Scientists study seismic threats in Himalayas, explore hydrocarbons
DEHRADUN: Dehradun-based Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG) is carrying out a six-year project to study various aspects of the Himalayas, including seismic threats and exploration of hydrocarbons.
The project, named Characterisation and Assessment of surface and sub-surface Processes in the Himalayas (CAPHimalayas), has been started from 2020 and will conclude in 2025. All the 55 scientists of the premier institute are involved in the project; groups with three to six scientists have been formed depending on the gravity of the study they are involved in.
Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology director Kalachand Sain, who is leading the project, said a comprehensive study of the surface and sub-surface areas of the Himalayas will be done. “The project will cover the Indian Himalayas -- Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh in northwest, and Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in the north-east. It is not possible to cover all areas of the Indian Himalayas, hence we will undertake the study through various stations set up in these states,” said Sain.
“The scientists will study the surface as well as sub-surface areas of the Himalayas; the teams will analyse the seismic activities underneath causing earthquakes. The scientists will also study other hazards like landslides and glacial lake outbursts on the surface areas, which cause significant damage to life and property.”
Possibility of a big earthquake to be analysed
Sain said that scientists will analyse a possible big earthquake in the Himalayas comprising Garhwal and Kumaon regions.
“In the sub-surface of the Himalayas, tectonic plates are moving due to which a huge amount of energy is being accumulated. However, this energy is unable to get released resulting in locking of pressure. It is feared that this energy will fully get released one day causing a huge earthquake, which has not happened in the last about 600 years in this region comprising Garhwal and Kumaon,” he said.
“The study will help us understand whether the possible big earthquake will happen or not...What are the other geological processes going on in subsurface?... As the areas where the energy is getting accumulated are about 80-100km in Garhwal and Kumaon, the study will also help in analysing what quantity of energy will be released in case that happens,” said Sain.
Exploration of hydrocarbons and minerals
He said the scientists will also conduct a study for the exploration of hydrocarbons and minerals in the Himalayas.
“One of the major aspects of the project is the exploration of hydrocarbons, minerals or other important natural resources which will help in country’s development. One group of scientists is involved for the study. They will not only tell whether there is any hydrocarbon available but also its quantity. Other agencies involved in extraction will then work on it,” said Sain.
Mitigation of hazards in Uttarakhand Himalayas Under the project, scientists will identify the regions vulnerable to hazards like earthquakes, landslides and glacial lake outbursts.
“This will help in mitigation of natural disasters to minimise the loss of life and property. Because when we are aware of the most vulnerable areas to earthquake or landslides, we will be able to take necessary steps to limit the damage. We would then be able to suggest the building techniques needed to be implemented in those areas so that the houses could withstand any earthquake or landslide to a certain extent, giving time to people to reach safer places,”