<p>Can seismic activities change the course of rivers? Well, a study reveals that a major earthquake that occurred 2,500 years ago caused one of the biggest rivers on the planet to change its course abruptly. That river was none other than the Ganges.</p>

<p>This breakthrough discovery about changing courses of rivers is known as avulsions in scientific terminology. Rivers have always been changing their courses, but it was never confirmed that earthquakes could be the driving force behind them. Certainly, no study has ever linked seismic activity with the Ganges’ course before, which makes this study one-of-a-kind.</p>

<p>Today the Ganges flows for over 2,575 kilometres (1,600 miles) from the Himalayas down to the Bay of Bengal. It forms the world’s second-largest river system as it teams up with other rivers.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scorching-heatwave-set-to-sear-northeastern-us-break-records-and-spark-health-concerns-732975">Scorching heatwave set to sear northeastern US, break records and spark health concerns</a></p>

<p>It is hard to gather that such a massive water body system can change its course due to an earthquake. But course changes take decades and a lifetime. It is because sediments washed from upstream can change the lay of the land, raising the riverbed until the water finds a path of less resistance by flowing in a slightly different direction.</p>

<h2><strong>Earthquake changed&nbsp;the course of the Ganges</strong></h2>

<p>Avulsions need not require time of decades or even years to make a change. As per the new study, earthquakes can lead to changes in rivers that happen almost instantaneously.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Looking at satellite imagery, the team discovered what appeared to be a former main channel for the Ganges running parallel to the river as it runs today for around 100 kilometres (62 miles).</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/meet-jebel-irhoud-scientists-reveal-face-of-first-homo-sapien-from-300000-years-ago-733426">Meet 'Jebel Irhoud': Scientists reveal face of first homo sapien from 300,000 years ago</a></p>

<p>They were exploring the area in 2018 when they spotted something interesting along the retired river’s flank- sand volcanoes. Also known as seismites, they’re characterised by strips of sand emerging vertically through horizontal layers of mud and are a known side effect of earthquakes.</p>

<p>They also found seismites across a large expanse of land and all of them seemed to have similar patterns, indicating they were created at the same time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The chemical analysis of the seismites revealed they date back 2,500 years, when, as per researchers, a magnitude 7 or 8 earthquake reshaped the landscape.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinas-11th-century-guest-star-revealed-as-spectacular-crab-nebula-733428">China's 11th century 'guest star' revealed as spectacular Crab Nebula</a></p>

<p>The source of the Ganges-shifting earthquake could have originated from a subduction zone to the south and east where part of the oceanic crust is working its way underneath Bangladesh, Myanmar, and northeastern India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also, the large splay faults at the base of the Himalayas may have been the driving force, which is a concerning possibility as research suggests these zones could be due to another earthquake similar in magnitude to that which changed the course of the Ganges.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Can seismic activities change the course of rivers? Well, a study reveals that a major earthquake that occurred 2,500 years ago caused one of the biggest rivers on the planet to change its course abruptly.

Can seismic activities change the course of rivers? Well, a study reveals that a major earthquake that occurred 2,500 years ago caused one of the biggest rivers on the planet to change its course abruptly. That river was none other than the Ganges. This breakthrough discovery about changing courses of rivers is known as avulsions in scientific terminology. Rivers have always been changing their courses, but it was never confirmed that earthquakes could be the driving force behind them. Certainly, no study has ever linked seismic activity with the Ganges’ course before, which makes this study one-of-a-kind. Today the Ganges flows for over 2,575 kilometres (1,600 miles) from the Himalayas down to the Bay of Bengal. It forms the world’s second-largest river system as it teams up with other rivers. Also Read | Scorching heatwave set to sear northeastern US, break records and spark health concerns It is hard to gather that such a massive water body system can change its course due to an earthquake. But course changes take decades and a lifetime. It is because sediments washed from upstream can change the lay of the land, raising the riverbed until the water finds a path of less resistance by flowing in a slightly different direction. Earthquake changed the course of the Ganges Avulsions need not require time of decades or even years to make a change. As per the new study, earthquakes can lead to changes in rivers that happen almost instantaneously. Looking at satellite imagery, the team discovered what appeared to be a former main channel for the Ganges running parallel to the river as it runs today for around 100 kilometres (62 miles). Also Read | Meet 'Jebel Irhoud': Scientists reveal face of first homo sapien from 300,000 years ago They were exploring the area in 2018 when they spotted something interesting along the retired river’s flank- sand volcanoes. Also known as seismites, they’re characterised by strips of sand emerging vertically through horizontal layers of mud and are a known side effect of earthquakes. They also found seismites across a large expanse of land and all of them seemed to have similar patterns, indicating they were created at the same time. The chemical analysis of the seismites revealed they date back 2,500 years, when, as per researchers, a magnitude 7 or 8 earthquake reshaped the landscape. Also Read | China's 11th century 'guest star' revealed as spectacular Crab Nebula The source of the Ganges-shifting earthquake could have originated from a subduction zone to the south and east where part of the oceanic crust is working its way underneath Bangladesh, Myanmar, and northeastern India. Also, the large splay faults at the base of the Himalayas may have been the driving force, which is a concerning possibility as research suggests these zones could be due to another earthquake similar in magnitude to that which changed the course of the Ganges. (With inputs from agencies)

River Ganges changed its course after massive earthquake hit its shores 2500 years ago: Study

<p>The protesting wrestlers led by Bajrang Punia and&nbsp;Sakshi Malik are making the headlines with each passing day. After filing First Information Reports (FIRs) against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI)&nbsp;chief Brij Bhushan Singh Sharan over&nbsp;sexual harassment allegations,&nbsp;they have time and again called for his arrest. The investigations are still on. On Sunday (May 28), the protesting wrestlers marched towards the new parliament on the day of its inauguration for justice. However, they were detained by the Delhi Police.</p>

<p>As a result, Bajrang &amp; Co. decided to immerse their medals in the holy river Ganges in the city of Haridwar on Tuesday (May 31) but backed&nbsp;out later. On Friday (June 02), India's 1983 World Cup winning team also reacted to the wrestlers' protest and urged them not to throw their medals in the Ganges.</p>

<h2><strong>‘Those medals have involved years of effort, sacrifice, determination and grit’&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>a statement from the Kapil Dev-led 1983 World Cup-winning team&nbsp;said, "We are distressed and disturbed at the unseemly visuals of our champion wrestlers being manhandled. We are also most concerned that they are thinking of dumping their hard-earned medals into river Ganga. Those medals have involved years of effort, sacrifice, determination and grit and are not only their own but the nation's pride and joy. We urge them not to take any hasty decision in this matter and also fervently hope that their grievances are heard and resolved quickly. Let the law of the land prevail."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wfi-chief-asked-for-sexual-favours-touched-women-wrestlers-inappropriately-details-of-2-firs-10-complaints-599495">WFI chief asked for sexual favours, touched women wrestlers inappropriately - Details of 2 FIRs, 10 complaints</a></strong></p>

<p>Madan Lal, member of the victorious 1983 WC team, told ANI, "Heartbreaking that they decided to throw their medals. We aren't in favour of them throwing their medals because earning medals isn't easy and we urge the Government to sort out this issue as soon as possible."</p>

<p>After deciding not to immerse&nbsp;their medals in the holy river Ganges, the protesting wrestlers are set to go on a hunger strike against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh.<br />
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The protesting wrestlers led by Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik are making the headlines with each passing day. After filing First Information Reports (FIRs) against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh Sharan over sexual harassment allegations, they have time and again called for his arrest.

The protesting wrestlers led by Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik are making the headlines with each passing day. After filing First Information Reports (FIRs) against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh Sharan over sexual harassment allegations, they have time and again called for his arrest. The investigations are still on. On Sunday (May 28), the protesting wrestlers marched towards the new parliament on the day of its inauguration for justice. However, they were detained by the Delhi Police. As a result, Bajrang & Co. decided to immerse their medals in the holy river Ganges in the city of Haridwar on Tuesday (May 31) but backed out later. On Friday (June 02), India's 1983 World Cup winning team also reacted to the wrestlers' protest and urged them not to throw their medals in the Ganges. ‘Those medals have involved years of effort, sacrifice, determination and grit’ a statement from the Kapil Dev-led 1983 World Cup-winning team said, "We are distressed and disturbed at the unseemly visuals of our champion wrestlers being manhandled. We are also most concerned that they are thinking of dumping their hard-earned medals into river Ganga. Those medals have involved years of effort, sacrifice, determination and grit and are not only their own but the nation's pride and joy. We urge them not to take any hasty decision in this matter and also fervently hope that their grievances are heard and resolved quickly. Let the law of the land prevail." Also Read: WFI chief asked for sexual favours, touched women wrestlers inappropriately - Details of 2 FIRs, 10 complaints Madan Lal, member of the victorious 1983 WC team, told ANI, "Heartbreaking that they decided to throw their medals. We aren't in favour of them throwing their medals because earning medals isn't easy and we urge the Government to sort out this issue as soon as possible." After deciding not to immerse their medals in the holy river Ganges, the protesting wrestlers are set to go on a hunger strike against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

India's 1983 WC winning team backs protesting wrestlers, urges them to not immerse medals in Ganges

<p>The river Ganga, or the Ganges River, was recognised today as the first living entity of India by the Uttarakhand High Court.</p>

<p>One of the largest rivers in India, Ganga&nbsp;is considered to be the holiest river in the country and holds a high place in its&nbsp;mythology. The Ganga is worshipped as a goddess, and for centuries&nbsp;Indians have come to it, especially in Varanasi, to be near its holy banks&nbsp;and to cremate their loved ones by it.</p>

<p>Recognising a river as a living entity means granting it the same legal rights as a human being. The new status means if someone pollutes river Ganga, the law will see it equal to harming a human being.</p>

<p>This ruling comes only four days after New Zealand&#39;s parliament granted the same rights to the 145-kilometre long Whanganui River, after calling it a living entity.&nbsp;The river became the first in the world to be legally recognised as a living entity and was granted the same rights as a human being.</p>

<p>The court also ruled the government to form a Ganga Administration Board for cleaning and better maintenance of the river. Earlier in the month, the court came heavily down upon the Union and Uttarakhand state government for doing &quot;nothing concrete&quot; to clean the river.</p>

<p>The court slammed them for wasting efforts on reviving a lost river Saraswati but not taking efforts on maintaining Ganga which if given proper attention will once again flow in its full glory.</p>

<p>&quot;The Ganga should be saved for the generations to come,&quot; the court added.</p>

<p>The Executive Committee of the National Mission for Clean Ganga had recently approved 20 projects - 13 of which are in Uttarakhand - worth Rs 1,900 crore (over $290 million)&nbsp;to be swiftly implemented in Uttarakhand, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>Even non-Indians have been captivated by the Ganga. Among others, the American musician from the Grateful Dead, lead guitar player&nbsp;<a href="http://ultimateclassicrock.com/jerry-garcia-ashes/" target="_blank">Jerry Garcia</a>, had half his mortal remains scattered in the Ganga.</p>

<p><em>Watch Wion&#39;s segment:&nbsp;Cleaning River Ganges</em></p>

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<p>Cleaning the Ganges, which is one of the holiest rivers in India, has been a key part of Indian prime minister Narendra Modi&#39;s clean India campaign. WION met up with a group of volunteers who are spearheading that effort. (WION)</p>
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<p>(WION with inputs from ANI)</p>


The highly polluted but sacred Ganga, or Ganges River, will now have the protective rights given to humans as efforts are made to clean it

The river Ganga, or the Ganges River, was recognised today as the first living entity of India by the Uttarakhand High Court. One of the largest rivers in India, Ganga is considered to be the holiest river in the country and holds a high place in its mythology. The Ganga is worshipped as a goddess, and for centuries Indians have come to it, especially in Varanasi, to be near its holy banks and to cremate their loved ones by it. Recognising a river as a living entity means granting it the same legal rights as a human being. The new status means if someone pollutes river Ganga, the law will see it equal to harming a human being. This ruling comes only four days after New Zealand's parliament granted the same rights to the 145-kilometre long Whanganui River, after calling it a living entity. The river became the first in the world to be legally recognised as a living entity and was granted the same rights as a human being. The court also ruled the government to form a Ganga Administration Board for cleaning and better maintenance of the river. Earlier in the month, the court came heavily down upon the Union and Uttarakhand state government for doing "nothing concrete" to clean the river. The court slammed them for wasting efforts on reviving a lost river Saraswati but not taking efforts on maintaining Ganga which if given proper attention will once again flow in its full glory. "The Ganga should be saved for the generations to come," the court added. The Executive Committee of the National Mission for Clean Ganga had recently approved 20 projects - 13 of which are in Uttarakhand - worth Rs 1,900 crore (over $290 million) to be swiftly implemented in Uttarakhand, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Even non-Indians have been captivated by the Ganga. Among others, the American musician from the Grateful Dead, lead guitar player Jerry Garcia, had half his mortal remains scattered in the Ganga. Watch Wion's segment: Cleaning River Ganges Cleaning the Ganges, which is one of the holiest rivers in India, has been a key part of Indian prime minister Narendra Modi's clean India campaign. WION met up with a group of volunteers who are spearheading that effort. (WION) × (WION with inputs from ANI)

River Ganga recognised as India's first living entity by Uttarakhand High Court

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River Ganges changed its course after massive earthquake hit its shores 2500 years ago: Study

India's 1983 WC winning team backs protesting wrestlers, urges them to not immerse medals in Ganges

River Ganga recognised as India's first living entity by Uttarakhand High Court