ISRO :Indian researchers have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the geological history of the Indian subcontinent. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has created the most comprehensive map ever produced of Adam’s Bridge, also known as Ram Setu.
Mapping the Bridge by ISRO: Lasers Reveal Submerged Secrets
Scientists from ISRO’s Jodhpur and Hyderabad National Remote Sensing Centres collaborated on this project. They utilized NASA’s ICESat-2 satellite, equipped with a powerful laser. This laser bounced beams off the seafloor, enabling researchers to map Adam’s Bridge in exceptional detail.
The analysis revealed that a staggering 99.8% of Adam’s Bridge lies submerged in shallow waters. This finding confirms the presence of a long-suspected underwater “continuity” stretching from Dhanushkodi in India to Talaimannar Island in Sri Lanka.
Scientific Report Confirms “Submarine Continuation”
The research, published in the esteemed journal Scientific Reports, sheds new light on the bridge’s structure. “Our findings conclusively demonstrate that Adam’s Bridge, in its entirety, functions as a submarine continuation of Dhanushkodi and Talaimannar Island,” the study reveals.
The report goes on to describe the bridge’s crest line, noting that “approximately 1.5 km on either side exhibits significant undulations within very shallow water, with instances of sudden depth variations.”
Adam’s Bridge: A Geographical Enigma
Adam’s Bridge, also revered as Ram Setu in India, is a chain of naturally occurring shallow shoals. It bridges the gap between Mannar Island (off the coast of Sri Lanka) and Rameswaram Island (off the coast of India).
Existing geological evidence has long hinted at the possibility that this bridge was once a land connection between the two nations. ISRO’s new findings add weight to this theory.http://News18.com
New Discoveries: Asymmetry and Volume
The ISRO study unearthed fascinating details about the bridge’s underwater structure. Researchers observed an “asymmetry of transverse slopes to the base on both sides” of Adam’s Bridge. This asymmetry suggests a dominant flow of material from the Gulf of Mannar waters compared to the Palk Strait.
The study also meticulously calculated the bridge’s volume, estimating it to be roughly 1 cubic kilometer. Notably, only 0.02% of this volume protrudes above sea level. “Essentially, around 99.98% of Adam’s Bridge is submerged in shallow or very shallow waters,” the study states.
Beyond Previous Efforts: Unprecedented Detail
While previous satellite observations confirmed the presence of a submerged structure, they primarily focused on sections that rose above the water’s surface. Additionally, the shallow depths in this area posed a challenge for traditional ship-based mapping methods.
ISRO’s approach proved to be a game-changer. They harnessed the power of ICESat-2’s green laser, capable of penetrating up to 40 meters of water.
“Leveraging this potential, our research gathered roughly 0.2 million data points containing depth information,” the study explains. “This data was then used to generate a bathymetric map of the entire Adam’s Bridge with a resolution of 10 meters.”
Unveiling the Past: A Bridge Through Time
ISRO’s groundbreaking map offers a window into the past, providing valuable insights into the geological history of the Indian subcontinent. This detailed map paves the way for further research into the formation and evolution of Adam’s Bridge/Ram Setu. The findings will undoubtedly spark discussions among scientists, historians, and anyone interested in Earth’s ever-changing landscapes. http://viralenews.com
