The Hindu : Front Page : Geological landmark in the red

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Friday, Feb 13, 2009
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Geological landmark in the red

Santosh Patnaik

Question mark over unique sand formations near Visakhapatnam

— Photo: K.R. Deepak

DISTINCTIVE: A section of the red sand dunes that stretch between Visakhapatnam and Bhimili.

VISAKHAPATNAM: Erramattidibbalu, the huge formation of red sand near Bheemunipatnam where the river Gambheeram once flowed, is in the news following moves to raze it to build a shopping plaza.

The spot where the rare natural phenomenon is seen, believed to be 50,000 years old, is a favourite locale for film-shooting. It is near INS Kalinga on the Visakhapatnam-Bhimili beach road. Perennial streams run nearby. The upper layer of the formation is red owing to a process of oxidisation.

Anthropologist and retired Professor of Andhra University, K. Thimma Reddy, carried out excavations here under a programme sponsored by Department of Science and Technology in 1992-96.

Expressing shock over the move to raze the formations, he said they are nature’s gift to Visakhapatnam. He said Gambheeram changed its course due to tectonic movements and the red sand took the shape of a dome due to climatic conditions. The excavation conducted by Professor Reddy and others on behalf of Andhra University had confirmed a stretch of 5 km sand in the area with a height of 80 m at the central point. The red sand was found in the topmost portion. There were various layers comprising pebble gravel, fine gravel, lime and iron-rich, sandy and brown soil. Each layer reflected various agencies of deposition due to wind, water and marine.

According to Professor Reddy, excavations threw up stone tools, confirming human habitation during Mesolithic period. The recovered sickles, knife and other tools used for hunting and self-defence showed evolution of weaponry. The tools dated back to around 5,000 B.C.

After the Mesolithic Age, huge deposits accumulated. The soil was not conducive to preserving bones. “Trace efforts to make tools were found during Middle Paleolithic and Upper Paleolithic Age but no human settlement was found,” he said.

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