Scientists from ISRO and NASA collaborate to map submerged Ram Setu

Scientists from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have teamed up with NASA's ICESat-2 satellite to produce a groundbreaking underwater map of the famed Ram Setu, also known as Adam's Bridge. This collaboration marks a significant achievement in underwater cartography, providing detailed insights into the structure that spans the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka.

Over a period of six years, from October 2013 to October 2019, researchers meticulously gathered data using ICESat-2, achieving a remarkable 10-meter resolution map of the entire bridge. The map reveals the bridge's dimensions, which stretches approximately 29 meters in width and rises 8 meters above the seabed.

The findings, published by scientists from ISRO's centres in Jodhpur and Hyderabad at the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), represent a milestone in underwater mapping. They highlight the use of ICESat-2's advanced capabilities to capture precise details of Adam's Bridge using water-penetrating photons.

"This report is the first of its kind to offer intricate insights into Adam's Bridge," stated the ISRO scientists in their published journal article. The collaboration underscores the potential of space technology in unraveling historical and geographical mysteries that have intrigued scholars and researchers for decades.

Ram Setu holds significant cultural and historical importance, believed by many to be built by Lord Rama's army of vanaras (monkeys) as described in the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana. The bridge's submerged portions have long fascinated archaeologists and scientists alike, making this detailed mapping effort particularly significant.

The partnership between ISRO and NASA exemplifies international cooperation in space exploration and scientific research. By leveraging ICESat-2's capabilities, scientists have not only mapped Adam's Bridge comprehensively but have also opened new avenues for studying underwater structures and their environmental impact.

As the scientific community continues to analyze the data gathered, further insights into the geological and historical aspects of Ram Setu are expected to emerge. This collaboration stands as a testament to the power of technological innovation in uncovering the secrets of our planet's past, paving the way for future discoveries in marine archaeology and remote sensing.

In conclusion, the ISRO-NASA collaboration on mapping Adam's Bridge with ICESat-2 heralds a new era in underwater exploration, blending space technology with historical research to illuminate one of the world's most intriguing natural formations.

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