2nd Triennial Congress

Federation of Indian Geosciences Associations 2nd Triennial Congress On
Geosciences For Sustainable Development Goals

13-16 October 2019

Venue: CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad
Jointly Organized by
Association of Exploration Geophysicists
Indian Geophysical Union &
CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute
In conjunction with the Annual Conventions of IGU, GSI,AEG, AHI, PSI & ISES

SYMPOSIA TOPICS

Special Symposia on Centenary celebrations of AGU (American Geophysical Union) & IUGG (International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics)

LITHOSPHERIC STRUCTURE AND GEODYNAMICS

The lithosphere is repository of several short and long-term Deformation Processes, viz short term geodetic-earthquake cycle to long term orogenesis including crust – mantle interaction on local to regional scale. The time and spatial scale dependent geodynamic processes recycle the lithosphere producing unique mineral assemblage, rock suite, tectonic-structural setup and geomorphic expressions. These resulted mineralogical and lithological uniqueness and tectonic fabrics provide opportunity to explore various geodynamic processes and resource and hazard localization. This session invites contributions on lithospheric structure and composition, dynamics and their shallow-sub-surface manifestations explored through geological and geophysical methods.

ORGANISED BY

Federation of Geosciences Associations (FIGA) and American Geophysical Union (AGU)

CONVENERS :  VM Tiwari, D Srinagesh and AK Pandey
                           CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute
                            director@ngri.res.in, srinagesh@ngri.res.in, akpngri@gmail.com

MARINE GEO-SCIENCES AND OCEAN SYSTEM

 The oceans, which occupy more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, play a pivotal role in shaping the lives of mankind. The fast depleting terrestrial resources led to a resurgence of commercial and scientific interest for exploration of marine mineral resources that include polymetallic nodules, polymetallic sulphides and cobalt-rich crusts and many other marine minerals and energy resources. This requires mapping of seafloor and identification of prospective structural-morphological features by marine exploration and extraction by technological advancement. The origin of Indian Ocean Geoid Low (IOGL) has baffled geoscientists, and an innovative approach and explanation are required to get a convincing answer, probably by geophysical experiments. Further, the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) is an international collaborative consortium that explores Earth’s history, geodynamics, paleoclimates using unique ocean-drilling facilities to recover geological archives stored in the seafloor sediments and underlying rocks.

Delineation of both shallow and crustal structures along the Indian margin including the ridges and basins is very important in terms of understanding the tectonics, evolution of basins and ridges break-up of Gondwana land, India-Eurasia collision, regional climate change, erosional processes of Himalaya, and evaluation of energy resources. Fundamental questions related to all these can be answered from a well-designed program of geological sampling and geophysical experiments.

In view of this, it is proposed to organize a half-day session on recent developments in marine geosciences and future perspectives for the benefit of Science and Society with following themes:

  • Seabed mapping
  • Exploration of marine mineral resources
  • Indian Ocean Geoid Low
  • International Ocean Discovery Program
  • Geophysical experiments along the Continental margins
  • Geological sampling at Sea

ORGANISED BY

Indian Geophysical Union (IGU), National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR)

CONVENERS:   Dr. Kalachand Sain, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology and
                          Dr.M. Ravichandran, ESSO-National Centre for Polar & Ocean Research
Kalachandsain7@gmail.com, mravi@ncaor.gov.in

COUPLING BETWEEN EARTH SYSTEM PROCESSES AND ITS MANIFESTATION IN THE HUMANOSPHERE

The physical Earth system comprises of geosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, atmosphere, ionosphere and even magnetosphere. These subsystems are dynamic, intricately complex and divided, yet interconnected by various coupling processes. Consequently, continuous transfer of matter and energy taking place among these layers by various pathways(e.g. mechanical, chemical, thermal, EM). The energy that drives these processes comes mainly from the Sun and sources within the Earth. This session mainly focuses on some of the coupling processes in the Earth system having their manifestations in the humanosphere eand that influence the human activities in appropriate spatio-temporal scales.

The Earth’s core is hot and radiates heat, causing convection currents in the mantle, which in turn,cause movement of tectonic plates, resulting in mountain building, earthquakes etc. The electrical currents produced by the coupling of convective effects and rotation of the metallic outer core produce the Earth’s magnetic field (convective dynamo).The magnetic field is extremely important for sustaining life in the humanosphere. Climate is yet another complex framework arising as a consequence of interaction between hydrosphere, cryosphere, atmosphere and solar radiation. Thus, we have a wide range of research aspects to cover the above, but confining to the magneto-hydro-dynamics, plate tectonics and interplate coupling, paleo and environmental magnetism, glacial isostatic adjustment, etc.

Far away from the Earth’s surface, the solar wind, the magnetosphere and the upper layers of the Earth’s atmosphere form a coupled system and this geospace is driven by the transfer of energy and momentum from the sun’s solar wind to the magnetosphere and ionosphere. Variations in the solar wind energy can lead to the disruptions of space- and ground-based systems that are caused by enhanced currents flowing into and out of the ionosphere and magnetosphere. These studies immensely help in understanding thespace weather phenomena in near Earth environment. Space weather forecast helps satellite communication (including navigation) and in mitigating the damage/performance of the technological systems on Earth and in space.

On the other hand, the upper atmosphere is also disturbed by lithospheric disturbances e.g.earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, human activities (e.g. nuclear explosions) etc. These seismo-ionospheric perturbations that are readily observed in TEC and airglow can be monitored using both ground and space based optical and radio techniques and can be used as a proxy to study the coupling and energy transfer processes in the Lithosphere-Atmosphere-Ionosphere (LAI) coupled system. With the advances in monitoring ionospheric parameters, the ability to trace the earthquake- and tsunami-induced perturbations in the ionosphere had assumed great promise in recent years, with societal implications, in particular, in the area of tsunami warning(with better understanding on ocean-atmosphere coupling).

Various facets of this theme are multi-disciplinary and are expected to bring synergy across the Earth system scientists with allied scientific programs. We invite presentations relevant to the above mentioned themes dealing with experiments, data analysis, modeling and theoretical aspects that enunciate comprehensive understanding of the Earth system coupling processes focusing on the following themes:

  • Coupling processes within the solid Earth, Hydrosphere and Cryosphere
  • Seismic imprints in Lithosphere-Atmosphere-Ionosphere coupled system
  • Coupling processes in Geospace in response to the incoming solar energy
  • Modelling and numerical simulations of various coupling processes in the Earth system and their implications for our future understanding of the humanosphere

ORGANISED BY

Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG)

CONVENER         : S. Gurubaran
CO-CONVENERS: Gopi Seemala and Mala Bagiya

PARTICIPATING INSTITUTES: IIG, NGRI, NCPS, NIO, NIOT, INCOIS, NCESS, ISR, NCS, PRL, SAC, IITM,
                                                   AIRS, GMRT(NCRA), IITs, Dibrugarh, Mumbai, Shivaji and Andhra Universities

MINERAL EXPLORATION – CHALLENGES FOR NEW DISCOVERIES

Minerals are a major resource for the core sectors of the economy. There is a huge demand for minerals in view of the rapid urbanization and the projected growth in the manufacturing sector. With the thrust on Make in India initiative the demand for minerals is likely to grow at a rapid pace. Exploration and exploitation of different mineral resources of minerals has to be guided by long-term national goals and perspectives and integrated into the overall strategy of economic development.

 It is an ever continuing challenge faced by the earth scientists and technologists to enlarge the scope of mineral finds through better understanding of their evolutionary processes, localization, application of latest techniques for their identification, assessment and economic exploration. Geophysical studies always play a vital role in exploration of buried ore deposits. Rapid depletion of surface and shallow sub-surface deposits warrants immediate implementation of exploration technology for deposits buried under considerable cover. In this era of technological innovation, exploration techniques for exploitation of deep seated ore bodies up to a depth of 2500m do exist but with high cost of investment and expensive exploration methodologies. World over it is recognized that success rate in mineral discovery in soil-covered and concealed mineralized rock formations is significantly enhanced through combination of deep geological understanding that is supported by favourable geochemical and geophysical considerations. In these lines, India has also targeted to cover the remaining potential land mass of the country by aero-geophysical, ground geochemical and geophysical survey. India has a vast area under its Territorial Waters and Exclusive Economic Zone.

 Preliminary mineral exploration surveys have shown potentiality of mineral occurrence off the coast on either sides of Peninsular India. At present, the marine exploration is mainly confined to surface mapping and sampling of seabed to estimate mineral resources contained in the unconsolidated marine sediments. The Ninety Degree East Ridge in the Bay of Bengal is an extensive mega-linear submarine structure known for modern day ore forming mineral muds. Co-Ni-Mn-Fe bearing nodules at the ocean floor are recorded off the coast of India. This provides a considerable scope for mineral targeting in offshore areas of India.

Thoughtful application of new technologies and methods is important to improve success rate of mineral discoveries.

Understanding the importance of Mineral Exploration, symposium on above topic is planned covering following themes:

1. Mineral Exploration including Coal and Atomic Minerals
2. Innovative Geophysical Exploration Technologies: Closing the discovery Gap
3. New Minerals Discoveries and developments
4. Advanced modelling ,inversion and geological interpretation of Geophysical data

ORGANISED BY

Association of Exploration Geophysicists (AEG) and Geological Society of India (GSI)

CONVENERS:   Dr. A.K. Chaturvedi, Former Addl. Director, Atomic Minerals Directorate
                          JV Rama Rao, Director (Geophysics) Geological Survey of India
                          anandlko57@gmail.com, rarajammi@rediffmail.com

ADVANCES IN HYDROCARBON AND ALTERNATE ENERGY RESOURCES

Though efforts are on for switching over to renewable and green energy, no major breakthrough has taken place in these areas. Till date, more than 80% of world’s energy requirement is met by fossil fuels, and it is envisaged that fossil fuels will remain as the main sources of global energy for some decades. Since the era of finding oil at ease is almost over, industries are desperately lookingfor the exploration of conventional hydrocarbons in difficult terrains like the thrust fold belt, volcanic rock covered areas, deep water regions; unconventional energy resources such as the shale gas/oil, coal bed methane (CBM), gas hydrates, basement fractures etc.; or alternate energy resources such as the solar, wind, nuclear, geothermal, hydrogen, hydroelectric, biomass, biofuels, etc. Again, only 27-30% of oil is produced economically from a productive reservoir by conventional methods; additional 5- 35% can be extracted by altering physiochemical properties of reservoirs by enhanced oil recovery (EOR). All these need advanced methodologies and innovative approaches for successful exploration & exploitation, realization, and production of energy for sustainable development. As a step forward in reducing the carbon footprint or global warming, the carbon capture, utilization &storage (CCUS) experiment is also considered as one of the best alternatives.

Understanding the importance of energy security, a half-day symposium on above topic is planned with following themes:

1. Petroleum System
2. Advances in Reservoir Characterisation,
3. Unconventional Energy Resources: Gas hydrates, Shale gas, CBM
4. Sub-volcanic Mesozoics and Thrust fold belt
5. EOR and CCUS
6. Advances in Reservoir Characterization

ORGANISED BY

Society for Petroleum Geophysicists (SPG), Indian Geophysical Union (IGU)
and Association of Exploration Geophysicists (AEG)

CONVENERS:  Sri Rajeev Tandon, Keshava Deva Malaviya Instt.of Petroleum Exploration
                         Dr. Kalachand Sain, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology and
                         Dr. A.K. Chaturvedi, Former Addl. Director, Atomic Minerals Directorate
                         tandon_rajeev@ongc.co.in, kalachandsain7@gmail.com, anandlko57@gmail.com

UNDERSTANDING AND COMBATING NATURAL HAZARDS

The symposium will cover developing resilience for natural hazards viz. earthquakes, landslide, floods and tsunami. Topics may cover the role of Geosciences for Disaster Risk Reduction; Prediction, Preparedness and Prevention of Disasters and Models for Sustainable Future. We aim to discuss recent progress on hazard and risk analysis. In particular, we welcome contributions related to the following topics:

  • Data compilation and harmonization for use in hazard and risk assessment,
  • Modelling techniques;
  • Case studies of hazard and risk assessment analyses completed at the regional, national as well as site specific level; risk assessment.

There will also be a special session on Fani cyclone with a scientific appraisal of its origin, dynamics, impact and the combating measures.

ORGANISED BY

Indian Society for Earth Quake Studies,
ESSO-National Centre for Earth Science Studies
and India Meteorological Department

CONVENERS:  Dr. B.K. Rastogi, ISES and
                         Dr. P.C. Rao, ESSO-National Centre for Earth Science Studies
                         Dr. M. Mohapatra, India Meteorological Department
 bkrastogi12@gmail.com, pcrao.ncess@gmail.com, mohapatra@imd.gov.in

WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT UNDER CHANGING ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE

Symposium is to bring together the experts, young researchers and students from government, private sector and educational institutions to deliberate upon the lessons learned from the research studies, projects implemented and tools available to bring out methods and ways for management of water resources under the changing climatic and environmental conditions for the benefit of community. The symposium aims to achieve this by bringing together the parties engaged in water resources management to arrive at the dynamics of the present resources and invite papers on successful field based studies on this aspect. The symposium will also critically assess the importance of scientific knowledge while formulating plans for management and strengthening of water resources in the region. Extreme hydrological events and their impact on hydrological regime and the human activity, importance of protecting the ecological characteristics and health of the river system to balance and cope up with the human needs, role of water quality in water energy and food nexus, sustained management of ground water both from quantity and quality aspects and its protection from emerging pollutants are expected to be discussed at symposia focussing on the following themes:

  • Innovative exploration methods
  • Extreme events – prediction and mitigation
  • Integrated water resource management
  • Ecological Imbalance and eco hydrology
  • Urbanization and its impact
  • Waste water reuse
  • Water quality – emerging contaminants

ORGANISED BY

Association of Hydrologists of India (AHI), Geological Society of India (GSI) and
International Association for Hydrological Sciences (IAHS)

CONVENERS:  Prof. L Elango, Anna University
                         Dr. T.N. Venugopal, Geological Society of India
                         Prof. P. Rama Rao, Andhra University
elango@annauniv.edu, tn.venugopal02@gmail.com, raorpaluri@gmail.com

YOUNG GEOSCIENTISTS CONCLAVE

Young scientists are the drivers of innovation and growth of any nation. Role of young geoscience community is more imminent in the success of national development plan, achieving the sustainable development goals and general enhancement of science and knowledge. The foundations in place to develop a fleet of young scientists play a major role in career building, capacity building at national level and produce next generation knowledge producers. To enable young scientists to come up with emerging ideas on various aspects of geosciences and the related, a dedicated session is organised. Young scientists below the age of 35 are invited to submit abstracts on any topic of geosciences. Selected papers will be invited for oral and poster presentations. Interdisciplinary topics are encouraged.

HIMALAYAN CRYOSPHERE: CLIMATE INTERACTIONS, CONSEQUENCES AND FUTURE TRENDS

Himalayan Cryosphere holds the largest reservoir of fresh water outside the Poles that caters to the demands of billions of people. Snow and glaciers are integral and important component of the cryosphere, with distinct water storage and release capabilities. Climate change is resulting in widespread shrinkage of the cryosphere and climatic perturbations are significantly affecting the timing and magnitude of the water release.Accurate quantification and comprehensive monitoring of snow and glacier changes are thus crucial.However, the response of cryosphere to climate change is complex and spatially heterogeneous, which requires detailed investigations pertaining to its dynamics,factors and processes governing its hydrological response. Besides, climate-induced instability has dramatically enhanced the frequency and enormity of the associated hazards. For example, enhanced glacier melting promotes the formation of glacial lakes which may drain catastrophically and pose significant risks to the downstream communities.Under the threat of climate change it is essential to evaluate and quantify the degree and impact of changes in the Himalayan cryosphere.The advancement in equipment and computation techniques would help in better preparedness for the current cryospheric challenges and advancing our knowledge towards predicting the future evolutionary trends.

Given the importance of the Himalayan cryosphere and climate change impacts, a half-day symposium on above topic is planned covering following themes:

  • Snow cover distribution and it’s variability across Himalaya
  • Dynamics of the Himalayan glaciers
  • Snow and glacial hydrology<
  • Cryospheric Hazards

ORGANISED BY

Indian Geophysical Union (IGU), Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG),
ESSO-National Centre for Polar & Ocean Research (NCPOR)

CONVENERS:   Dr. D.P. Dobhal, Dr.Rakesh Bhambri, and Amit Kumar
                          Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology
dpdobhal@wihg.res.in, rakeshbhambri@wihg.res.in, amitwalia@wihg.res.in

WORK SHOP ON SYNERGIC MANAGEMENT OF WATER RESOURCES IN CHANGING CLIMATE

Water resources are important to both society and ecosystem. We depend on a reliable, clean supply of drinking water to sustain our health. We also need water for agriculture, energy production, navigation, recreation and manufacturing. Many of these uses put pressure on water resources, stresses that are likely to be exacerbated by climate change. In many regions climate change is likely to increase water demand while shrinking water supplies. This shifting balance would challenge water managers to simultaneously meet the needs of growing communities, sensitive ecosystem, farmers, energy producers and manufactures. In some areas, water shortages will be less of a problem than increases in runoff, flooding, or sea level rise. These effects can reduces the quality of water and can damage the infrastructure that we use to transport and deliver water. Under the changing climatic conditions with extreme events it is very important to properly manage the available water resources.

This work shop aims to bring together the experts, young researchers and students from various government, private sector and educational institutions.

This workshop focus on aspects such as:

  • Climate change impacts on water resources
  • Extreme precipitation over India
  • Trends in rainfall and peak flows
  • Urban flooding
  • Ground water quality of post flood event
  • Ground water management using numerical modelling
  • Development of downscaling models
  • Water evaluation and planning model
  • Integrated water management

PARTICIPANTS
Researchers, scientists, engineers, academicians, managers, policy makers & volunteers working in different aspects of hydrology and water resources development and management.

COURSE FEE:
Rs.5,000/- payable through D.D. in favour of Convener, 2ndTriennial Congress of Federation of Indian Geosciences Associations.

FOCAL THEME

Geosciences for Sustainable Development Goals is the congress focal theme. The Technological and socioeconomic performances have been facing multifaceted challenges throughout the globe. Change in natural systems and associated processes accelerated by anthropogenic interventions, has been inducing unforeseen complexities in the process of development and sustainability. The need and scope for utility of geosciences knowledge is pervading almost in all fields of life on the Earth apart from the management of natural resources and a healthy environment. The multiple scale interactions of ecosystems with the process-response characteristics of both living and non living resources and systems are observed to control the productivity and sustainability. The role of Geosciences is getting more and more prominent not only in Earth science disciplines, but also in Life and Environmental sciences demanding scientific strategies towards sustainability. It is time to understand Geosciences with a synergic approach and transforming the elements of education and use of geosciences towards sustainability of human life and the earth resources with a focus on water, energy, climate change, natural hazards etc., which is inevitable. Earth Sciences, being a historical and interpretative science can educate the society on interactions in coupled human – environmental systems based on the recognition of various manifestations and various process- response manifestations at different spatial and temporal scales.

In addition this discipline can provide meaningful inputs as it comprehends and embeds on quantifiable scientific uncertainty and extreme events. Despite many such advantages with built in geologic reasoning for sustainable science, geoscientists have not been active participants in the development and adoption of this emerging science. The economic transformations and the developments in science and technology in India demands a multi disciplinary approach.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations aspiringly aim to end global poverty, fight injustice and inequality, and ensure environmental sustainability by 2030. Various geosciences aspects like climate change, energy resources, Agro geoscience, engineering geology, geohazards, geo heritage, water resources, hydrogeology and contaminant geology, mineral and rock resources significantly contribute to the realization of all most all the agreed SDGs. Improved engagement of geosciences community and use of geoscientific knowledge base for national and international development will play a major role in realizing such goals.

CSIR-NGRI THE HOST

CSIR- National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), a constituent research laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) was established in 1961 with the mission to carry out research in multidisciplinary areas of the highly complex structure and processes of the Earth system and its extensively interlinked subsystems. The research activities fall broadly under three themes: Geodynamics, which revolve round investigating and modelling fundamental aspects of the Earth system and processes, Earthquake Hazards, which encompass features on the surface and subsurface of crust which may potentially endanger lives and properties through catastrophes like earthquakes and landslides as well as deterioration in pollution levels of groundwater and soil, changes in climatic conditions and associated environmental issues. The theme Natural Resources comprise of implementation of techniques to identify primary geo resources, which are the pillars of human civilization and fount of economic growth like groundwater, hydrocarbons as well as alternate energy sources and minerals. The Institute is structured into seven major R&D Groups and twenty one Activities, which include expertise in a variety of geophysical, geochemical, geological techniques like Seismology, Magnetotellurics, GPS, Paleo seismology, Structural geology, Controlled source seismic, Gravity and Magnetics, Geochemistry, Geochronology, Paleomagnetism, Planetary geology, Geomagnetism, Airborne geophysics, Shallow subsurface geophysics and Rock Mechanics, Hydrochemistry, Paleo-environmental studies and Modelling and simulation of Earth processes. With scientists, technical staff, project researchers and PhD students close to 400 along with state-of-art computational and laboratory facilities and nationwide network of observation sites, NGRI in partnership with sister agencies, public sector and private industries is committed to address the challenges of the near future and bring the benefits of science to impact societal priorities.