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Recent Discovery: Artesian Well in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

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Large volumes of water erupted from underground in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, attributed to an artesian well. Experts dismissed its connection to the ancient Saraswati River, suggesting the water’s origins from the prehistoric Tethys Sea.

What is an Artesian Well?

Definition:
An artesian well is a type of well where water rises naturally to the surface under pressure, without the need for pumping. This occurs when water is trapped in a confined aquifer under significant pressure.

Key Features:

  • Formation: Forms when a well penetrates a confined aquifer, which is sandwiched between impermeable layers like clay or rock.
  • Pressure Mechanism: The water in the confined aquifer is pressurized by the weight of overlying water. When tapped, the pressure forces water to rise to the surface.
  • Water Flow:
    • Flowing artesian wells: Water rises freely if pressure is sufficient.
    • Non-flowing wells: Requires pumping if the pressure is insufficient.
  • Global Examples:
    • Great Artesian Basin (Australia)
    • Dakota Aquifer (USA)
    • Various regions in Africa

Comparison with Tube Wells:
Artesian wells allow water to rise naturally, while tube wells require external power to pump water.

Origin of the Term:
The term “Artesian” is derived from Artois, France, where flowing artesian wells were first drilled in the Middle Ages.

Features of the Artesian Well in Rajasthan

  1. Water Eruption:
    In Rajasthan’s desert regions, water is confined beneath a sandstone layer. When this layer is punctured, the pressurized water gushes upwards, often resembling a fountain.

  2. Ancient Sea Evidence:

    • The water shows high salinity, which resembles ancient sea water.
    • It is believed to be linked to the Tethys Sea, which existed around 250 million years ago.

  3. Presence of Marine Clay:

    • Fine white marine clay containing skeletal remains surfaced, further supporting the theory of ancient sea remnants.
    • Sand from the Tertiary period (around 6 million years ago) also emerged.

  4. Geological Significance:

    • Jaisalmer once bordered the Tethys Sea, with dinosaurs inhabiting one side and deep waters on the other.
    • Fossils of giant sharks found in the region highlight its ancient marine connections.

Insights on the Tethys Sea

Formation and Extent:

  • The Tethys Sea formed during the Triassic period (250–201 million years ago).
  • It was located between Gondwanaland (which included present-day South America, Africa, India, and others) and Laurasia (including North America, Europe, and Asia).
  • The Tethys Sea stretched across parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

Closure and Evolution:

  • The sea began to close around the Late Cretaceous (66 million years ago).
  • This closure led to the formation of the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau as the Indian subcontinent moved toward the Asian plate.

Legacy:

  • The remnants of the Tethys Sea today are found in the Mediterranean, Caspian, and Black Seas.
  • Fossils found in the Tethys Sea include marine reptiles, early sharks, and ammonites.
  • The evolution of the Tethys Sea contributed to petroleum basin formation in North Africa and the Middle East.

Other Examples of Water Erupting to the Surface

  • Hydrothermal Vents: Underwater hot springs releasing hot water and minerals near tectonic plates.
  • Hot Springs: Heated groundwater emerging at the surface (e.g., Manikaran, Himachal Pradesh).
  • Geysers: Periodic eruptions of steam and water due to underground heating (e.g., Yellowstone National Park, USA).
  • Mudpots: Bubbling pools of mud formed by geothermal water mixing with clay.
  • Fumaroles: Steam vents near dying volcanoes, releasing volcanic gases (e.g., Barren Island, Andaman).

Saraswati River: Myth and Reality

Significance:
The Saraswati River is considered the holiest and mightiest river of the Vedic period (8000–5000 years BP).

Geography:

  • Originated in the Himalayas, flowing through Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, draining into the Arabian Sea.
  • The river disappeared around 5000 years ago due to climatic and tectonic changes, but it is believed to flow underground beneath the Thar Desert.

Cultural Mentions:

  • Vedas: Referred to as “Best of Mothers” and “Rivers.”
  • Mahabharata: Describes its disappearance into desert sands.
  • Puranas: Depicts its origin from the Plaksha tree.

Conclusion

The artesian well in Jaisalmer has sparked discussions about its origins. While some linked it to the ancient Saraswati River, scientific evidence points to the water being remnants of the Tethys Sea, offering insights into the region’s ancient geological history.

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