The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has created an unimaginable underwater map of Adam’s Bridge, also known as the Ram Setu. The landmark research, which was released by the Scientific Reports journal on June 28, is the most detailed description of the submerged structure that provides fresh perspectives on its origins and the formation of it.
Overview of Adam’s Bridge
Adam’s Bridge, or Ram Setu Ram Setu, is a group of limestone shoals situated within Mannar Island off Sri Lanka and Rameswaram or Pamban Island off Tamil Nadu, India. Evidence from geology indicates that the Ridge was once the land bridge linking India with Sri Lanka. The structure was referred to in the past as Setu Bandhai according to Persian sailors, the structure was believed to have existed above sea level up until the 1480th year of a hurricane AD caused it to be submerged. The site is held to have significant religious importance for Hindus because it’s mentioned in the epic poem Ramayana as being a bridge constructed by Hanuman’s troops in order to benefit Lord Ram to reach Lanka in order to rescue Sita of Ravana.
Methodology and Findings
Researchers at the ISRO’s Jodhpur as well as Hyderabad National Remote Sensing Centers performed the mapping exercises together the ICESat-2 satellite of NASA. Equipped with a photon counting laser altimeter, the satellite can measure the height of glaciers, ice sheets sea ice, as well as other things with great precision. Through the bouncing of laser beams from the ocean floor this satellite was able to establish that 99.98 percent of Adam’s Bridge is submerged in shallow water.
The study’s key findings are:
- Crest Lines and Depth changes The unsteady contour of the ridge’s crest is located under shallow waters that are super-shallow that indicate sudden changes in depth.
- slopes, and material encroachment There are different slopes both sides of the bridge suggests an increased sea material intrusion in to the Gulf of Mannar than from the Palk Strait.
- Quantity and Submersion The total area that is Adam’s Bridge is approximately 1 km3, and is only 0.02 percent higher than the typical sea level.
- narrow channels Seven narrow channels on the ridge help to facilitate flow of water through the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, helping protect the structure from damage by waves.
Implications of the Study
The ISRO study shows the continuities of the submerged ridge that runs from Dhanushkodi in India up to Talaimannar within Sri Lanka. Through with ICESat-2’s green laser that can detect the seafloor to 40 meters the researchers have created a comprehensive bathymetric image that shows Adam’s Bridge. The map, together with 3D-derived measurements, verified that the bridge’s physical features are consistent with the bridge.
The report also points out the fact that Adam’s Bridge is subject to high waves coming from and the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, with seasonal storm currents that affect the flow of water. The slender channels on the ridge allows for the free exchange of water, which reduces the effects of waves as well as helping to maintain the structure’s strength.
Conclusion
The creation by ISRO of an undersea Map for Ram Setu represents a significant improvement in the understanding of this historic and significant geological feature. The outcome not only offer additional detailed information about the bridge, but they also reveal the interplay of environmental forces in playing. The study provides a basis for future research and conservation initiatives, which will ensure that the structure remains in the hands of future generations.