The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) has achieved a significant milestone in deep-sea exploration, capturing the first high-resolution images of hydrothermal sulfide fields in the Southern Indian Ocean. This groundbreaking achievement was accomplished in December 2024 during an expedition aboard the research vessel 'Sagar Nidhi.'
Led by Dr. N.R. Ramesh, Scientist-G at NIOT, a team of scientists from NIOT and the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) successfully deployed the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) known as the Ocean Mineral Explorer-OMe 6000 to explore these hydrothermal sulfide fields located in the Central and South West Indian Ridges.
This marked the first time such high-resolution imaging has been conducted at these specific sites, showcasing India's growing capabilities in deep-sea research and technology.
Hydrothermal vents are areas of intense geological activity where seawater interacts with magma, creating unique ecosystems and depositing valuable minerals like copper, zinc, and gold.
The OMe 6000 AUV, designed for deep-water exploration, captured detailed images and mapping data of the seafloor at approximately 4500 meters depth. This data is crucial for understanding the geological processes and potential mineral resources associated with these vents.
The successful deployment of the OMe 6000 AUV demonstrates India's advancements in underwater vehicle technology. The AUV is capable of withstanding the immense pressure at these depths while providing high-quality data for scientific analysis.
The imagery and data gathered will contribute to a global understanding of deep-sea environments and the dynamic processes at hydrothermal vents, potentially leading to new insights into geochemical cycles, marine biodiversity, and the feasibility of mineral extraction.
This expedition aligns with India's strategic interests in exploring and utilizing ocean resources for sustainable development under the 'Blue Economy' initiative. The exploration highlights the potential of these deep-sea areas for mineral resources, which could contribute to India's economic growth.
This successful mission sets the stage for future deep-sea explorations. The data collected will be invaluable for planning subsequent missions, which may involve more detailed studies of the hydrothermal fields, the collection of physical samples, and assessments of the environmental impacts of potential deep-sea mining operations.
