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Indian Ocean Geoid Low: Unraveling 140 Million Years of Secrets

10/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Indian Ocean Geoid Low (IOGL) is a gravity anomaly south of India, 330 feet below the global average, first noted in 1948.
Computer simulations indicate mantle plumes began shaping the IOGL around 20 million years ago.
The IOGL results reflect 140 million years of interactions between sinking slabs and rising plumes, relying on gravity data, seismic analysis, and geodynamic models, with further seismic data needed for more precise insights.

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Story summary

The Indian Ocean Geoid Low (IOGL) is a gravity anomaly south of India, 330 feet below the global average, first noted in 1948.
Computer simulations indicate mantle plumes began shaping the IOGL around 20 million years ago.
The IOGL results reflect 140 million years of interactions between sinking slabs and rising plumes, relying on gravity data, seismic analysis, and geodynamic models, with further seismic data needed for more precise insights.