Jurassic age ‘Natural Arch’ in Odisha

Aspirant IAS Academy

Context:

The state unit of Geological Survey of India (GSI) has proposed to declare the ‘Natural Arch’ in Kanika range of Sundargarh forest division a Geo Heritage Site.

                                                                 Image Source: The New Indian Express

About the Natural Arch:

  • Location: Chhengapahar reserve forest near Brahmani village in Kanika range of Sundargarh in Odisha.
  • Specifications:  Oval-shaped arch
  • Time period: 184 to 160 million years in the lower to middle Jurassic age.
  • Reasons for Formation: Due to fault activities and nature of lithotype which have enhanced the process of sub-aerial weathering over a long period.
  • Significance: The natural arch and its surrounding area is a storehouse of different primary sedimentary structures like planner and cross-bedding along with occasional current ripples signifying high energy fluvial environment during sedimentation.
  • Other Arches in India: Tirumala hills in Tirupati and Andaman and Nicobar.

Geoheritage Sites:

  • They are the sites containing geo-relics and phenomena, stratigraphic type sections, geological structures and geomorphic landforms including caves, natural rock-sculptures of national and international interest
  • They include such portions of land adjoining the site that may be required for their conservation or to access to such sites.
  • The GSI declares geo-heritage sites/ national geological monuments for protection and maintenance.

Additional Information:

About Geological Survey of India (GSI):

  • It was set up in 1851 primarily to find coal deposits for the Railway
  • Headquarter: Kolkata
  • Functions: To creation and updation of national geoscientific information and mineral resource assessment
  • Presently, Geological Survey of India is an attached office to the Ministry of Mines.

Jurassic period:

  • Jurassic Period is the second of three periods of the Mesozoic Era.
  • It extended from 201.3 million to 145 million years ago.
  • It was characterised by a warm, wet climate that gave rise to lush vegetation and abundant life. Many new dinosaurs emerged in great numbers.

 News Source: The New Indian Express

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