Delta Studies Institute (Andhra University)

Source: http://www.petrofest.in/AboutUs.html

Andhra University is one of the pioneering institutions of higher learning known for its highest academic standards.  The department of geology has an expertise available in a variety of disciplines viz., deltaic sedimentalogy, geochemistry, geomorphology, stratigraphy, continental shelf, Bengal fan sediments  and remote sensing applications etc.  A number of research and consultancy projects funded by various governmental organizations have been completed in these areas in during the last four decades of time, after the inception of the Geology Department.  The various sister departments in the fields of earth sciences have contributed significantly in the teaching and research endeavors.  The spinoff of these integrated programmes would naturally be towards the development of earth resource technology in the country and would foster country’s economic growth, meet societal needs and enhance hydrocarbon potentiality.

The potential and promising work was done in studies related to scientific aspects of marine geology, coastal dynamics, deltas, lacustrine and offshore etc., since the inception of this institution, particularly marine geological studies were initiated for the first time in India, as early as in 1952 when Dr. E.C. La Fond, USA visited the University as a visiting professor.  Significant research contributions were made in marine geological studies and thus the Andhra University was foremost in starting different exclusive departments to diversify this new line of research in India.  They include marine geophysics, meteorology and oceanography, marine chemistry, microbiology and geography besides the marine geology wing at the department of geology.  The UGC has recognized the field of marine geology as the thrust area in the Special Assistance Programme of the department since the year 1972. 

The institution naturally attracted the attention of various National Organizations like ONGC, UGC, DOD, MOES, MoEF and DST and sponsored multi disciplinary research programmes for officers of ONGC and University teachers.  The ONGC’s interest with Andhra University is to utilize the expertise and experience of researchers and to understand the complex processes of fixation of hydrocarbons in ancient deltas, which are potential with oil and gas deposits accumulation by the development of different stages of deltaic models.  In this context, it is realized that the database on the modern deltas will help in a big way for oil exploration.  The development and environmental conditions of the Mesozoic and Tertiary deltas, stratigraphic sequences  are of very similar to that of modern deltas.  The dictum, present is key to the past helps to realize the fact that the study of the modern deltas: sedimentary processes, morphology, near shore dynamics and characterization of different environments will help to evaluate the factors controlling hydrocarbon generation, migration and accumulation in ancient deltas.  This is the main justification to initiate deltaic studies on a large scale. 

An exclusive centre was thought of for promoting exploration strategies of hydrocarbons in Indian deltas at Andhra University.  It has a good record of undertaking related research programmes in collaboration with ONGC and almost situated nearer to the exploration area of Krishna-Godavari basin.  In India, oil exploration organizations have no common research center for collective collaborative work, the new Institute make an effort to generate and also integrate the data for better utilization. 

With the initial support from ONGC, OIDB, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Govt. of India and Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, the Delta Studies Institute has been established in the year 1997.  At present it has initiated number of training programmes for ONGC and other oil sector organizations on the modern deltas. 

           

The Institute was established in June 1997 with the financial support of ONGC and Oil Industry Development Board (OIDB) in a sprawling flush green land of 8.78 acres offered by Andhra University.  The Institute is undertaking area specific projects with geoscientific, geotechnical and environmental relevance in Deltaic regions of East Coast of India.  It is also designing and conducting regularly training programmes for professionals in industry and faculty from Universities on emerging areas of hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation.  In addition, DSI is offering a four semester M.Tech programme in Petroleum Exploration from academic year (2006-2007).  This programme, first if its kind in the Universities of Andhra Pradesh, is aimed to train fresh postgraduates in geosciences for entry into the hydrocarbon industry.  DSI has also offer research programmes leading to M.Phil / Ph.D degrees in geosciences.