ISRO scientists, in collaboration with NASA, have created the first detailed undersea map of Ram Setu, also known as Adam’s Bridge, using advanced laser technology from the ICESat-2 satellite. The comprehensive mapping process, which took place over 6 years from October 2018 to October 2023, revealed that the bridge spans 29 meters in length, stands 8 meters above the seabed, and stretches across a width of 1.5 kilometers.
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The ICESat-2 satellite’s green laser technology was crucial in penetrating the deep waters and mapping the seabed with extraordinary precision, gathering about 0.2 million photons to create a detailed bathymetric map at a 10-meter resolution. The study also unveiled 11 previously unknown submerged channels, adding depth to the understanding of the bridge’s complex underwater structure.
Ram Setu holds profound historical and cultural significance in Indian mythology, believed to be constructed by Lord Ram as depicted in the epic Ramayana. Scientific analysis suggests that the bridge was once a land connection between India and Sri Lanka, only to be submerged following a severe storm in 1480.
The rich data obtained from this mapping initiative paves the way for further research in marine geophysics and archaeology, enhancing our understanding of submerged structures and exploring ancient civilizations. The collaboration between ISRO and NASA not only elucidates the submerged secrets of Ram Setu but also highlights the capabilities of modern technology in historical and geological investigations.
Ram Setu
Ram Setu, also known as Adam’s Bridge, is a natural limestone formation that connects Pamban Island in Tamil Nadu, India, to Mannar Island off the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka. This structure is steeped in both mythology and geological significance, making it a subject of intrigue for centuries.
Mythological Significance: According to the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana, Ram Setu was constructed by Lord Rama and his monkey army, known as the Vanara Sena, to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana, who had abducted her. The bridge symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and holds immense religious importance for millions of Hindus, representing divine intervention and faith.
Geological Features: Ram Setu is approximately 50 kilometers long and consists of a series of limestone shoals and shallow areas, with depths ranging from 3 to 30 feet. While some scientific studies suggest that the formation may have resulted from natural geological processes over thousands of years, others propose that human intervention played a role in its creation. The debate over its origins continues, with some researchers asserting that it was once a land connection between India and Sri Lanka before being submerged due to rising sea levels.
Cultural and Political Context: The bridge has become a focal point of political and environmental discussions, particularly concerning the Sethusamudram shipping channel project, which aims to create a navigable route between the two countries. This project has faced opposition from various groups who argue that it could damage the natural formation and disrupt the ecological balance, as well as from those who view any alteration to Ram Setu as sacrilegious.