Three underwater features in the Indian Ocean have been officially named following India’s proposals. The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) have recognized these names:
- Ashoka Seamount: An underwater mountain, covering 180 square kilometers, discovered in 2012 by the Russian ship Akademik Nikolay Strakhov.
- Chandragupt Ridge: A long, oval-shaped ridge covering 675 square kilometers, found in 2020 by the Indian ship MGS Sagar.
- Kalpataru Ridge: Discovered in 2012 by the Akademik Nikolay Strakhov, this ridge spans 430 square kilometers and may be an important habitat for marine life.
Historical Context
India has previously named seven underwater features in the Indian Ocean, often honoring Indian scientists:
- Raman Ridge (1992): Named after physicist Sir CV Raman.
- Panikkar Seamount (1993): Honoring oceanographer NK Panikkar.
- Sagar Kanya Seamount (1991): Named after the Indian research ship.
- Wadia Guyot (1993): Recognizing geologist DN Wadia.
Research Initiatives
These discoveries are part of the Indian Southern Ocean Research Programme, which began in 2004. The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa leads these studies, focusing on ocean chemistry and marine biodiversity. Naming these features helps us understand marine ecosystems better and highlights India’s contributions to global ocean science.
About the Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean is the third-largest ocean, covering about 20% of the Earth’s surface. It borders 38 countries and includes the world’s largest saltwater lake, Lake Urmia. Unique ecosystems like the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are found here. The ocean is also known for the Agulhas Current, a major seawater exchange, the Indian Plate, and the Sunda Trench, the only oceanic trench in this region.
