India Is Breaking Apart: Seismic Data Reveals Deep Crustal Fractures Beneath Tibet
Lhasa, Tibet – New research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) confirms a long-suspected, yet previously unconfirmed, phenomenon: the Indian tectonic plate is fracturing and delaminating - essentially breaking apart – beneath the Tibetan Plateau. Analysis of seismic wave data collected over years reveals deep cracks forming within the Earth’s crust as the Indian plate subducts under Eurasia.
For millions of years,the Indian plate has been colliding with the Eurasian plate,a process responsible for the formation of the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau. While the broad collision was understood, the way the Indian plate is responding at depth has remained a mystery. Researchers have now pinpointed evidence of a significant portion of the plate detaching and sinking into the mantle.
The breakthrough stems from an extensive analysis of seismic wave data gathered from 94 seismic stations across southern Tibet. Researchers utilized both “up-and-down” S-wave and “back-and-forth” P-wave data. These waves, traveling through the Earth, provide insights into the composition and movement of tectonic plates. Combining this data with previous studies, the team modeled the Indian plate’s behaviour and identified the delamination process. The study specifically highlights the use of data from yellow-filled diamonds used to construct RF Profiles A and B, alongside data from the Gangdese seismic stations deployed between 2011 and 2019.
“The data collected is not only a testament to the power of modern geophysical technology but also reveals the complexities of the forces driving Earth’s geology,” the research indicates.
The implications of this discovery extend beyond basic geological understanding. The region is prone to earthquakes, and a clearer understanding of plate behavior could improve seismic event prediction. By mapping plate boundaries and movements with greater precision, scientists hope to identify high-risk areas and implement preventative measures.
This study also opens avenues for future research into plate delamination and its potential occurrence in other tectonically active regions globally. The unique conditions in Tibet may not be isolated, suggesting similar processes could be unfolding beneath other mountain ranges where plates collide.
