Evolution of the Ladakh Magmatic Arc Decoded

In March 2026, scientists from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology decoded the evolution of the Ladakh Magmatic Arc (LMA) in the northwest Himalaya.

  • The study reveals a ~130-million-year record of plate tectonic processes.

What is the Ladakh Magmatic Arc (LMA)?

  • A belt of igneous rocks in the Trans-Himalaya.
  • Formed between Jurassic to Eocene (201-34 million years ago).
  • Represents an ancient volcanic arc system.
  • Created due to subduction of the Neo-Tethys Oceanic plate.

What is Subduction?

  • A plate tectonic process where one tectonic plate sinks beneath another.
  • Occurs at convergent plate boundaries.
  • Generates magma, volcanoes and mountain-building processes.

Geological Background

  • Region was once under the Neo-Tethys ....
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