IN NEWS: Three Indian Ocean Structures Named Ashoka, Chandragupt and Kalpataru
Introduction
Three underwater geographical structures located in the Indian Ocean have recently been assigned names—Ashoka Seamount, Chandragupt Ridge, and Kalpataru Ridge—based on proposals by India. These names have been formally accepted by International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), reflecting India’s growing role in oceanographic research and global marine mapping.
ANALYSIS
1. Naming of Underwater Structures: Process and Significance
The naming of these structures was approved by IHO–IOC mechanisms, which are responsible for maintaining global oceanic data through initiatives like the General Bathymetric Chart of Oceans (GEBCO).
- The process reflects international scientific collaboration and standardized nomenclature.
- India’s contribution highlights its scientific credibility and active participation in global ocean research governance.
2. Details of the Newly Named Structures
The three structures are located along the Southwest Indian Ridge, a geologically active region in the Indian Ocean:
- Ashoka Seamount
- Discovered in 2012
- Oval-shaped structure
- Covers approximately 180 sq km
- Kalpataru Ridge
- Discovered in 2012
- Elongated ridge
- Spans about 430 sq km
- Potential ecological importance as it may support marine habitats and biodiversity
- Chandragupt Ridge
- Discovered in 2020
- Elongated and oval structure
- Covers around 675 sq km
These structures were discovered during an international survey exploration programme, indicating multinational scientific cooperation.
3. Role of Indian Institutions in Discovery
All three structures were discovered by scientists from the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa.
- The discoveries were made using research vessels such as:
- Russian vessel Akademik Nikolay Strakhov (2012 discoveries)
- Indian vessel MGS Sagar (2020 discovery)
India has been conducting the Indian Southern Ocean Research Programme since 2004, with NCPOR as the nodal agency.The programme focuses on:
- Bio-geochemistry
- Marine biodiversity
- Paleoclimate studies
- Hydrodynamics
- Air-sea interactions
This reflects India’s expanding role in deep-sea exploration and climate research.
4. Existing Indian-Named Structures in the Indian Ocean
With these additions, there are now seven structures in the Indian Ocean named after Indian personalities or proposed by India.Earlier examples include:
- Raman Ridge (accepted 1992) – named after Sir C.V. Raman
- Panikkar Seamount (accepted 1993) – named after N.K. Panikkar
- Sagar Kanya Seamount (accepted 1991) – named after the research vessel
- Wadia Guyot (accepted 1993) – named after D.N. Wadia
This demonstrates India’s historical contribution to oceanographic discoveries.
5. Strategic and Scientific Implications
The naming and discovery of these structures have broader implications:
- Strengthens India’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
- Enhances understanding of seafloor morphology and tectonics
- Supports research in climate change and marine ecosystems
- Contributes to global ocean mapping initiatives like GEBCO
- Reinforces India’s role in blue economy and deep-sea resource exploration
STATIC PART (AS PER INPUT)
International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)
- Function: Standardization and naming of oceanographic features (as implied in context of naming approval)
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) – UNESCO
- Function: Works with IHO in global ocean data management and mapping initiatives
General Bathymetric Chart of Oceans (GEBCO)
- Operates under: IHO and IOC
- Function: Maintains and provides global oceanic data
National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR)
- Location: Goa
- Role: Nodal agency for Indian Southern Ocean Research Programme
- Function: Conducts oceanographic and polar research
Updated – 09 August 2024 | News Source – The Indian Express