Daily News Analysis

Erra Matti Dibbalu

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Recently, Erra Matti Dibbalu (also known as the Red Sand Dunes) in Andhra Pradesh have been included in the UNESCO Tentative List of World Heritage Sites. This recognition highlights the unique geological and archaeological significance of this coastal site near Visakhapatnam.

About Erra Matti Dibbalu

Erra Matti Dibbalu is a rare and visually striking coastal geomorphological feature located along the Visakhapatnam coast in Andhra Pradesh, India. Its distinct reddish sand dunes have long intrigued geologists and scientists due to their unique formation and ancient history.

Key Features:

  1. Geological Composition:

    • The dunes are made up of a mixture of sand, silt, and clay, with the red hue caused by natural oxidation over thousands of years.

    • These formations belong to the late Quaternary geologic period, which dates back to around 20,000 BC.

  2. Badland Topography:

    • The site is known for its badland topography, featuring various geomorphic landforms, including:

      • Gullies

      • Sand dunes

      • Buried channels

      • Beach ridges

      • Paired terraces

      • Wave-cut terraces

      • Waterfalls

    • These features are clear evidence of climatic and sea-level fluctuations over time.

  3. Scientific Significance:

    • Erra Matti Dibbalu is not only an extraordinary geological formation but also a lively site for scientific evolution, showcasing the real-time effects of climate change.

    • Its dendritic drainage patterns and sediment layers are invaluable for understanding climate change and sea level variations during the late Quaternary period.

  4. Archaeological Importance:

    • Studies of the site reveal Upper Paleolithic artefacts and remains, which suggest human activity dating back to the Late Pleistocene Epoch (around 20,000 BC).

    • These artefacts are crucial for understanding the prehistoric human presence and how early humans interacted with their environment.

  5. Global Significance:

    • Erra Matti Dibbalu is one of the few places in the world with such a unique combination of features. Similar sites include:

      • A site in Sri Lanka.

      • The Teri Sands in Tamil Nadu.

    • This uniqueness has led the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to declare it a National Geo-heritage Monument in 2016.

  1. Conclusion

The inclusion of Erra Matti Dibbalu in the UNESCO Tentative List of World Heritage Sites brings global attention to this geological treasure. Its distinct red sand dunes, along with its archaeological and scientific significance, make it a remarkable site in India's rich natural heritage


 


 


 

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