GSI MAPS AND EARTH QUAKE STUDIES
The first geological
map of India and adjacent countries (on 1 inch=64 miles scale)
was published by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in 1877.
Since then, the map has been revised from time to time. The latest
Geological Map of India on 1:2 M scale (seventh edition) has been
published in 1998. Of the total land area, more than 98 per cent
have been mapped on 1:50,000/1:63,360 scales. So far 216 quadrangle
geological maps on 1:250,000 scale have been published. More than
two lakh sq.km have been covered by multisensor geophysical survey
and 1:5 million sq.km covered by aeromagnetic survey. Preliminary
survey of 96 per cent of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the
adjoining oceans has also been completed by the Marine Wing of
GSI.
A "Seismotectonic
Atlas of India and its Environs" has recently been published in
42 sheets giving a comprehensive geological picture of the whole
country in terms of its seismic background and all other relevant
details. A Mineral Atlas of India was published recently, which
is an asset for the general public, the students, scientists and
the industry people. Coming back to the earthquake studies, a
broadband observatory has recently been established at Jabalpur
which is contributing data to the national network. Installation
of another telemetered seismic network at Khandwa, MP is underway.
F.D Oldham of GSI is still regarded as one of the pioneering workers
on seismology. The monumental treatise based on his work on the
famous 1896 Great Assam Earthquake is a master piece on seismic
studies.
