Advances in Marine Geophysical Studies of the Indian Ocean: Contributions from India (2010-2015)

Abstract

Indian scientists carrying marine geophysical research at different Earth Science institutions have made significant advances
during the last six years (2012-2015) for understanding evolution of continental margins of India and deep sea regions. The
investigations were mostly focused on continental margins of India encompassing deep-water regions, mid-ocean ridges,
aseismic ridges and Andaman Sea including the back-arc basin. The studies were aimed at unraveling the tectonic and
physical processes associated with evolution of the margins, ocean basins, volcanic structures, etc. In addition, industryrelated
research for mapping of energy resources such as gas hydrates and hydrocarbons was also carried out in rifted basins
on Eastern Continental Margin of India. The investigations were successfully carried out with integration of several
geophysical datasets available at National Institute of Oceanography, India, National Geophysical Data Center, USA and
petroleum industries, and by acquiring new geophysical data and geological sampling. In this report we describe major
outcomes of the investigations focused on specific geological aspects of the Indian Ocean. Investigations carried out by
individual works are also included in the bibliography.