Title: Tectonics controls and hydrothermal processes along the slow spreading mid-ocean ridges and Andaman trench-backarc system, Indian Ocean

Vision: To understand the tectonic processes and their interaction with hydrosphere and biosphere along the Indian Ridge System and the Backarc Basin

Objectives :

• Characterization of mid-ocean ridges and Andaman backarc spreading center in terms of tectonic, volcanic, and hydrothermal processes.
• Decipher emplacement tectonics of ultramafic rocks at the ridge-transform intersections and their genesis.
• Delineation of zones of hydrothermal mineralization and location of polymetallic massive sulphides.
• Influence of hydrothermal processes on the seafloor and sub-seafloor ecosystems using physical, chemical and biological parameters.
• To understand the deep crustal structure and tectonics of the Andaman subduction zone encompassing trench-arc-back-arc system.

Team Members:
Mudholkar, A.V.
Gracias, D.
Moraes, C..
Paropkari, A.L.
Valsangkar, A.B.
Kaisary, S.
Rao, P.S.
Chaubey, A.K.
Ray, Durbar
Prabaharan, N .
Rao, B.R.L.
Naik, B.G.
Walker, G.A.

General Description :

Mid-ocean ridges - Significance

• Mid-oceanic ridges are the primary site of volcanic activity and the site of creation of new crust on the planet.
• Exert a major influence on the evolution of the solid earth, affect the composition of the ocean waters and support unique forms of life.
  
• It is estimated that about 25% of the Earth's total heat flux is transferred to the hydrosphere through thermal convection related to volcanic and hydrothermal activity associated with mid oceanic ridges.

Ridge related research activities have been undertaken by the Institute with limited funding from DOD, DST and CSIR during the ninth plan period. Enthused by the preliminary results, an interdisciplinary program was proposed as a major activity for the tenth-five year period, with the specific aim of studying in detail CR-CIR and Andaman backarc spreading systems. The inter-disciplinary exploration program aims to understand the tectonic and oceanic processes occurring at these dynamic plate boundaries. The investigations lead to the demarcation of the zones of hydrothermal mineralization and have scope for the identification of active hydrothermal vent sites.