What Is the Reason Behind Morbi Well Water Shaking?
What is the reason behind Morbi well water shaking? Officials have ruled out an earthquake link after a village well in Gujarat showed continuous water movement that went viral on social media. District authorities believe heavy rainfall, groundwater recharge and trapped air release beneath rocks may have caused the disturbance. A scientific team from Gandhinagar will investigate further.
Residents of a village in Gujarat’s Morbi district were left concerned after water in a local well began shaking continuously, leading to speculation that the unusual movement could be linked to an earthquake. Videos showing ripples and movement on the water surface circulated widely on social media, attracting people to the site to witness the phenomenon.
However, preliminary investigations by authorities have ruled out any connection with seismic activity. Officials said the unusual movement is likely linked to groundwater recharge after heavy rainfall and the release of trapped air beneath the surface. Gujarat: Unexplained Waves in Morbi Well Spark Probe, Seismic Activity Ruled Out; Video Surfaces.
Waves in Morbi Well Spark Probe
What Is the Reason Behind Morbi Well Water Movement?
Morbi District Geologist JS Vadher said initial investigations found no evidence that the well’s movement was caused by an earthquake or tectonic activity. "This is not seismic activity. Prima facie, it appears that following heavy upstream rainfall, groundwater is recharging and air trapped in the pore spaces of rocks is being released, causing the disturbance in the well," Vadher explained.
Officials said the recent heavy rainfall in upstream areas may have increased groundwater levels significantly. As water moves through underground rock formations, it can compress and push out trapped air through fractures and small spaces. The release of this air may create bubbling effects and continuous ripples, making the water appear to shake. Gujarat Government Bans Analogue Paneer, Cheese and Butter; Here's Why.
Although authorities have ruled out an immediate earthquake threat, further investigation is being carried out to determine the exact geological reason behind the phenomenon.
Morbi District Collector Swapnil Khare said the Gujarat government has been informed about the incident and a scientific team from Gandhinagar will visit the location. "We have informed the Gujarat government about it, and a team from Gandhinagar will visit the site for further investigation," Khare said.
Khare also said: "District geologists visited the site.. their assessment suggests the water movement is likely caused by trapped air beneath the water. As the trapped air shifts, it creates movement on the water's surface," Khare said.
No Tremors Reported in Area
Authorities also consulted the Institute of Seismological Research (ISR) in Gandhinagar, which reportedly confirmed that no seismic event was detected in the area. Officials said there is no active fault line near the location, further reducing the possibility that the well movement was caused by an earthquake.
Gujarat has experienced an active monsoon season this year, with several districts receiving heavy to extremely heavy rainfall.
Multiple low-pressure systems over the Arabian Sea and central India have brought widespread rainfall, causing flooding in parts of Saurashtra and Kutch while also increasing water levels in reservoirs, rivers and underground aquifers.
Experts said groundwater-related disturbances can occur during periods of intense rainfall and aquifer recharge, although such events are uncommon.
Other Possible Geological Explanations Under Study
Scientists are expected to examine several possibilities, including changes in groundwater pressure caused by increased recharge during the monsoon.
Another possibility being studied is whether the structure and depth of the well are amplifying underground pressure movements through a phenomenon known as well seiche or resonance.
Experts may also examine whether the well is connected to underground fractures or cavities that could make it more sensitive to changes below the surface.
The detailed investigation is expected to identify the exact geological process behind the unusual water movement and provide clarity to residents who initially feared it could be an earthquake warning.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 07, 2026 02:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).