Skip to main content

Indian Subcontinent and Plate Tectonics

India in the Plate Tectonic Framework

Geological Journey

  • ~150 million years ago – Part of Gondwanaland with Africa, Antarctica, Australia, and South America.

  • ~120 million years ago – Broke away and drifted north across the Tethys Ocean at exceptional speed (~15–20 cm/year).

  • ~50 million years ago – Collided with the Eurasian Plate, closing the Tethys Ocean.

  • Present – Still converging with Eurasia (~5 cm/year), causing active mountain building and earthquakes.

Tectonic Plate of India

  • Indian Plate – Once part of Gondwanaland; now includes the Indian subcontinent and surrounding oceanic crust.

  • Collision with Eurasia – Caused the Himalayan Orogeny and uplift of the Tibetan Plateau.

  • Ongoing Movement – Himalayas rise ~5 mm/year; frequent seismic events occur.

Current Tectonic Setting

  • North – Convergent boundary with Eurasian Plate → Himalayan uplift, seismicity (e.g., Nepal 2015 earthquake).

  • West – Interaction with Arabian Plate along Owen Fracture Zone and Makran Subduction Zone.

  • East – Convergent boundary with Burma and Sunda Plates → Andaman volcanic arc, earthquakes.

  • South – Indian Ocean spreading ridges (divergent boundaries).

Tectonic Zones in and Around India

  1. Himalayan Belt – Active continental collision, high seismic risk.

  2. Indo-Burmese Arc – Oceanic–continental convergence and thrust faulting.

  3. Narmada–Son Lineament – Ancient rift zone with occasional intraplate earthquakes.

  4. Stable Peninsular Shield – Geologically stable but not immune to quakes (e.g., Latur 1993).

  5. Andaman–Nicobar Arc – Oceanic–oceanic subduction zone with active volcanoes (e.g., Barren Island).

Key Geological Terms

  • Orogeny – Mountain-building process.

  • Subduction zone – One plate sinks beneath another.

  • Suture zone – Boundary where two plates have collided (e.g., Indus–Tsangpo Suture).

  • Seismicity – Frequency/intensity of earthquakes.

  • Fold-and-thrust belt – Layers of rock folded and faulted by compression.

  • Craton – Stable continental crust (e.g., Indian Shield).

  • Hotspot volcanism – Volcanic activity from mantle plumes (e.g., Deccan Traps).

Geological & Geopolitical Implications

  • Natural Hazards – Earthquakes, landslides, glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs), tsunamis.

  • Resource Distribution – River systems and mineral deposits influenced by tectonics.

  • Strategic Geography – Mountain barriers influencing defence, trade, and culture.


Time PeriodEventImpact
~150 MaIndia part of GondwanalandConnected to Antarctica, Africa, Australia
~120 MaBroke away from GondwanalandNorthward drift across Tethys
~50 MaCollision with EurasiaFormation of Himalayas, Tibetan Plateau
PresentActive convergenceEarthquakes, mountain building, volcanism


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

geostationary and sun-synchronous

Orbital characteristics of Remote sensing satellite geostationary and sun-synchronous  Orbits in Remote Sensing Orbit = the path a satellite follows around the Earth. The orbit determines what part of Earth the satellite can see , how often it revisits , and what applications it is good for . Remote sensing satellites mainly use two standard orbits : Geostationary Orbit (GEO) Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO)  Geostationary Satellites (GEO) Characteristics Altitude : ~35,786 km above the equator. Period : 24 hours → same as Earth's rotation. Orbit type : Circular, directly above the equator . Appears "stationary" over one fixed point on Earth. Concepts & Terminologies Geosynchronous = orbit period matches Earth's rotation (24h). Geostationary = special type of geosynchronous orbit directly above equator → looks fixed. Continuous coverage : Can monitor the same area all the time. Applications Weather...

Disaster Management

1. Disaster Risk Analysis → Disaster Risk Reduction → Disaster Management Cycle Disaster Risk Analysis is the first step in managing disasters. It involves assessing potential hazards, identifying vulnerable populations, and estimating possible impacts. Once risks are identified, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) strategies come into play. DRR aims to reduce risk and enhance resilience through planning, infrastructure development, and policy enforcement. The Disaster Management Cycle then ensures a structured approach by dividing actions into pre-disaster, during-disaster, and post-disaster phases . Example Connection: Imagine a coastal city prone to cyclones: Risk Analysis identifies low-lying areas and weak infrastructure. Risk Reduction includes building seawalls, enforcing strict building codes, and training residents for emergency situations. The Disaster Management Cycle ensures ongoing preparedness, immediate response during a cyclone, and long-term recovery afterw...

Linear Arrays Along-Track Scanners or Pushbroom Scanners

Multispectral Imaging Using Linear Arrays (Along-Track Scanners or Pushbroom Scanners) Multispectral Imaging: As previously defined, this involves capturing images using multiple sensors that are sensitive to different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. Linear Array of Detectors (A): This refers to a row of discrete detectors arranged in a straight line. Each detector is responsible for measuring the radiation within a specific wavelength band. Focal Plane (B): This is the plane where the image is formed by the lens system. It is the location where the detectors are placed to capture the focused image. Formed by Lens Systems (C): The lens system is responsible for collecting and focusing the incoming radiation onto the focal plane. It acts like a camera lens, creating a sharp image of the scene. Ground Resolution Cell (D): As previously defined, this is the smallest area on the ground that can be resolved by a remote sensing sensor. In the case of linear array scanne...

Discrete Detectors and Scanning mirrors Across the track scanner Whisk broom scanner.

Multispectral Imaging Using Discrete Detectors and Scanning Mirrors (Across-Track Scanner or Whisk Broom Scanner) Multispectral Imaging:  This technique involves capturing images of the Earth's surface using multiple sensors that are sensitive to different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation.  This allows for the identification of various features and materials based on their spectral signatures. Discrete Detectors:  These are individual sensors that are arranged in a linear or array configuration.  Each detector is responsible for measuring the radiation within a specific wavelength band. Scanning Mirrors:  These are optical components that are used to deflect the incoming radiation onto the discrete detectors.  By moving the mirrors,  the sensor can scan across the scene,  capturing data from different points. Across-Track Scanner or Whisk Broom Scanner:  This refers to the scanning mechanism where the mirror moves perpendicular to the direction of flight.  This allows for t...

Disaster Risk

Disaster Risk