Panaji: To decode cratered seamounts and submarine volcanoes in the Andaman Sea, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Goa-based CSIR–National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR-NIO) have joined forces for a scientific expedition.Focusing on the Andaman Volcanic Arc, the mission will deploy advanced remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) designed to function in extreme deep-sea conditions. Equipped with high-precision imaging and sensor arrays, the ROVs will dive into the abyss to produce high-resolution maps, investigate active hydrothermal vent fields, and examine how submarine volcanic activity influences seabed mineralisation.The expedition is being led by CSIR-NIO director Sunil Kumar Singh and GSI’s head of marine and coastal survey, NM Shareef. The collaboration was formalised through a recently signed MoU to conduct a joint ROV expedition to investigate cratered seamounts in the Andaman Volcanic Arc.According to GSI, the partnership is “an important step towards strengthening seabed investigations and studies of marine hydrothermal mineralisation in the Andaman Sea”. It will enhance scientific understanding of the region’s submarine volcanic and mineralisation processes.
