Why In The News?

• Recently, the Union Ministry of Earth Science decided scientific deep drilling in the Koyna region of Maharashtra, aiming for an indispensable progress in the earth sciences.

About the Koyna-Warna Region: A Seismic Hotspot:-

=> It is a region nestled in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, and has been prone to earthquakes.

=> Since the impoundment of the Shivaji Sagar Lake (better known as the Koyna Dam) in 1962, this area has experienced recurrent seismic activity.

=> These earthquakes are particularly intriguing because they occur within the interior of tectonic plates, away from the well-known plate boundaries.

=> Earthquakes are the sudden, powerful shifts in our planet’s crust—remain enigmatic phenomena.

Role of Scientific Deep-Drilling:-

=> It involves strategically boring boreholes into the Earth’s crust to observe and analyze its deeper layers.

=> It provides unique insights into various aspects of our planet, including earthquakes.

=> Countries like the United States, Russia, and Germany have previously undertaken such projects, and now India joins their ranks.

India’s Borehole Geophysics Research Laboratory (BGRL):-

=> It was established by the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences in Karad, Maharashtra.

=> It aims to execute India’s sole scientific deep-drilling program, currently working on their ambitious goal, i.e. drill down to a depth of 6 kilometers (that’s roughly 3.7 miles) in the Koyna-Warna region.

Drilling Techniques used at the Koyna Pilot Borehole:-

=> The Koyna borehole employs a Hybrid Approach, combining two well-established drilling techniques: Rotary Mud Drilling and Percussion Drilling Techniques (also known as Air Hammering).

=> The Koyna borehole rig is versatile, capable of both mud rotary and air hammering techniques.

=> The choice of technique depends on site-specific factors, such as rock type, fractures, and the need for core samples.

=> Core Samples: Collecting core samples from geological fault zones is crucial for earthquake studies.