In a remarkable discovery, paleontologists have uncovered ancient fossils in the Italian Alps, shedding light on the planet's climatic history. As glaciers and snowfields melt due to climate change, long-hidden secrets are emerging from the ice.
Located at altitudes of nearly 3,000 meters, the Valtellina Orobie Park in Lombardy has revealed a trove of prehistoric life that has remained preserved in stone for over 280 million years. Fossilized footprints of early tetrapods and invertebrates have been identified, alongside astonishing details such as wave imprints and raindrop patterns.
The findings, presented by the Natural History Museum of Milan on November 13, 2023, were initiated by a hiker, Claudia Steffensen, who discovered the first fossil traces at 1,700 meters. Together with nature photographer Elio Della Ferrera, they documented hundreds of fossil tracks, some still visible on-site.
The fossils date back to the Permian period, a time before dinosaurs, when significant environmental changes occurred due to volcanic activity. This era's greenhouse effect led to the melting of polar caps and the rise of tropical habitats, favoring reptiles over amphibians and contributing to mass extinctions.
These discoveries not only enhance our understanding of ancient ecosystems but also provide critical insights into how life adapted to dramatic climate shifts, drawing parallels to current global warming trends.