INDIAN DEEPSEA ENVIRONMENT EXPERIMENT (INDEX) ; ACHIEVEMENTS AND APPLICATIONS

摘要

Significant results have been obtained from an extensive database generated on water column and benthic baseline conditions. Seafloor surveys have resulted in selection of suitable test and reference areas, and in identification of site for benthic impact experiment. Evaluation of impact of simulated disturbance in the benthic environment shows vertical mixing of sediment, lateral distribution of particles, changes in geochemical and biochemical conditions as well as reduction in biomass in the benthic environment. The results obtained are useful in determining the indicator parameters and standardising the methods for assessment of effects of large scale mining.