Question

The measured plate velocity is maximum (in International Terrestrial Reference Frame) at which one of the following locations on the Indian Plate?

• A. Leh
• B. Delhi
• C. Bengaluru
• D. Maldives

Hint:

Remember: In plate tectonics, velocity increases with distance from the Euler pole. Northern India (Leh, Delhi) shows lower velocities, while southern regions (Maldives, Kanyakumari) show the highest velocities of the Indian Plate.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding plate velocity in the ITRF.
Plate velocity is measured with respect to the \textit{International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF)}, which is essentially a global geodetic coordinate system fixed relative to Earth’s center of mass. In this frame, points on tectonic plates move according to the rotation of the plate around its Euler pole. Step 2: Location of the Euler pole for the Indian Plate.
The Euler pole for the Indian Plate lies to the north of India, near the Himalayas. Plate motion speed increases as one moves farther away from the Euler pole (similar to how linear velocity increases away from the axis of a rotating wheel). Step 3: Comparing the given locations.
- Leh (Ladakh): Closer to the Euler pole in the Himalayas $\Rightarrow$ lower velocity.
- Delhi: Relatively north-central, still closer to Euler pole $\Rightarrow$ moderate velocity.
- Bengaluru: Located further south $\Rightarrow$ higher velocity than Delhi/Leh.
- Maldives: Southernmost among the given options, farthest from the Euler pole $\Rightarrow$ maximum velocity. Step 4: Conclusion.
Since plate velocity is maximum at the point farthest from the Euler pole, among the given options, the Maldives records the maximum plate velocity. \[ \boxed{\text{The maximum measured plate velocity is at Maldives.}} \]