In a significant discovery, the Public Research Institute of History, Archaeology, and Heritage (PRIHAH) explorers have uncovered miniature columnar basalt rocks in the Ginnedhari forest range of Asifabad, Telangana. This finding marks a unique addition to the geological wonders of the region.
Columnar rocks, scientifically termed joints, are a result of thick basalt lava flows cooling down and forming distinct hexagonal or shaped cracks. While columnar basalt rocks have been discovered in Telangana previously, this particular finding of miniature columnar basalt rocks is unprecedented, according to Chakilam Venugopal Rao, Deputy Director General (Retd) of Geological Survey of India.
The Deccan Volcanic Province (DVP) houses these columnar basalts, estimated to be 65 million years old. This geological phenomenon is not exclusive to Telangana, as columnar basalt rocks are also known to exist in the Columbian River Basalts of the USA, Iceland, Australia, and various other locations worldwide. Intriguingly, even the red planet, Mars, boasts basalt rocks that predate those found on Earth.
This discovery sheds light on the geological richness of Telangana, providing valuable insights into the region’s volcanic history. The miniature size of these columnar basalt rocks adds an exciting dimension to the scientific understanding of these formations. Researchers and geologists are eager to delve deeper into the implications of this find, hoping it will unlock further mysteries about the Earth’s ancient past and the unique geological features that shape our planet.
