Credit: Steve GoodbredA major earthquake 2,500 years ago caused one of the largest rivers on Earth to abruptly change course, according to a new study. The previously undocumented quake rerouted the main channel of the Ganges River in what is now densely populated Bangladesh, which remains vulnerable to big quakes. Like other rivers that run through major deltas, the Ganges periodically undergoes minor or major course changes without any help from earthquakes. Other co-authors of the new study are at the University of Cologne, Germany; the University of Dhaka; Bangladesh University of Professionals; Noakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh; and the University of Salzburg, Austria. More information: Cascading hazards of a major Bengal basin earthquake and abrupt avulsion of the Ganges River, Nature Communications (2024).

Source: The Nation June 17, 2024 09:04 UTC