Recent findings on Earth’s Geological process

Prelims – Current events of National and International Importance

Mains (GS I) – Geography of the India & World | Important Geophysical phenomena

Why in News?

Scientists have recently discovered that a rare geological process is tearing the Indian Plate apart deep beneath the surface.

• Researchers revealed the India plate is delaminating, its dense lower layer peeling off and sinking into the Earth’s mantle.
• The process called delamination was detected beneath the Tibetan Plateau using seismic waves and helium gas analysis from natural springs.
• This shift could reshape earthquake patterns across the Himalayas and beyond.
• The findings reveal that parts of these plates especially their deeper sections can soften, break off, and sink back into the Earth over geological time.
• These findings have raised urgent scientific questions about the stability of one of Earth’s most active tectonic zones.
• Impact - The Himalayan region is already one of the most earthquake-prone areas in the world.
• With the Indian Plate tearing from below, new stress lines could be forming in the crust above.
• The tearing and sinking of the plate could create new stress points in the Earth's crust, triggering more frequent and potentially more powerful quakes.
• Particular attention is being paid to the Cona-Sangri Rift, a deep fracture in the Tibetan Plateau.
• Scientists believe it may be directly connected to this hidden tear. If confirmed, regions around this rift could face heightened earthquake threats in the coming decades.
• The implications go beyond India. The study suggests that delamination may not be unique to the Indian Plate.
• Researchers are now scanning other continental plates for signs of similar activity.
• Researchers continue to monitor seismic activity and helium levels across the region, using these tools to paint a clearer picture of the miles beneath the Earth's surface.

Reference

Economic Times | Hidden rift in Indian Plate