Ancient River Palaeo Channel discovered in UP.

Prelims: Current events of national and international importance Geography

Why in the news?

Recently, a massive ancient underground river channel ( Palaeo – channel) has been found beneath the Prayagraj – Kanpur stretch in UP by Scientists.

Mapped by – Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)

CSIR – Established in 1942.

Functions – Under the Ministry of Science & Technology, it runs a national wide network of 37 laboratories.

Highlights of the Discovery

Geographical Stretch – Channel lies about 10 to 15 metres below the surface & Extends up to 200 km connecting Prayaraj & Kanpur.
Drilled Sites are – Sarai Akil, Sirathu & Fatehpur.
Dimensions – The width of the channel is of 4 t0 5 km & Groundwater holding capacity is around 3500 to 4000 Million Cubic Metres.
Air Bone Electromagnetic (AEM) Geophysical Surveys – Was the technology used for the survey via Helicopters later ground truthed through deep drilling.
This Survey Confirmed the presence of Fluvial Sandy Deposits of Ancient river Beds.

Palaeo – Channel

Is a Channel which is no longer part of an active river system and has ceased to be a conduit of water is commonly referred to as a palaeochannel.
Occurs when rivers change their course due to the movement of tectonic plates or severe floods and cut new ones.
Some of the palaeochannels lie buried under younger sediments.
Palaeochannels are commonly occurring landforms in alluvial landscapes, and have an economic significance because of their use in the exploration for freshwater resources, artificial recharge and storage of groundwater.
They are important in locating & assessment of mineral deposits such as uraniferous ores, gold, silver and other placer deposits.

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