Date:29/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/29/stories/2008102958120300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Tiruchi

Project to study earth’s upper layer

Staff Reporter

70 scientists share findings

Project chaired by JNU professor
V. Rajamani
“Earth dynamically active with tectonic movements”

TIRUCHI: Over 70 scientists from all over the country shared their findings on the constitution, composition, records of geological, climatic and geohazard events connected with 100 m thickness of the earth crust at a two-day national meet on the ‘Science of Shallow Subsurface’ organised by the Centre of Excellence in Remote Sensing, Bharathidasan University, recently.

Planet earth, according to Centre Head SM. Ramasamy, is dynamically active with tectonic movements, riverine processes, land–ocean interactive processes, changes in glaciers, sand advance in desert, etc.

These dynamic processes of the earth are modified and supplemented by climatic change, sea level variations and natural disasters like, earthquakes, landslides, floods, tsunamis, droughts and cyclones, and human intervention as well.

Testimony

Dr. Ramasamy explained that the top surface of the earth formed by these processes not only controls the natural resources but also stands testimony for all the recent past geological, climatic and natural disaster events, aiding its optimum utilisation.

In due consideration of the importance of the top 100 m layer, the Department of Science and Technology in New Delhi has evolved an inter-disciplinary and inter-institutional project called “SSS” (Science of Shallow Sub surface) , under the Chairmanship of JNU professor V. Rajamani .

Six corridors

Scientists have been carrying out studies on Geology, Tectonics, Geomorphology, Sedimentology, Geochemistry, Soil Science, Micro Biology, Groundwater, Methane – Carbon Cycle, Remote Sensing, GIS, Geophysics, etc., since 2006 in six corridors namely Brahmaputra, Ganges, Kutch, Sabarmati, Narmada valley and Cauvery.

Participating agency

The Centre of Excellence in Remote Sensing at Bharathidasan University is a participating agency in this mission to exchange their findings and carve out future strategies through the project coordinated by Ch. Sivaji, Principal Scientific Officer, DST.

Focus on quake

Inaugurating the meet, Vice-Chancellor M. Ponnavaikko, emphasised the need for focusing on earthquake through study. Prof. Rajamani briefed about “SSS” project while Dr. Sivaji delineated the role of DST in this mission.