Formation and Evolution of Himalayas - Earth's Majestic Marvel

The formation of the Himalayas, which took place around 40 50 million years ago tells a fascinating story of geographical transformation. This remarkable process was brought about by the convergence of the Indian plate and the Eurasian continental mass. Interestingly the Indian plate was forced beneath the mass giving rise to the magnificent mountain range that we admire today.

A Tale of Two Continents; India and Eurasia

The emergence of the Himalayas provides an example of a collision between continents. By studying data scientists have determined that approximately 90 million years ago India separated from the supercontinent Gondwana and began moving northward.

Around 70 million years ago it is estimated that the northern edge of the continent was positioned at about 20° south latitude. Over the 30 million years it continued its journey northward for another 5,000 km until it eventually collided with Eurasia and closed off what was once known as the Tethys Ocean.

The Birth of the Himalayas; A Geological Process

As a result of subduction—the process where oceanic lithosphere sinks, beneath margins—intense compressive forces were unleashed leading to folding and upliftment of crustal rocks. This collision began 45 million years ago and remains an ongoing geological event till this day.

Based on data it appears that the Indian continent is slowly moving beneath Asia at a rate of approximately 5 cm per year. This movement is linked to the expansion of the Indian Ocean.

Around 10 million years ago a significant collision occurred between the Eurasian landmasses. This momentous event resulted in the closure of an ocean and the formation of a mountain range from materials. The two continental blocks eventually merged along a line that predominantly follows the Indus valley.

The aftermath of this collision brought about changes, including transformation and elevation. The Indus valley is characterized by an abundance of ophiolite complexes which're remnants of what used to be the ocean floor. Over a span of 60 million years the original Tethys Ocean gradually disappeared under Tibet. Consequently even the Indian continental margin became part of the plateau. The remarkable elevation in this region can be attributed to a doubling, in thickness of its crust.