Abstract
Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG), Dehradun is a premier Geological institute involved in both basic and applied research to unravel the Geodynamics of the mighty Himalaya, which covers a wide spectrum of Geoscientific disciplines: petrology, geochemistry, structural geology, geophysics, sedimentology, biostratigraphy, earthquake geology, geomorphology, environment & engineering geology, quaternary geology, hydrology, glaciology, etc. The state-of-the-art sophisticated analytical laboratories strongly substantiate the field data for understanding the geodynamic evolution of the Himalaya, seismogenesis of the region, studying landslides and avalanches, characterization and mitigation of geohazards related to earthquakes, landslides, snow/ice avalanches, glacier/landslide lakes outbursts, exploration of natural resources (minerals/ore bodies, hydrocarbons, springs, geothermal, etc.), comprehending glacier dynamics and fluvial systems, etc. Additionally, sub-surface features such as crustal heterogeneities, accumulation of elastic strain and convergence rate, crust-mantle interaction, and shallow/deep earth processes are also being probed. Besides investigating basic scientific issues, the Institute provides geoscience support to other government agencies/bodies in understanding and mitigating several hazards-related programs like landslides, avalanches, earthquakes, and floods in the Himalaya. Research activities during 2020–2023 are centered on the major thrust area of “Characterization and Assessment of Surface and Subsurface Processes in Himalaya (CAP-Himalaya): Implications on Geodynamics, Seismogenesis, Bioevents, Paleo-climates, Natural Hazards, and Natural Resources for Sustainable Development”. The research program of the CAP Himalaya is accomplished through different activities. The major achievements in each activity are highlighted here.
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Contributions of researchers and technical staff of WIHG, Dehradun are sincerely acknowledged. KS acknowledges SERB-DST for providing him with the J.C. Bose National Fellowship.
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Sain, K., Hazarika, D., Sen, K. et al. Status of geo-scientific research at Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun during 2020–2023. Proc.Indian Natl. Sci. Acad. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43538-024-00277-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43538-024-00277-y