01-05 December 2025
INCOIS, Hyderabad, India.
| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-05-0135 |
| Title of Abstract | Giant Submarine Landslides Offshore Eastern India ⿿ Insights into Past Events and Implications for Future Hazards |
| Authors | Sudipta Sarkar* |
| Organisation | Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pune |
| Address | INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE EDUCATION AND RESEARCH PUNE PUNE, Maharashtra, India Pincode: 411008 E-mail: sudipta@iiserpune.ac.in |
| Country | India |
| Presentation | Oral |
| Abstract | Giant submarine landslides are rare but high-impact extreme events that can reshape continental margins, generate tsunamis, and disrupt marine ecosystems. This study identifies previously unrecognized Pliocene⿿Pleistocene fossil mass transport complexes (MTCs) in the Godavari Basin, offshore Andhra Pradesh, India, among the largest slope failure events documented along the eastern Indian margin. Interpretation of a regional grid of two-dimensional (2D) seismic data reveals two major failures (MTC I and II), each comprising headwall, translational, and toe domains. MTC I spans 20,400 km² with a runout of ~200 km, and MTC II covers 32,000 km² with a runout of ~285 km, indicating high-mobility, long-runout emplacement. Extensional fault blocks are observed upslope and toe-thrust structures downslope, reflecting linked extensional-compressional deformation. Both events were likely triggered by rapid delta progradation, growth faulting, and overpressure in underlying shales. These findings demonstrate that similar geological and sedimentary conditions persist in the modern Bay of Bengal, implying a non-negligible risk of future large-scale failures. Understanding the triggers, magnitudes, and recurrence potential of such events is critical for geohazard assessment, tsunami preparedness, and safeguarding vulnerable coastal populations and marine ecosystems across the Indian Ocean region. |
| Are you part of IIOE-2 endorsed project | no |
| Keywords | Submarine landslide, continental slope failure, growth faulting, marine geohazards, Godavari Basin, Bay of Bengal |
| For Awards | no |