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Geographical Structures in the Indian Ocean Named by India

Context

India has recently named three underwater geographical structures in the Indian Ocean. These names were proposed by India and approved by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC).

About the structures

  • These structures are named:
    • Ashoka Seamount: This was discovered in 2012. This oval-shaped seamount spans approximately 180 sq km and was identified using the Russian vessel Akademik Nikolay Strakhov.
    • Chandragupta Ridge: This was also discovered in 2012, this elongated ridge covers 430 sq km. It may play a significant role in supporting marine biodiversity by providing essential habitat and food sources for various species.
    • Kalpataru Ridge: This was identified in 2020 by the Indian research vessel MGS Sagar. This elongated ridge spans 675 sq km.
  • They were discovered by oceanographers from the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) based in Goa.
  • These newly named structures are located along the Southwest Indian Ridge area of the Indian Ocean. Their discovery was part of an international survey exploration program.
  • With these additions, there are now seven underwater structures in the Indian Ocean that have been named after Indian scientists or proposed by India.

  • Previously Named Structures
    • Raman Ridge (1992): Discovered in 1951 by a US oil vessel, this ridge is named after physicist and Nobel Laureate Sir CV Raman.
    • Panikkar Seamount (1993): Discovered in 1992 by the Indian research vessel Sagar Kanya, this seamount is named after renowned oceanographer NK Panikkar.
    • Sagar Kanya Seamount (1991): Named after the research vessel Sagar Kanya, which discovered it during its 22nd cruise in 1986.
    • DN Wadia Guyot (1993): Discovered in 1992 by Sagar Kanya, this underwater volcanic mountain (guyot) is named after geologist DN Wadia.

Fact Box:

International Hydrographic Organization

  • Established in: 1921
  • IHO is an intergovernmental organization that works to ensure all the world's seas, oceans and navigable waters are surveyed and charted.
  • It coordinates the activities of national hydrographic offices and promotes uniformity in nautical charts and documents.
  • India has been an active and influential member of the IHO since 1955.

Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission

  • Founded: 1960
  • The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC/UNESCO) promotes international cooperation in marine sciences to improve management of the ocean, coasts and marine resources.

Underwater geographical structures

Underwater geographical structures are significant features found on the ocean floor, shaping the seafloor's topography and influencing marine ecosystems. These structures include:

  • Seamounts: Underwater mountains that rise from the ocean floor but do not reach the surface. They are often formed by volcanic activity. Examples include the Ashoka Seamount in the Indian Ocean.
  • Ridges: Extensive underwater mountain ranges formed by tectonic plate movements. They often feature a central valley or rift. The Southwest Indian Ridge is an example.
  • Guyots: Flat-topped underwater volcanic mountains, also known as tablemounts. They were once above sea level but have been eroded and submerged. An example is the DN Wadia Guyot.
  • Abyssal Plains: Flat, deep-sea plains found at the ocean's greatest depths, covering large areas of the ocean floor.
  • Trenches: Deep, narrow depressions in the ocean floor formed by tectonic plate subduction. The Mariana Trench is the deepest known oceanic trench.

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