Elemental distributions in surficial sediments and potential offshore mineral resources from the western continental margin of India. Part 2. Potential offshore mineral resources

Abstract

The project entitled 'Geochemistry of sediments of the continental margins of India and deep sea regions' was initiated in 1976 and since then formed an important research activity of the Institute. The main objectives of this project are: To understand the distribution patterns of various major and trace elements in the sediments, to identify factors which govern their distribution, to determine processes and pathways by which elements are incorporated in the sediments, to prepare geochemical distribution maps, to demarcate areas of metal enrichment, if any, for further exploration. This report is an outcome of the geochemical investigations and is presented in two parts. Part 1 deals with a brief discription of the bulk elemental distribution patterns of ten selected elements is surficial sediments. Part 2 projects the potential offshore mineral resources. Target areas for future exploration and indicated and exploration strategies are recommended. Appendix 1 is a compilation of the bibliography that is used for this report. Appendix 2 consists of elemental distribution maps wherein major elements, are expressed as oxides (except Fe) while trace elements are presented in the elemental forms