What are Hydrothermal Vents?

• Hydrothermal vents are typically found near tectonic plates, where cold water (about 2°C) near the ocean floor mixes with magma, leading to superheated water (up to 370°C) that emerges through chimneys.
• These vents release mineral-rich plumes, including metals like copper, zinc, gold, silver, platinum, iron, cobalt, and nickel, making them significant for mineral exploration.

Mineral Potential of Hydrothermal Vents:

• Hydrothermal vent deposits are rich in valuable minerals such as copper, zinc, gold, silver, and nickel, which are highly sought after for various industries.
• These vents can remain active for periods ranging from a few hundred years to 30,000 years, making them long-lasting and crucial for mineral exploration.
• Scientists at NCPOR, confirmed that the image showed an active vent chimney with black smokers, and signs of chemosynthetic organisms thriving in this extreme environment.
  • This discovery enhances India’s Deep Ocean Mission, particularly the Samudrayaan mission, which focuses on mineral exploration from inactive hydrothermal vents.

• A scientific initiative by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) to explore hydrothermal vents in the Indian Ocean, focusing on the Central and Southwest Indian Ridges.
• Aimed at mineral exploration and studying ecosystems around hydrothermal vents.

• Locate and Study Hydrothermal Vents: Identify active vents with minerals like copper, zinc, gold, and nickel.
• Mineral Exploration: Part of India’s Deep Ocean Mission, aiming at valuable mineral exploration such as cobalt and platinum.
• Biodiversity Studies: Understand chemosynthetic organisms that thrive in extreme conditions of the vents.

• Geophysical Surveys: Conducted since 2012 to detect temperature anomalies and turbidity in the water columns for locating vent fields.
• Use of Advanced Technology: Utilizes Automatic Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and high-resolution imaging.
• Collaborations: Partners with the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) for exploration in the Southern Indian Ocean.

About the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM):

• DOM is an ambitious initiative by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) approved in 2021 to develop technologies for deep-sea exploration.
• Part of the 9 missions under the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PMSTIAC).

Important updates in DOM:

• Samudrayaan and Matsya6000:
  • Launched in 2021 under DOM, Samudrayaan is India’s flagship crewed expedition to reach a depth of 6,000 m in the Central Indian Ocean.
  • The mission will utilize Matsya6000, a deep-ocean submersible designed for a three-member crew.
    • Construction: Made from titanium alloy to endure pressures up to 6,000 bar.

PYQ:

[2021] Consider the following statements:

1. The Global Ocean Commission grants licences for seabed exploration and mining in international waters.
2. India has received licences for seabed mineral exploration in international waters
3. ‘Rare earth minerals’ are present on the seafloor in international waters.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

• To recognize outstanding contributions by scientists, including retired professionals, in atomic energy and related technologies.
• Allow retired professionals to continue research aligned with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
• Focus on research in sensitive atomic energy technologies, benefiting strategic sectors.

• Honorarium: Rs. 200,000 per month (capped at last drawn salary).
• Contingency Grant: Rs. 76,000 per year for secretarial assistance, telephone bills, etc.
• Equipment and Book Allowance: Rs. 1,25,000 for equipment and Rs. 10,000 for books.
• Transport Allowance: Fixed monthly transport allowance for those without an official vehicle.

• Eligibility: Open to distinguished scientists, including retirees involved in critical atomic technologies.
• Tenure: 1 to 5 years, decided by a Selection Committee.
• Implementation: Administered by DAE, providing research support and necessary infrastructure.

• Financial Constraints: Budget limitations can affect the scale of research.
• Integration of New Technologies: Adapting to the fast-changing technological landscape poses challenges.
• Coordination across Stakeholders: Bureaucratic delays and communication issues can arise.

Who was Homi Bhabha?

• Homi Jehangir Bhabha (1909–1966) was a pioneering Indian physicist and the father of India’s nuclear programme.
• He founded the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in 1945 and the Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (later Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, BARC) in 1954.
• Bhabha formulated India’s three-stage nuclear power programme in the 1950s and emphasized nuclear power for military and energy purposes.
• He was the first Indian to receive the Adams Prize in 1942 and served as the President of the UN Conference on Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy in 1955.
• Bhabha activated Apsara, Asia’s first research reactor, at BARC in 1956, and was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1954.

PYQ:

[2015] Indira Gandhi Peace Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2014 was given to which of the following?

(a) Bhabha Atomic Research Centre

(b) Indian Institute of Science

(c) Indian Space Research Organization

(d) Tata Institute of Fundamental Research