It pointed to the shocking effect of the tectonic shift that horizontally split the Indian Plate as it pushed into the Eurasian Plate at the geologically-significant speed of 2 mm a year. The split is not like that unfolding in East Africa, which is vertical and gradually giving birth to a new micro-continent. The Indian Plate pushing into the Eurasian Plate is not a revelation, but the top and bottom layers getting split horizontally has shocked geologists. This must make the Indian government wake up to its huge responsibility of ensuring the safety of almost half its population that is dependent on the Himalayan rivers’ basin drainage. Realisation must dawn on the possible shifts in riparian paths, or rivers drying up due to massive earthquakes.

Source: Indian Express January 25, 2024 03:28 UTC