Thermal Geophysics Group

Thermal Geophysics Group (previously known as Heat Flow group) at CSIR-NGRI has a significant and glorious history, dating back to 1962. For the last six decades, the group has witnessed its growth on several fronts in concurrence with the international programmes of geothermal studies and the progress of other geophysical disciplines in India.

• Conducted extensive temperature measurements in hundreds of boreholes across India. These measurements, along with assessments of thermal conductivity and heat production from thousands of rock samples, are utilized to determine heat flow and construct present-day crustal thermal structure (i.e., the present-day temperature variation with depth in the crust and the heat flow at the Moho) in various geological provinces of the Indian subcontinent.
• Established cutting-edge laboratories to investigate (i) thermal conductivity at ambient temperatures under both steady-state and transient conditions, (ii) thermal conductivity at high temperatures under steady-state conditions, (iii) radioelement abundances (Th, U and K) and radiogenic heat production.
• Conducted in-depth studies on various crustal rocks, enhancing the understanding of crustal thermal conductivity profiles and further refining the lithospheric thermal structure.
• Developed a globally recognized mathematical model (harmonic mean model) for calculating thermal conductivity from mineralogy, particularly for igneous and metamorphic rocks.
• Established a Geothermal Climate Change Observatory, providing crucial insights into past climate change through the analysis of borehole temperature records spanning the Indian subcontinent.
• Diversified in other areas such as exploration and assessment of geothermal energy potential and geo-engineering applications.

• Assessment of Geothermal Energy Potential in India: Currently focusing on evaluating the geothermal energy potential in two key provinces: Puga-Chumathang-Panamik in Ladakh and Tattapani in Chhattisgarh.
• Determination of Heat Flow and Lithospheric Thermal Structure: Addressing existing data gaps to better understand heat flow and lithospheric thermal structure across the Indian subcontinent.
• Experimentation for High Temperature Studies: Conducting detailed investigations into significant crustal rocks at high temperatures to expand knowledge in this area.
• Investigation of Thermo-physical Properties: Engaging in ongoing research aimed at exploring the thermal and physical properties, including thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, specific heat capacity, heat production, density and porosity of significant crustal and mantle rocks. In nutshell, the group's multifaceted approach to thermal geophysics research not only contributes significantly to scientific understanding but also holds immense potential for practical applications in energy exploration, environmental management, and climate change mitigation efforts.

Rock Mechanics

The Rock Mechanics Laboratory conducts geophysical and engineering geological research focused on characterizing rocks and related materials by their petrophysical properties (e.g., density, ultrasonic velocity, and porosity) and mechanical properties (e.g., uniaxial strength, tensile strength, shear strength, cohesion, and internal friction angle). This research encompasses the Indian Shield and mountainous regions, including the Himalayas, Western Ghats and the Assam Arakan Range. The data generated from these studies are instrumental for applications in natural hazard assessment, seismo-tectonics research, mining and engineering studies, mineral and hydrocarbon exploration, and geophysical modeling of the crust and lithosphere.

Paleomagnetism

Paleomagnetism Group is actively involved in deciphering the continental Drift theory by studying various rock types of different cratonic blocks of Indian subcontinent and making the paleoreconstructions with other continents of the world. Paleomagnetism provide one of the most convincing fundamental evidences to the theory of plate tectonics. Numerous scientific collaborations with academic and research institutions in the field of Environmental Magnetism is highly enriching the societal as well as environmental aspects of different mega cities. This group has been working on different Projects funded by agencies like DST and MoES. This group has published more than 60 articles in the last 5 years in high impact National and International Journals. Presently, the group is working on Ladakh Batholith and Panjal Traps to decipher the emplacement history and magma flow direction. Also carrying out Paleolake studies in Himalaya to find out the younger Excursions and paleoclimatic implications.