Bengal Fan, Submarine fan in Bay of Bengal, India.
The Bengal Fan is a submarine fan beneath the Bay of Bengal formed by sediments from the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers flowing through underwater canyons. This massive seafloor feature slopes down the continental margin where rivers have continuously deposited material for millions of years.
Scientists discovered and mapped this seafloor structure in the 1960s using advanced underwater survey techniques. The sediment layers contain geological records stretching back over tens of millions of years, documenting how this region evolved.
The fan formation connects to the Swatch of No Ground canyon, creating habitats for multiple cetacean species including dolphins and Bryde's whales.
This feature lies several kilometers beneath the water surface and is accessible only through remote sensing equipment and deep-sea vessels. Researchers use specialized ships with advanced technology to study the structure.
This deep-sea system holds fossil remains showing how the Indian subcontinent shifted millions of years ago through geological processes. The sediments tell a story of continental movements that shaped the landscapes and ocean spaces of today.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
