A new scientific study has upended the traditional view of Himalayan formation by revealing that the Indian tectonic plate is not simply sliding beneath the Eurasian plate but is instead splitting deep below Tibet. Presented at the American Geophysical Union conference in San Francisco, the study used advanced seismic imaging techniques to produce a three-dimensional view of the Indian plate’s structure. Led by geophysicist Lin Liu from Ocean University of China, the research uncovered that the plate is undergoing a rare process called delamination, where the denser lower part of the plate sinks into the mantle while the lighter upper part continues to move under the surface.
The researchers used data from 94 seismic stations across southern Tibet and combined different seismic wave measurements to paint a clearer picture of the tectonic activity. Their findings indicate that the Indian plate is fragmenting roughly 100 kilometers below the Earth’s surface. Rather than acting like a single, rigid slab, parts of the plate remain intact while others are breaking apart due to immense internal stress. This suggests a more complex and dramatic form of deformation than previously believed, with the base of the plate effectively being pulled downward into Earth’s hot interior.
This discovery has important implications for earthquake prediction and our broader understanding of continental dynamics. Supporting evidence such as surface-level earthquake patterns, geological cracks, and elevated helium-3 levels in Tibetan spring water reinforce the idea that the Indian plate’s splitting is actively reshaping the Earth’s crust. The study not only challenges old theories but also offers new pathways for scientists to improve seismic forecasting and better understand the powerful geological forces shaping the Himalayas and surrounding regions.
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