A recent study reveals that a major earthquake 2,500 years ago caused the Ganges River to abruptly change course in what is now Bangladesh. The earthquake triggered a massive avulsion, rerouting the main channel of the river and impacting densely populated areas vulnerable to seismic activity. Scientists were surprised by the magnitude of this event, which could have catastrophic consequences today. The study, published in Nature Communications, highlights the potential risks faced by regions like Bangladesh due to earthquake-induced river changes.
Lead author of the study, Liz Chamberlain, described the earthquake-driven avulsion as unprecedented for a river as massive as the Ganges. The event reshaped the landscape in Bangladesh, leaving behind evidence of the sudden shift in the river’s course. The study’s findings shed light on the complex interactions between seismic activities and river systems.
Researchers have pointed out that similar earthquake-induced avulsions could happen again, emphasizing the need for further studies to understand the risks posed by seismic events to river systems. The impact of such earthquakes can be widespread, affecting millions of people living in delta regions like Bangladesh.
Further research is needed to assess the potential of future seismic events to trigger similar river-course changes in other regions. Understanding the geomorphological impact of earthquakes on river systems is crucial for disaster preparedness and risk mitigation in delta areas prone to such natural hazards.
More: Michael Steckler discusses geohazards in Bangladesh on the podcast Planet on the Move.
