SOURCE: AFI
The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) has announced a significant milestone in oceanic research with the successful execution of the first high-resolution deep sea exploration and imaging at approximately 4500 meters depth at the Hydrothermal Sulphides fields located in the Central and South West Indian Ridges in the Southern Indian Ocean. This pioneering mission was accomplished in December 2024, during an expedition aboard the research vessel ‘Sagar Nidhi.’
The expedition was spearheaded by Dr. N.R. Ramesh, Scientist-G at NIOT, with contributions from a team of scientists from NIOT and the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR). This collaborative effort utilized the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) known as the Ocean Mineral Explorer-OMe 6000, which is part of NIOT’s assets under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
The mission aimed at studying the hydrothermal sulphides, which are significant for understanding oceanic geological processes and potential mineral resources. Hydrothermal vents are known to be hotspots of biodiversity in the deep sea and are of great scientific interest due to their unique ecosystems and mineral deposits, including valuable metals like copper, zinc, and gold.
This was the first time such an exploration had been undertaken at these specific sites, showcasing India’s growing capabilities in deep-sea research and technology. The OMe 6000 AUV, designed for deep-water exploration, allowed for detailed imaging and mapping of the sea floor, capturing high-resolution data that is crucial for scientific analysis.
The use of the OMe 6000 AUV demonstrates India’s advancement in underwater vehicle technology, capable of withstanding the extreme pressures at 4500 meters and providing detailed exploration data. The imagery and data gathered will contribute to the global understanding of deep-sea environments, particularly the dynamic processes at hydrothermal vents. This could lead to new scientific insights regarding geochemical cycles, marine biodiversity, and the potential for mineral extraction. The exploration highlights the potential of these deep-sea areas for mineral resources, aligning with India’s strategic interests in ocean resources for sustainable development under the ‘Blue Economy’ initiative.
This expedition not only marks a significant achievement for NIOT and NCPOR but also sets the stage for future explorations. The data collected will be invaluable for planning subsequent missions, possibly focusing on further detailed studies of the hydrothermal fields, the collection of physical samples, or even the assessment of environmental impacts of potential mining operations.