Page 115 - CTB-1 10 May

PIONEERING A NEW FUTURE 115
MISSION
Continuously strive to unravel the geological truths related to mountain building, particularly the Himalayas, for improved understanding of geodynamic processes, climate variability, natural resources, evolution of life, assessment and mitigation of natural hazards.
OBJECTIVES
• Preparation of geological maps of Himalayas and studies based on tectonics, geomorphology, glaciology and hydro-geology of the region
• The institute will provide a centre to research fellows and investigators both from India and abroad to carry out research in Himalayan geology
• To provide training and to organize research on Himalayan geology
• Organize work parties of postgraduate students, their supervisors and officers of Geological Survey of India in various areas in the Himalayas
Prof. SP Nautiyal laying the foundation of the institute building in Dehradun
• Collaborate with foreign scientists working in the Alps, Pyrenees, Andes, and with mountaineering expeditions both from India and abroad
• Publish geological literature on the Himalayas
• To award fellowships, scholarships and studentships.
including the geological map of Itanagar Capital Complex on 1:50,000 scale. These maps immensely helped in (i) understanding and developing
newer concepts of mountain development (ii) seismogenesis (iii) earthquake and landslide hazards. WIHG has also developed a web-based portal showing active faults in Uttarakhand.
Integrated Studies on Himalayan Glaciers:
WIHG began monitoring of Chota Shigri Glacier in Lahaul and Spiti through multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional expeditions during 1986-1989, while Dokriani and Chorabari glaciers in Garhwal Himalayas were monitored for glacier dynamics and hydrological research since 1991 and 2003, respectively. Currently, WIHG is monitoring
10 glaciers in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Kashmir and 3 glaciers in Karakoram (Ladakh). The data that has emerged from this programme helps in evolving glacial-climate- geology interaction and response models and ensures better understanding of hydrological cycle and budget.
Seismic Network: The earthquakes in the Himalayas are a consequence of the northward progression of Indian plate and subsequent collision with the Eurasian plate at the rate of 38 mm/yr. WIHG has established a seismic network in 2005 to monitor the seismicity pattern of the central seismic gap comprising the regions of Garhwal, Kumaun and Himachal Himalaya. The network consists of 54 broadband seismographs, 16 accelerographs and 15 permanent GPS stations. Further exploration of deep earth structures of the crust and lithosphere below the Himalayan region has also been the focus of WIHG’s frontline research where magnetotelluric and passive seismological studies defined the geometry of the Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT).
Earthquake Precursory Studies: WIHG established India’s first Multi-Parametric Geophysical Observatory (MPGO) at Ghuttu, Garhwal Himalayas in 2006 to generate
high resolution earthquake precursors. The observatory is equipped with various high- resolution instruments.