When Were Eastern Ghats Mountains Formed?

The Eastern Ghats, a sprawling mountain range that runs along the eastern coast of India, have intrigued geologists, scientists, and nature enthusiasts for decades. These ancient mountains, while often overshadowed by their more famous counterparts, the Western Ghats, hold a unique charm and geological significance. In this blog post, we will embark on a journey through time to unravel the mysteries surrounding the formation of the Eastern Ghats and discover the intriguing story of their creation.

The Geological History of Eastern Ghats

To understand when the Eastern Ghats were formed, we must delve deep into the Earth’s history, where tectonic forces, volcanic eruptions, and millions of years of geological processes have played a pivotal role in shaping this remarkable mountain range.

1. Precambrian Beginnings

The story of the Eastern Ghats begins in the Precambrian era, a mind-boggling 4.6 billion to 541 million years ago. During this time, the Indian subcontinent was part of the supercontinent called Rodinia. The earliest formations of the Eastern Ghats are believed to have taken place during the Archean Eon (4 billion to 2.5 billion years ago) and the Proterozoic Eon (2.5 billion to 541 million years ago).

2. Formation of the Dharwar Craton

The Eastern Ghats’ geological history is closely tied to the formation of the Dharwar Craton, a stable continental block in southern India. The rocks in the Eastern Ghats primarily consist of ancient cratonic formations that were metamorphosed and deformed over eons. The craton’s assembly began around 3.5 billion years ago, and it played a pivotal role in the Eastern Ghats’ formation.

3. Tectonic Activity

The Eastern Ghats, like most mountain ranges, owe their existence to tectonic activity. During the Proterozoic Eon, the Indian Plate collided with other landmasses, resulting in the formation of the supercontinent Columbia. This collision caused immense geological stress and led to the uplift of the Eastern Ghats. These tectonic events continued into the Paleozoic Era (541 million to 252 million years ago), further shaping the mountains.

4. The Influence of Gondwana Supercontinent

As the Eastern Ghats continued to evolve, they became part of the Gondwana supercontinent, which existed from the Neoproterozoic Era (1 billion to 541 million years ago) to the early Cenozoic Era (66 million years ago to the present). The Gondwana supercontinent played a pivotal role in the final shaping of the Eastern Ghats as we know them today.

5. Mesozoic and Cenozoic Eras

During the Mesozoic Era (252 million to 66 million years ago), the Indian Plate began to break away from Gondwana. This process eventually led to the opening of the Indian Ocean and the separation of the Indian subcontinent from Antarctica. This separation allowed for further uplift and modification of the Eastern Ghats during the Cenozoic Era.

Conclusion

The Eastern Ghats, though less renowned than their western counterparts, offer an equally fascinating geological history. These mountains have withstood the test of time, enduring billions of years of geological processes, tectonic events, and continental shifts. Their formation is a testament to the Earth’s ever-changing nature and the intricate dance of geological forces that have shaped our planet.

As we stand amidst the serene landscapes and lush forests of the Eastern Ghats today, we can’t help but marvel at the eons of history that have crafted this magnificent mountain range. Understanding the timeline of their formation allows us to appreciate the Eastern Ghats not only for their breathtaking beauty but also for the profound geological story they hold within their ancient rocks.