ISRO prepares palaeochannel map of River Saraswati

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has prepared an integrated palaeochannel map of River Saraswati from the origin in Himalayas to Rann of Kutchch. The origin of the mapped course of the River Saraswati palaeochannel in North West India was linked to Himalayan perennial source through Sutlej and Yamuna Rivers.

To carry out the study ISRO used Indian Remote Sensing Satellite data along with digital elevation model. It was observed that major Harappan sites of Kalibangan (Rajasthan), Banawali and Rakhigarhi (Haryana), Dholavira and Lothal (Gujarat) lie along the River Saraswati.

What is a Palaeochannel?

The word Palaeochannel is formed from the words “palaeo” meaning “old” and “channel”. A palaeochannel is a remnant of an inactive river or stream channel that has been either filled or buried by younger sediment. The sediments that the ancient channel is either cut into or buried by can be unconsolidated, semi-consolidated, consolidated, or lithified.  Paleochannels are formed through aggradation (depositing sediment on their bed).
 

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2013

Category: Places in News Current Affairs