutritional support to microorganisms.
  • Researchers observed similarities between Ladakh's rock varnish and that seen on Mars during Perseverance rover operations.
  • Ladakh's rock varnish samples showed higher concentrations of oxidized manganese (Mn4+) and carboxylic acid functionality, indicating organic signatures.
  • Rock varnish is considered an archive of ancient environmental records and a significant geomaterial for astrobiological studies.
  • Identifying biotic signatures in rock varnish can help target potential biosignatures on Mars and other ....
Do You Want to Read More?
Subscribe Now

To get access to detailed content

Already a Member? Login here


Take Annual Subscription and get the following Advantage
The annual members of the Civil Services Chronicle can read the monthly content of the magazine as well as the Chronicle magazine archives.
Readers can study all the material since 2018 of the Civil Services Chronicle monthly issue in the form of Chronicle magazine archives.