Part of: Prelims and GS-III Science and Technology
Context: India will soon scour the ocean bed to unravel the mysteries of the origins of life as scientists are set to travel up to 6,000 m below the sea surface under a deep ocean mission (DOM).
Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences
Key takeaways
Initially, the Rs. 4,077-crore mission will entail scientists travelling to a depth of 500 m to test various technologies being developed for the purpose before taking a deeper dive into the unknown.
The DOM will also help India map the ocean bed, which is a rich source for metals and minerals.
The mission will help scientists identify and demarcate resource-rich areas which could be exploited later when suitable technology is available for deep sea mining.
The exploration studies of minerals will pave the way for commercial exploitation in the near future as and when such a code is evolved by the International Seabed Authority.
This mission is also directed towards development in marine biology which will provide job opportunities in Indian industries.
