Geologists from the Indian Institute of Science have recently made a breakthrough in explaining the existence of a mysterious “gravity hole” in the Indian Ocean. The gravity hole, known as the “Indian Ocean Geoid Low,” is an area where gravity is lower than average, resulting in a water level 340 feet below the surrounding ocean surface. Although discovered in 1948, the origin of this anomaly has remained a puzzle until now.
The researchers propose that the gravity hole was formed due to plumes of low-density magma rising from the Earth’s mantle. These plumes were created by the remnants of a sunken tectonic plate known as Tethys. Approximately 50 million years ago, the collision between India and Asia led to the sinking of Tethys, marking the largest continental collision in Earth’s history and contributing to the formation of the Himalayan mountain range. The geological tension resulting from this collision continues to cause earthquakes in the region to this day.
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Using computer simulations, geophysicists at the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru conducted 19 simulations to understand the formation of the gravity hole. In six of the simulations, they observed the geoid, or the shape of the Earth’s gravity field, taking shape, confirming their hypothesis. The researchers estimate that the gravity hole developed around 20 million years ago.
While the research sheds light on the formation of the gravity hole, some scientists remain sceptical and call for further evidence. Nevertheless, the researchers behind the study are confident in their findings. They acknowledge that the future of the gravity hole remains uncertain and may persist for an extended period or disappear due to future plate movements, possibly hundreds of millions of years in the future.
The discovery of the origin of the gravity hole in the Indian Ocean by researchers from the Indian Institute of Science is a significant step in understanding this enigmatic geological phenomenon. The findings provide valuable insights into Earth’s past tectonic activity and underscore the complexities of the planet’s dynamic processes. As scientific exploration continues, the mystery surrounding the gravity hole in the Indian Ocean may unravel further, contributing to our understanding of the Earth’s ever-changing geology.
