Development of ground fissures: A case study from southern parts of Uttar Pradesh, India

In recent past several incidences of ground fissures have been reported from different parts of Uttar Pradesh. The area had witnessed several drought years followed by heavy rainfall, immediately after which the fissures were noticed. This had been a cause of concern for the public and planners in general and the scientific community in particular. The authors carried out investigation of these fissures for identifying possible mechanism for their development. The studies have indicated that sudden heavy rainfall after several drought years along with the composition of the soil profile, lowering of base level of erosion in the nearby major streams are the triggering factor in the development of the cracks. The sub-surface piping inside the ground at shallow depth and collapse of the overburden inside the pipe is the possible mechanism for their formation. The development of ground fissures/cracks is a local phenomenon, related to aseismic causes and as such there does not appear to create a panic situation. As the large trees with branching roots, were not affected by the ground fissures, the plantation of such trees may prevent the areas from further extension and development of ground cracks.