Mid-Continental Rift - A Hypothesis

The paper presents a new hypothesis on the possibilities of the opening up of a Mid Continental Rift (MCR) in the southern block of the Indian Shield based on the background data on seismic centres, continental rift, and seismo-tectonic studies.

It is suggested that, due to locking at the northernmost part, there is progressive NE-E drifting of the Indian subcontinent and, therefore, a rotational movement is taking place with the southern tip moving faster than the main land. This has created a major weak zone along Ongole to Cutch. Due to this movement, fractures will open up along the Narmada-Son. This will also give rise to major seismicity along and adjoining Ongole to Cambay areas resulting in MCR along Narmada-Son lineament in geologic time.