Stretching between Pamban Island, also known as Rameswaram Island, off the southeastern coast of Tamil Nadu, India, and Mannar Island, off the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka, lies the most controversial, yet fascinating chain of natural limestone shoals. This geological marvel, often referred to as Ram Setu or Adam's Bridge, has intrigued scholars and believers for centuries as a potential ancient land connection between India and Sri Lanka.
However, the origins of Ram Setu remain cloaked in debate, exacerbated by NASA's clarification that remote sensing images cannot definitively determine the formation's genesis or age.
Nevertheless, the recent unveiling of a striking image by the European Space Agency (ESA), captured by its Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite, has brought this enigmatic structure back into the spotlight. The satellites are equipped with an advanced wide swath high-resolution multispectral imager featuring 13 spectral bands.
The ESA's image provides a fresh perspective, showcasing dry sandbanks and revealing the surrounding sea's shallow depth — ranging from 1 to 10 metres — distinguished by its light hue. Mannar Island, spanning 130 square kilometres, is connected to mainland Sri Lanka by both road and railway bridges visible at the island's southern end. On the Indian side, Pamban Island is accessible via the iconic 2-km-long Pamban Bridge and is home to vibrant towns like Pamban and Rameswaram, rich in cultural and historical heritage.
Beyond folklore, both segments of Ram Setu are integral to protected national parks in their respective countries. The sand dunes serve as vital breeding grounds for birds such as the brown noddy, while the shallow waters support diverse marine life, including various fish species and seagrasses. The area is also a sanctuary for dolphins, dugongs, and turtles, highlighting the ecological significance of this natural wonder.
Historical records suggest that Ram Setu was passable until the 15th century, gradually succumbing to natural forces through relentless storms over the years.
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