VARKALA CLIFF: A NATIONAL GEOLOGICAL HERITAGE SITE
1. What is the significance of the cliff overlooking the beach at Varkala?
• The cliff at Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram is a national geological heritage site.
2. When was the Varkala cliff declared a National Geological Monument?
• In 2014, the red cliffs at Varkala were declared the 27th National Geological Monument by the Geological Survey of India (GSI).
3. Why was the Varkala cliff designated as a National Geological Monument?
• The designation is the first step towards setting up a national geo-park, recognizing its unique geological formation.
4. What is the composition of the Varkala cliff?
• The top layer is strong laterite for 3-4 meters, and below that are much softer layers of sandstone and carbonaceous clay.
5. What geological issues are affecting the Varkala cliff?
• The softer layers below the laterite are struggling to hold the top layer, causing instability when rainwater or wastewater seeps through.
6. What causes parts of the cliff to cave in?
• Seepage of water through cracks in the laterite surface reaches the soft layer below, causing parts of the cliff to cave in.
7. What could prevent the cliff from caving in?
• A proper drainage mechanism could prevent water from seeping through and causing instability in the cliff.
8. Who is responsible for the declaration of National Geological Monuments in India?
• The Geological Survey of India (GSI) is responsible for declaring National Geological Monuments.
9. What is the main material holding the Varkala cliff together?
• The laterite layer at the top is the main material holding the cliff together.
10. What actions are being taken to preserve the Varkala cliff?
• Declaring the cliff as a National Geological Monument is the first step towards establishing a national geo-park for its preservation.
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