Unfathomed fissure in earth causes panic speculations

Unfathomed fissure in earth causes panic speculations

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, July 02, 2014:  Reports circulated indicate, fissures on the earth’s surface about 100 meters in length and unfathomed depth was noticed two months ago in rocky terrain  is causing panic in minds of residents. However, the residents residing in 24 houses near Nagabana area in 2nd cross in Manchikere Colony in 80-Badagabettu here, are more in fear in the last few days with the fissure wider now.

 

 

People tried inserting long wooden poles in to the crack, but got no idea over the depth of the split. The unusual phenomenon is credited to micro seismic disturbances which had been taking place underground since 10-12 years, according to the geologists. The geologists are of the opinion that  tunnelling and afforestation process in the  local area may be cause for the phenomena.

An explanation  :  Retired Geologist Dr Ravindra from Mangalore who made a spot inspection at Nagabana area explained that the phenomena is not uncommon as the atmospheric shift of the coastal area, from the scorching summer to the heavy down pour is very sensitive. It has occurred  following minor seismic disturbances in the region giving rise to expansion/contraction activity in the sub soil.

These sort  of disturbances are occurring since the past 10-12 years as this region is a part of the critical zone in the crust of the earth. He elaborated that the earth plates move in specific direction and the changes taking place beneath the earth are not perceived by the human. “This plate tectonic action, shifts the earths crust approximately around one centimeter per year. Indian subcontinent is situated on the Indian fault line running north east to south east. The expansion may take place at Carlsberg Ridge in mid Arabian Sea and the phenomenon has given rise to the birth of new ridges and simultaneously new crust is being added near the ridge,” he explained.

Ravindra clarified that though each plate has growing and decaying edge and as Indian plate is moving under China-Tibet plate, there is no question of decaying of the edges. Himalayas, Western Ghats and also Sahyadri is the result of the phenomenon. This phenomenon continues to exist, he added.

Seismic observation center needed  :  The Geologist doubted that all these occurrences might be the cause behind the dislocation of the earth in Manchikere region. Also, the water source action in the fracture zone might have also added to the seismic disturbances in the area. He stressed the need for a seismic observation center, with seismographic instrument to monitor all the seismic and micro seismic activities. These areas are prone to micro seismic activities.

The seismic observation center in Gouribidnur in Kolar fails to record the micro seismic activities from a very long distance. “We need to have the facility in the coastal region. Although we have been repeatedly appealing to the government to provide the facility, there is no response,” he lamented.

Meanwhile, Geology Professor at Manipal Institute of Technology Prof Udayshankar was of the opinion that the crack had occurred following the minor fault that aided the dislocation of the rocks beneath the earth. The phenomenon might be the result with the congestion with the water springs that was witnessed in Parkala region some two months ago. It is a natural phenomenon. Western Ghat is the part of major fault zone that evolved millions of years ago. It may be activated again. For the moment, the phenomenon does not pose any threat. The depth of the crack might be more than 100 feet, he added.

Cause for panic :  Fear stricken Nirmalamma, whose house is situated adjacent to the crack said that one of the walls of her house is also cracked. “We are here since past 4-5 years. The deepening crack last evening made us fear and alert the people in the surrounding. The earth makes noise while we walk”.

Suresh Guglipadav says that the fissure on the earth surface may be due to the huge caves in the surroundings. The crack leads towards Pandavara Guhe, wherein once upon a time seers  resided for meditation. Jaganath Shetty, a retired hospital staff says that the forest department has taken up afforestation in the region, where the hardcore rocks make the surface of the earth. They have broken these rocks to plant the saplings. This might also have lead for the split on the earth. He wants an immediate action from the district administration as people can no longer live under fear.  A small stream tpassing through which has its connection to Kalsanka drain. The stream is observed especially during rainy season. Some localities feel that the stream might be the cause of the occurrence. The need according to residents is that the proper authorities must monitor the matter and investigate action.