Jurassic age ‘Natural Arch’ in Odisha

June 20, 2023

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.

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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 indianExpress