First Report of Fossil Wood from the Basgo Formation, Ladakh: Paleoclimatic, Taphonomic, and Geoheritage Significance

ABSTRACT The first report of fossil wood from the Basgo Formation near Basgo Fort, Ladakh, holds significant paleontological and paleoclimatic implications, providing insights into the taphonomic and tectonic conditions during its deposition. The Basgo Formation is situated between the Indus Group (comprising the Tar Turbidites, Nummulitic Limestone, and the Nurla and the lower Nimmu Formation) to the south and the Ladakh Batholith to the north. Lithologically, the formation is characterized by grey sandstone with pebbles and alternating red mudstone. The fossil locality, being adjacent to the Basgo Fort—a UNESCO World Heritage site—adds cultural and scientific value to the site. It is proposed to protect and preserve this site for further research and declare it a geoheritage site to boost Geotourism.