The Himalayas, great and powerful, have long incited curiosity and wonder. But what lies underneath them has just uncovered a startling surprise. New research indicates the Indian tectonic plate isn't merely sliding—it's being pulled apart far beneath the earth.
Indian Plate Is Breaking Up, Not Sliding
Scientists previously assumed the Indian plate slid smoothly beneath Asia. The process was assumed to lift the mountains gradually. But now, new data indicates something quite different.
Scientists discovered that the Indian plate is splitting into two parts. This is occurring around 100 kilometres under Tibet. The new research was presented at a large conference in San Francisco.
It was headed by Lin Liu of China's Ocean University. His group used seismic imaging to trace the plate's motion. They detected evidence of delamination far below the Earth's surface.
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Delamination refers to the dense lower part of the plate sinking. Meanwhile, its upper layer still keeps moving above. This is a rare occurrence and not often seen in continental collision.
Scientists Create 3D Picture of the Breaking Plate
Liu's researchers examined data from 94 seismic stations in Tibet. They closely examined S-waves, shear waves, and P-waves. From these data, they constructed a 3D picture of the plate.
Parts of the plate still exist intact below the surface. But other areas are splitting apart under immense stress. Some of the pieces are being drawn downward into the mantle.
This finding revolutionises the way geologists understand the Indian plate. "It challenges long-held assumptions," Liu said at the conference.
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Clues Above the Surface Support the Discovery
The researchers' results are consistent with other evidence observed above ground. Earthquakes and surface fissures extend across the Tibetan Plateau. These trends suggest changes occurring deeper down.
Spring water in the area also exhibits unusual chemical indicators. Researchers detected high concentrations of helium-3 gas in them. This unusual gas originates from deep within the Earth.
These indications favor the theory of a rifting plate. The crust itself is being reformed from beneath.
Why the Splitting Plate Discovery is Important
This study provides more than scientific understanding. It may enhance earthquake prediction in South Asia.
With a better model of the tectonic motion in 3D, scientists can make more accurate predictions. "We can better understand the Earth's surface," the team explained.
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The Indian plate is not sliding as we have supposed. It's splitting, and that revolutionizes everything.
This shift in understanding could lead to better safety measures. It also gives us a clearer picture of Earth’s evolving structure.
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