Unraveling the Depths

By iastoppers.com

India's Deep Ocean Mission (DOM)

Mission Overview

DOM is India's initiative to explore the Indian oceans, led by the Ministry of Earth Science

Scribbled Underline

Mission Overview

Part of the Prime Minister's Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PMSTIAC) and aligns with the blue economy agenda in India

Scribbled Underline

Mineral Resource Exploration

Aims to mine polymetallic nodules (PMNs) of minerals(copper, manganese, nickel, cobalt) in the central Indian Ocean, allocated by the United Nations International Seabed Authority

Scribbled Underline

Pillars of the Mission

Scribbled Underline

Manned submersibles (Varaha)

Climate change advisory services

Deep-sea mining technologies

Deep-sea biodiversity conservation

Hydrothermal mineral site identification

Ocean-based energy and freshwater harnessing

Varaha

Scribbled Underline

One of the key components is Varaha, a self-propelled seabed mining machine designed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology for PMN collection

Technological Challenges

Scribbled Underline

Deep-sea pressure

Electronics and instrumentation

Seabed conditions

Power requirements

Visibility limitations

Environmental variations

Global Significance

Scribbled Underline

The United Nations has designated the decade 2021-2030 as the 'Decade of Ocean Science'

Economic and Scientific Impact

Scribbled Underline

India's objectives in blue trade and blue manufacturing, driving economic growth and scientific innovation

Overall Significance

Scribbled Underline

It addresses critical aspects of ocean exploration, mineral resource utilization, climate change monitoring, and technological advancements