CSIR-NGRI

Paleo-Seismology

The paleoseismology group at CSIR-NGRI delves into Earth's history through two distinct research domains: Paleoseismology and Hydrogeochemistry. While paleoseismology offers invaluable insights into past earthquake activity, hydrogeochemistry focuses on assessing and monitoring the groundwater composition.

This group studies geological evidence like sediment layers, liquefaction features, and fault scarps to reconstruct the chronology of historical earthquakes, a knowledge base critical for assessing seismic hazards. Our paleoseismological investigations aim to understand the history of earthquakes in India's vulnerable regions, especially in North East India and the Himalayan frontal belt. Our group has analytical facilities for C-14 and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating to build a chronology of past earthquakes.

View of about 0.5 to 1m thick sand dyke observed at Namgaon village in the Nagaon district of Assam. The sand was erupted and deposited on the ground surface at that time. About 0.5 m thick later deposit (younger than dyke) can be seen clearly.

Deciphered almost 500 years of paleseismic history in the meizoseismal area of the Great earthquake of 1950 in Assam-Arunachal (India)

Our team has also focused on exploring the influence of repeated major earthquakes on landforms and how these events influence the distribution of deformation. This research combines the fields of tectonic geomorphology and earth surface process modelling.

The channel width is plotted along the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda river profile, SL index, and the swath profiles (inset). The box represents the longitudinal channel segment

Hydrogeochemistry investigates the chemical composition of groundwater and its interactions with geological formations, crucially contributing to our understanding of water resources. This field encompasses water quality assessment, contamination risks, and mineral formation processes in aquifers. Hydrogeochemists offer critical insights into environmental health, resource management, and the impacts of human activities on water systems by analysing groundwater chemistry across varied geological contexts and its temporal evolution. Our hydrochemistry research is mainly focused on:

Water Quality Assessment: Evaluating the suitability of groundwater for drinking and agricultural purposes.
Contamination Risks: Identifying potential sources of pollution and predicting their impact on aquifer and environment.
Hydrogeochemistry: Understand the hydrogeochemical processes for the groundwater evolutions in different environments.
Geothermal Fluids: Investigating the chemical composition of hot water sources crucial for renewable energy.
Heavy Metal Contaminations: Understanding the heavy metal contaminations from geogenic, industrial sources, and their potential health risks to humans.
Seawater Intrusion: Understanding the seawater intrusion processes in coastal aquifers