Geochemistry, Geochronology and Geology

From the very inception of NGRI, to its evolution as a robust Earth Science Institute of repute, geochemistry and geochronology were always conceived as major research activities. From humble beginnings, the Geochemistry and Geochronology Divisions of NGRI have graduated over a period of time, to being one of the main stays of the research spectrum of the Institute. This was possible by timely acquisition of state of the art instrumentation, establishing laboratories viz K-Ar laboratory, AAS Lab, as MC-ICP-MS, LA-ICP-MS, MC-TIMS, HR-ICP-MS, XRF, XRD etc. The main objective was characterization of rocks for their trace and rare earth element characteristics and  also to understand the crustal evolution in terms of precise age determination. The Petroleum Geochemistry laboratories including, Rock Eval, GC, GC-MS etc. are capable of addressing hydrocarbon related research programs. The geochemical and geochronological laboratories have provided first critical data for several Precambrian rock sequences in the Indian Subcontinent, the fall out being investigation of mineral deposits using the basic data available. Hydrogeochemistry is an important societal component as it involves the  mitigation of  Fluoride in groundwater through artificial recharge techniques. Hydrological monitoring lays emphasis on strategies for water conservation, recharge and groundwater potential. In the realm of Geology and GIS, maps of active faults and tectonic landforms in the Himalayan  mountain front are being generated as well as terrain characterization of localized zones of erosions in the upper Ganga catchment. In addition to creation of Geological maps of selected areas on Moon, Mars and Venus, new database on chronology of selected areas of Moon and Mars is also being worked out.