Daily Current Affairs : 2-November-2023
The Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) has captured India’s attention as a bold endeavor to unlock the mysteries of the ocean’s depths. This mission is spearheaded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and received approval from the Union Cabinet in 2021, with a budget of around ₹4,077 crore over five years.
About the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM):
DOM is a multifaceted program, featuring six pillars:
- Technology Development: Creation of deep-sea mining technologies and a manned submersible that can descend to 6,000 meters in the ocean, armed with scientific tools for mining polymetallic nodules.
- Advisory Services: Development of ocean climate change advisory services using ocean observations and models for future climate projections.
- Exploration and Conservation: Innovations for exploring and conserving deep-sea biodiversity.
- Sulphide Mineralization: Deep-ocean surveys to identify potential sites for multi-metal hydrothermal sulphides mineralization.
- Energy and Freshwater: Utilizing the ocean for energy and freshwater resources.
- Marine Station for Ocean Biology: Establishing a Marine Station for Ocean Biology to nurture talent and drive opportunities in ocean biology and blue biotechnology.
India’s Blue Economy:
The ‘New India 2030’ document outlines a blue economy as a core objective for India’s growth, and the United Nations has designated the years 2021-2030 as the ‘Decade of Ocean Science,’ emphasizing the significance of ocean exploration and sustainability.
Progress of the First Pillar: Samudrayaan:
Under the first pillar, ‘Samudrayaan,’ India is developing technology for deep-sea mining and a crewed submersible. The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) is working on these indigenous technologies, with Matsya6000, a submersible designed to carry a crew of three, as the flagship of India’s deep ocean mission. It can operate at depths of up to 6,000 meters.
Searching for Polymetallic Nodules:
India is also working on mining polymetallic nodules from the central Indian Ocean. These nodules contain valuable minerals such as copper, manganese, nickel, and cobalt. NIOT’s ‘Varaha’ underwater mining system has successfully conducted deep-sea trials at a depth of 5,270 meters, paving the way for future resource harvesting.
Challenges of DOM:
- High Underwater Pressure: Exploring the deep ocean involves immense pressure, far greater than that of outer space, requiring specialized equipment.
- Soft Ocean Bed: Landing and maneuvering on the soft and muddy ocean bed is challenging for heavy vehicles.
- Material Extraction: Extracting materials from the deep sea demands significant power and energy.
- Visibility: Limited natural light penetration complicates observations.
India’s Global Standing:
India’s flagship submersible, Matsya6000, aims to reach a depth of 6,000 meters, making India a contender among nations like the U.S.A., Russia, China, France, and Japan that have successfully undertaken deep ocean missions. Matsya6000 combines features of remote-operated and autonomous vehicles, offering an excellent intervention mechanism.
Matsya6000’s Design:
Matsya6000 is designed to accommodate three crew members within a robust sphere made of titanium alloy, capable of withstanding extreme pressure. It is equipped with viewports, cameras, and lights, making underwater observation feasible. Communication is achieved through acoustic technology, and it operates as a free-floating system for energy efficiency.
Important Points:
- Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) Overview:
- Ambitious program by India for underwater exploration.
- Implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
- Approved in 2021 with a budget of ₹4,077 crore over five years.
- Focus on technology development, advisory services, ocean exploration, sulphide mineralization, energy, freshwater, and marine biology.
- Samudrayaan and Polymetallic Nodule Mining:
- ‘Samudrayaan’ initiated in 2021 for reaching ocean bed at 6,000 meters depth.
- Matsya6000, a submersible designed for this purpose.
- Polymetallic nodules containing valuable minerals targeted in the central Indian Ocean.
- Successful trials with ‘Varaha’ underwater mining system at 5,270 meters depth.
- Challenges Faced in Deep Ocean Exploration:
- High underwater pressure requiring specialized equipment.
- Soft and muddy ocean bed making landing and maneuvering difficult.
- Extraction of materials demanding substantial power and energy.
- Limited visibility due to minimal natural light penetration.
- India’s Global Standing:
- Matsya6000, India’s flagship submersible, designed for 6,000 meters depth.
- India poised to join nations like the U.S.A., Russia, China, France, and Japan in successful deep ocean exploration.
- Matsya6000’s Design and Features:
- Sphere made of titanium alloy capable of withstanding extreme pressure (6,000 bar).
- Equipped with viewports, cameras, lights for underwater observation.
- Communication through acoustic technology.
- Operates as a free-floating system for energy efficiency.
- Combines features of remote-operated and autonomous vehicles.
Why In News
The Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) is India’s ambitious quest to explore and harness the depths of the ocean, aiming to unravel the mysteries of the underwater world while promoting sustainable practices for the benefit of both humanity and marine life.
MCQs about India’s Ocean Odyssey:DOM’s Exploration with Matsya6000
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India’s Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) primarily focuses on:
A. Exploration of outer space
B. Exploration and conservation of deep-sea biodiversity
C. Development of technologies for space travel
D. Climate change advisory services
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Which metals can be mined from the central Indian Ocean as part of the DOM?
A. Gold and silver
B. Copper, manganese, nickel, and cobalt
C. Iron and aluminum
D. Platinum and palladium
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What is the main challenge faced by deep-sea exploration in comparison to outer space?
A. Lack of interest from scientists
B. High pressure in the deep oceans
C. Abundant natural light for observations
D. Easy maneuverability on the ocean bed
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What is the unique feature of Matsya6000, the submersible designed for DOM?
A. It can travel at supersonic speeds
B. It has a viewable sphere made of plastic
C. It operates untethered and can reach 6,000 meters depth
D. It is powered by nuclear energy
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