Aiming to join this elite group with the development of Matsya 6000. As of now, the design of Matsya 6000 has been completed, and the initial phase of testing and experimentation in shallow water is set to begin soon.
- The development of Matsya 6000 and its capabilities highlight India’s commitment to exploring and harnessing the potential of the deep ocean. The mission aims to reach a depth of 6,000 meters in the central Indian Ocean, where valuable resources such as polymetallic nodules and polymetallic sulphides are found.
- The decision to target a depth of 6,000 meters holds strategic significance for India. The country has been allocated a 75,000-square-kilometer region in the central Indian Ocean by the United Nations International Seabed Authority (ISA) for the purpose of extracting these resources. Polymetallic nodules, containing precious metals like copper, manganese, nickel, iron, and cobalt, are found at approximately 5,000 meters deep, while polymetallic sulphides occur at around 3,000 meters. By equipping themselves to operate at a depth of 6,000 meters, India can effectively cater to both their Exclusive Economic Zone and the central Indian Ocean.
However, exploring the deep oceans presents unique challenges that are often more difficult than exploring outer space. A major challenge is the high pressure in the deep oceans. Operating under such high-pressure conditions requires meticulously designed equipment that can withstand the immense pressure. Electronics and instruments also face challenges in functioning properly underwater, as poorly designed objects can collapse or implode due to the pressure.
- Another challenge lies in landing on the soft and muddy surface of the ocean bed. This makes it difficult for heavy vehicles to land or maneuver, as they would sink into the mud. Extracting materials from the ocean bed also requires significant power and energy. Unlike controlling rovers on distant planets, remotely operated vehicles are not effective in the deep oceans due to the absence of electromagnetic wave propagation. Visibility is also limited, as natural light can only penetrate a few tens of meters below the surface.
- These challenges are further complicated by factors such as temperature variations, corrosion, and salinity. However, the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) has been at the forefront of developing scientific engineering solutions to address these challenges. Since its establishment in 1993, NIOT has provided solutions for various earth-system-related issues, including the development of vehicles for polar regions and lakes.
- The Matsya6000 submersible is a significant step forward for India’s deep-ocean exploration capabilities. While countries like the U.S.A., Russia, China, France, and Japan have already achieved successful deep-ocean crewed missions, India is now striving to join their ranks. With the completion of the submersible’s design, India is ready to embark on testing and experimentation in shallow water. This brings the country one step closer to realizing its ambitious goal of reaching depths of 6,000 meters in the central Indian Ocean.
Overall, the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) is a testament to India’s commitment to exploring and harnessing the potential of the deep ocean. The mission’s six pillars, including the development of technologies for deep-sea mining and the exploration of deep-sea biodiversity, highlight India’s holistic approach to deep-ocean research. The progress of the first pillar of DOM, which focuses on the development of technologies for deep-sea mining and a crewed submersible, marks an important milestone in India’s journey to explore and harness the depths of the ocean. With the development of Matsya 6000, India is well on its way to becoming a global leader in deep-ocean exploration and research.
Mutiple Choice Questions | UPSC – IAS
1. What is the objective of the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) in India?
a) To explore and harness the depths of the ocean.
b) To develop technologies for space exploration.
c) To establish an advanced Marine Station for Ocean Biology.
d) To study climate change and provide future projections.
Explanation: The objective of DOM is to explore and harness the depths of the ocean in India.
2. How much funding has been approved for the DOM over a five-year period?
a) Rs 4,077 crore
b) Rs 6,000 crore
c) Rs 10,000 crore
d) Rs 2,000 crore
Explanation: The funding approved for DOM is Rs 4,077 crore over a five-year period.
3. What are the six pillars of the DOM?
a) Deep-sea mining, ocean climate change advisory services, technological innovations for deep-sea biodiversity, deep-ocean survey and exploration, energy and freshwater harnessing, and advanced Marine Station for Ocean Biology.
b) Deep-sea mining, space exploration, deep-ocean survey and exploration, energy and freshwater harnessing, advanced Marine Station for Ocean Biology, and climate change advisory services.
c) Deep-sea mining, ocean climate change advisory services, technological innovations for space exploration, deep-ocean survey and exploration, energy and freshwater harnessing, and advanced Marine Station for Ocean Biology.
d) Deep-sea mining, deep-ocean survey and exploration, energy and freshwater harnessing, advanced Marine Station for Ocean Biology, climate change advisory services, and technological innovations for deep-sea biodiversity.
Explanation: The six pillars of the DOM are deep-sea mining, ocean climate change advisory services, technological innovations for deep-sea biodiversity, deep-ocean survey and exploration, energy and freshwater harnessing, and advanced Marine Station for Ocean Biology.
4. Which institute is responsible for developing indigenous technologies for deep-sea mining and a crewed submersible?
a) National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT)
b) Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE)
c) Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)
d) National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR)
Explanation: The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) is responsible for developing indigenous technologies for deep-sea mining and a crewed submersible.
5. What minerals can be mined from the central Indian Ocean bed as part of the DOM?
a) Copper, manganese, nickel, and cobalt
b) Gold, silver, platinum, and zinc
c) Iron, aluminum, lead, and tin
d) Uranium, oil, natural gas, and coal
Explanation: The minerals that can be mined from the central Indian Ocean bed as part of the DOM include copper, manganese, nickel, and cobalt.
6. Why has a depth of 6,000 m been chosen for the DOM?
a) It is the deepest point in the oceans.
b) It allows for the sustainable extraction of valuable resources.
c) It is the ideal depth for deep-sea biodiversity exploration.
d) It aligns with the United Nations International Seabed Authority’s allocation.
Explanation: A depth of 6,000 m has been chosen for the DOM because it allows for the sustainable extraction of valuable resources, including polymetallic nodules and polymetallic sulphides.
7. What are some of the challenges involved in exploring the deep oceans?
a) High pressure, soft and muddy surfaces, variations in temperature, corrosion, and limited visibility.
b) Low pressure, rocky surfaces, extreme temperatures, smooth terrains, and high visibility.
c) High pressure, rocky surfaces, limited visibility, extreme temperatures, and hard terrains.
d) Low pressure, soft and muddy surfaces, variations in temperature, corrosion, and limited visibility.
Explanation: Some challenges involved in exploring the deep oceans include high pressure, soft and muddy surfaces, variations in temperature, corrosion, and limited visibility.
8. What is the name of India’s deep-ocean human submersible?
a) Matsya6000
b) Varaha
c) Samudrayaan
d) Vishnu
Explanation: India’s deep-ocean human submersible is called Matsya6000.
9. Which countries have already achieved successful deep-ocean crewed missions?
a) U.S.A., Russia, China, France, and Japan
b) India, China, Russia, Canada, and Australia
c) U.S.A., Germany, France, South Korea, and Australia
d) India, U.S.A., Canada, Japan, and South Africa
Explanation: The countries that have already achieved successful deep-ocean crewed missions include the U.S.A., Russia, China, France, and Japan.
10. Which ministry is primarily responsible for implementing the DOM in India?
a) Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
b) Ministry of Science and Technology
c) Ministry of Ocean Resources
d) Ministry of Environment and Forests
Explanation: The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) is primarily responsible for implementing the DOM in India.
Brief Summary | UPSC – IAS
India’s Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) aims to explore and harness the ocean’s depths. It will involve developing technologies for deep-sea mining and using a crewed submersible to reach depths of 6,000 meters. The mission also includes ocean climate change advisory services, technological innovations for deep-sea biodiversity, deep-ocean survey and exploration, harnessing energy and freshwater from the ocean, and establishing an advanced Marine Station for Ocean Biology. The Ministry of Earth Sciences is overseeing the program, with collaboration from various institutes, such as the Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology and the National Institute of Ocean Technology. Progress is being made on the development of the crewed submersible, Matsya6000, which will be capable of operating at a depth of 6,000 meters and mining polymetallic nodules. Exploring the deep oceans poses significant challenges due to high pressure, soft muddy surfaces, visibility limitations, and other factors. However, India’s National Institute of Ocean Technology is working on solutions to overcome these challenges. The Matsya6000 puts India on the global front in deep-ocean exploration.