Our study shows growing zone of active tectonic deformation in northern Haryana plains south of Himalayas

Source: The post is based on the article “Our study shows growing zone of active tectonic deformation in northern Haryana plains south of Himalayas” published in Down To Earth on 27th June 2023

What is the News?

A study has found signs of active tectonic deformations in the Piedmont alluvial plains of northern Haryana.

What is Tectonic Deformation?

Tectonic deformation refers to the changes in the Earth’s crust caused by the movement and interaction of tectonic plates. 

What was the study conducted by the researchers?

The study investigated the piedmont zone between the Ghaggar and Yamuna river basins in the frontal parts of the northwest Himalayas of Haryana.

It focused on the piedmont alluvial plains and covered parts of Panchkula, Ambala and Yamunanagar districts in Haryana and Mohali district in Punjab.

– Note: Piedmont plains are situated at the foot of mountains or hills. 

How was this study conducted?

This study was conducted using satellite data and validated by geophysical ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys. 

GPR is an important tool, ideally suited for obtaining high-resolution profiles of the subsurface over a depth range of a few meters to several tens of meters.

What did the researchers find?

Researchers have found active signs of tectonic deformations in the piedmont alluvial plains of northern Haryana.

This active deformation zone could become a future seismic hazard zone.

The study also said that this active tectonics and geodynamic framework of the area may have played a role in the extinction of the Vedic Saraswati river that once flowed through the region.