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.
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Palaeo – Channel
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- 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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For Reference - Down to Earth | IAS Parliament
