Moho Depth Estimation: Himalaya, Ganga Plain, Bay of Bengal

The depth of the Moho discontinuity (the boundary between the Earth's crust and mantle) varies based on the type and geological history of the overlying crust.

Understanding Moho Depth Factors

• Oceanic Crust: Generally thinner and denser, resulting in a shallower Moho depth.
• Continental Crust: Thicker and less dense than oceanic crust, leading to a deeper Moho.
• Orogenic Belts (Mountain Ranges): Areas like the Himalaya, formed by continental collision and crustal thickening, exhibit significantly thicker crust and therefore the deepest Moho.

Moho Depth Analysis for Locations

• Bay of Bengal: Primarily oceanic crust, expected to have the shallowest Moho depth.
• Ganga Plain: Represents a stable continental platform with moderately thick continental crust, thus having an intermediate Moho depth.
• Himalaya: A major orogenic belt with extremely thick continental crust due to intense compression and crustal shortening, resulting in the deepest Moho depth.

Correct Order of Moho Depth

Based on the geological characteristics:

Moho depth is greatest beneath the Himalaya, intermediate beneath the Ganga plain, and shallowest beneath the Bay of Bengal.

Therefore, the correct order is: Himalaya > Ganga plain > Bay of Bengal.