Mid-oceanic ridges are the primary sites of generation of new crust, host mineral resources, and support unique ecosystems. The program envisages the discovery of active hydrothermal vent fields in the northern Indian Ocean

a) Objectives:

Characterization of slow spreading the Carlsberg and Central Indian ridge in terms of tectonic, volcanic and hydrothermal processes and to delineate the zones of hydrothermal mineralization, and their relation with seafloor and sub seafloor ecosystems

b) Participating Institutions

• National Institute of Oceanography, Goa
• National Centre for Antarctic & Ocean Research, Goa

c) Implementation Plans

1. Multi-beam mapping, acquisition of geophysical data (grav & Mag), seabed sampling and CTD and Miniature Autonomous Plume Recorder (MAPRs) observations along the Carlsberg Ridge & Central Indian Ridge to discover new vent fields as well as delineate the zones of hydrothermal mineralization.
2. Develop methodologies to locate vents more efficiently – conduct deep-tow, AUV-ROV combination nested survey.
3. Vent specific surveys and experiments. ROV surveys around the active vents to identify the locations of inactive vents and it locate the zones of hydrothermal mineralization suitable for future mining
4. Andaman Sea: Imaging the subducting Indian Plate. Influence of arc volcanism and back arc spreading on the geodynamics of Andaman Sea

d) Deliverables:

1. Delineation of Tectonic, structural and magmatic zones
2. High resolution swath bathymetric maps and seafloor images
3. Deep-crustal structure along selected transects
4. Hydrothermal mineralization zones
5. Maps showing active hydrothermal vent field in the Indian Ocean
6. Anomalous hydrographic zones in relation to Hydrothermal systems
7. Zones of hydrothermal mineralization

e) Budget requirement : 105.00 crores

(Rs. In crores)