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ONLiNE UPSC
Adam's Bridge, also referred to as Rama's Bridge or Rama Setu, is a remarkable chain of limestone shoals connecting Pamban Island in Tamil Nadu, India, to Mannar Island in Sri Lanka. This natural formation has garnered significant attention due to its historical and geological importance.
Geological studies indicate that Adam's Bridge was once a land connection between India and Sri Lanka. Historical records suggest that the bridge was passable on foot until the 15th century. A severe cyclone in 1480 is believed to have deepened the channel, making it impassable.
The bridge spans approximately 50 kilometers, acting as a natural barrier separating the Gulf of Mannar from the Palk Strait. The region is characterized by shallow waters, with depths ranging from 1 to 10 meters. These shallow depths pose significant challenges for navigation.
Recent advancements in satellite imaging have provided new insights into Adam's Bridge. The European Space Agency's Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission has captured high-resolution images that showcase the remnants of the bridge. These images depict its current state, which consists of various small islands and sandbanks.
The data provided by the European Space Agency through the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission is invaluable for scientific research and environmental monitoring. These high-resolution images allow researchers to study the geological features of Adam's Bridge and its surrounding environment.
Q1. What is the significance of Adam's Bridge in history?
Answer: Adam's Bridge holds historical significance as a former land connection between India and Sri Lanka, believed to be passable until the 15th century.
Q2. How deep is the water around Adam's Bridge?
Answer: The waters surrounding Adam's Bridge are generally shallow, ranging from 1 to 10 meters in depth, which complicates navigation.
Q3. What recent developments have been made regarding Adam's Bridge?
Answer: Recent satellite images from the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission have highlighted the current form of Adam's Bridge, showcasing its small islands and sandbanks.
Q4. How does satellite imagery help in studying Adam's Bridge?
Answer: Satellite imagery provides high-resolution data that supports scientific research and environmental monitoring of Adam's Bridge and its geological features.
Q5. Why is Adam's Bridge also known as Rama Setu?
Answer: Adam's Bridge is referred to as Rama Setu due to its association with the Hindu epic Ramayana, where it is believed to have been constructed by Lord Rama's army.
Question 1: What is Adam's Bridge primarily known for?
A) A historical monument
B) A natural bridge
C) A political landmark
D) A cultural site
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which satellite mission has provided recent images of Adam's Bridge?
A) NASA's Landsat
B) ISRO's GISAT
C) ESA's Copernicus Sentinel-2
D) JAXA's ALOS
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: Until when was Adam's Bridge believed to be passable on foot?
A) 1400
B) 1450
C) 1480
D) 1500
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: What is the depth range of the waters around Adam's Bridge?
A) 0-5 meters
B) 5-15 meters
C) 1-10 meters
D) 10-20 meters
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: Adam's Bridge connects which two locations?
A) Kerala and Tamil Nadu
B) Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka
C) Goa and Maharashtra
D) Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Correct Answer: B
Question 6: What type of data is provided by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission?
A) Audio data
B) High-resolution images
C) Historical texts
D) Weather forecasts
Correct Answer: B
Question 7: What is one of the primary challenges for navigation around Adam's Bridge?
A) Strong currents
B) Shallow waters
C) Weather conditions
D) Human activity
Correct Answer: B
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