Exploring the Afanasy Nikitin Seamount and India’s Application to the International Seabed Authority          

Introduction:

• India has recently made a significant move by applying to the International Seabed Authority (ISBA) for exploration rights in the Indian Ocean seabed, particularly targeting the Afanasy Nikitin Seamount (AN Seamount), which is renowned for its cobalt-rich crust. This article delves into the characteristics of the AN Seamount and the broader significance of seamounts in marine geology.

Afanasy Nikitin Seamount:

• The AN Seamount stands as a prominent geological feature within the Central Indian Basin, situated approximately 3,000 km off the coast of India. It encompasses a principal plateau, elevating 1200 m above the surrounding ocean floor, which itself lies at a depth of 4800m. The seamount is recognized for its abundant reservoirs of cobalt, nickel, manganese, and copper.

Understanding Seamounts:

• Seamounts represent underwater mountains formed through volcanic activities. These formations are acknowledged as crucial habitats for diverse marine life forms. Similar to terrestrial volcanoes, seamounts can exist in active, extinct, or dormant states. They typically emerge near mid-ocean ridges, where the movement of tectonic plates facilitates the ascent of molten rock to the ocean floor. Notable mid-ocean ridges include the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the East Pacific Rise. Additionally, seamounts have been observed near intraplate hotspots and oceanic island chains, such as island arcs, characterized by significant volcanic and seismic activities.

Significance of Seamounts:

• Seamounts offer invaluable insights into the composition of the Earth’s mantle and the evolutionary dynamics of tectonic plates. Moreover, they play a crucial role in influencing global oceanic circulation patterns and the absorption of heat and carbon dioxide. These underwater formations serve as thriving ecosystems due to their ability to induce localized ocean upwelling, a phenomenon wherein nutrient-rich water ascends from the ocean depths to the surface, fostering diverse marine life.

Conclusion:

• India’s pursuit of exploration rights in the Indian Ocean, particularly targeting the cobalt-rich Afanasy Nikitin Seamount, underscores the growing significance of seamounts in marine geology. Understanding the geological and ecological characteristics of these underwater formations is paramount for elucidating Earth’s geological processes and promoting sustainable oceanic resource management.