Delamination
Why in news?
Recently, a geological study revealed that the Indian Plate is splitting under the Himalayas. While earlier theories focused on subduction and underplating, the latest research suggests that the Indian tectonic plate might be splitting apart beneath the Eurasian plate — a process known as delamination.
Relevance:
GS-01 (Geography)
What is delamination?
- It is a process where the dense lower part of a continental plate, including the lower crust and/or lithospheric mantle, splits and sinks into the asthenosphere.
- Causes: Majorly due to the density differences between the plates.
- This phenomenon is prevalent in other settings such as compressional zones, subduction zones, and intraplate regions.
Key Highlights of the New Findings:
- The Indian Plate has been colliding with the Eurasian Plate for nearly 60 million years, forming the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau.
- Unlike oceanic plates, continental plates are too buoyant to easily subduct into the mantle, prompting scientists to explore alternative explanations.
- This delamination process could help explain the extreme uplift and crustal thickening observed in the Himalayan region.
- These findings offer fresh insights into continental collisions and the long-term dynamics of mountain formation.
Prelims Practice Question
Q. Consider the following statements about the tectonic movement of the Indian Plate:
- The Indian Plate is currently moving southward and diverging from the Eurasian Plate.
- Delamination is a process where the denser lower section of a tectonic plate peels away and sinks into the mantle.
- Traditional theories like underplating and subduction fully explain the formation of the Himalayas.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
- A) 1 and 2 only
- B) 2 only
- C) 2 and 3 only
- D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B) 2 only
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect — the Indian Plate is moving northward, not southward.
- Statement 3 is incorrect — traditional theories are being re-evaluated with new research like delamination.
Related Posts
INDIA UAE RELATIONS
Posted on
