Geological Field Trips is a collection of field experiences from diverse geological settings. This space brings together moments from field observations, sampling, structural studies, and exploration, capturing the excitement of learning about the Earth directly from the field. It will continue to grow with new field journeys, discoveries, and experiences from different parts of the world.
Geological Field work conducted in and around Nagaland-Manipur Ophiolite Complex with Prof. McKenzie, Ryan and his PhD scholar Giancarlo De Frencesco (GC), Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, The University Hong Kong and Prof. Y. Raghumani Singh, Head, Department of Earth Sciences, Manipur University, Imphal. Some of the photographs are beyond the field.
Pillow basalt exposed in Ukhrul District, Manipur.
GC is collecting water samples from streams flowing through ophiolitic rocks to investigate cation inputs.
Inside Moreh Market, one of the most commercially active markets along the Manipur–Myanmar border, captured during a field trip.
Interacting with the former Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University, Prof. N. Lokendro Singh, with Prof. Ryan and GC, along with Prof. Y. Raghumani Singh and me.
Prof. Ryan and GC examining pillow basalt exposed in the Ukhrul District, Manipur.
Prof. Ryan in action, capturing the graceful dancing deer, a rare species of Sangai, in Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur.
At the far left is Joshua, who helped and guided us throughout our stay and fieldwork at Shilloi Lake, Nagaland.
A candid moment during fieldwork in Phek District, Nagaland.
A happy moment after sample collection along the riverbank, Phek District, Nagaland.
A group selfie atop the Naga Hills, Nagaland.
Highly dismembered serpentinite in the Naga Hills, Nagaland.
Collecting geological samples at night in Ukhrul, Manipur.
A visit to Kangla Fort, Imphal, a glimpse into the rich history and heritage of Manipur.
At the India–Myanmar border, on the Manipur side.
Field trip in and around Manipur with M.Sc. Geology students from North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, as part of their dissertation project.
With Dr. Chanam Debojit Singh, the then Director, GSI Imphal, alongside M.Sc. students.
With Sir W. Inaocha Singh, an experienced field geologist with extensive knowledge of the geology and remote terrains of Manipur. He was a geologist in the Directorate of Trade, Commerce & Industries, Government of Manipur.
In front of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) office, Imphal, Manipur.
Beautiful laterite exposures encountered in the interior of Moreh, along the Indo-Burma Range.
A moment sitting atop the laterite deposits in Moreh, along the Indo-Burma Range.
Brine spring at Ningel Village, Thoubal District, Manipur.
Brine sample collection in and around Ningel Village, Thoubal District, Manipur.
Ultramafic rock exposure in Ukhrul District, Manipur.
Khotinjir and Jessmita, PG students, at the entrance of Kangkhui Cave, Ukhrul District, Manipur. Kangkhui Cave is a natural limestone cave known for its impressive chambers, stalactites, stalagmites, and striking karst features. The cave provides an interesting glimpse into the region’s geological heritage while also holding cultural and historical significance for the local community.
Podiform chromite exposure at Kwatha Village, Tengnoupal District, Manipur. Critical elements in chromite, particularly chromium and associated metals such as nickel, cobalt, and platinum-group elements, make it an important mineral resource for modern industry and advanced technologies.
Jessmita, M.Sc. student, NEHU shillong, standing atop a podiform chromite exposure at Kwatha Village, Tengnoupal District, Manipur.
A visit to the Mineral Separation Laboratory under Prof. M. Bidyananda, Department of Earth Sciences, Manipur University.
Khotinjir is trying to see zircon grains for the first time under a stereozoom microscope.
Jessmita is observing zircon grains in real under a stereozoom microscope.
A short field visit to the Railway Tunnel Project site in the Imphal Valley, accompanied by undergraduate students from Dhanamanjuri University (DMU), Imphal. A valuable opportunity for the students to connect classroom learning with real-world geological and engineering practices.
Field journeys to Meghalaya at different times, exploring its diverse geological landscapes alongside experienced geologists and young, budding geologists from the Department of Geology, Dhanamanjuri University, a state university of Manipur. These field experiences provided valuable opportunities for geological observation, discussion, hands-on learning, and sharing knowledge across generations of geoscientists.
There are several beautiful waterfalls tucked away within the campus of North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong. This waterfall is one of them. The photograph was taken during an evening hike through the campus, capturing one of its many hidden natural treasures.
Lying on a sheet of granite at Monolith Park, Shella Bholaganj, near Sohra (Cherrapunji), Meghalaya, during a short field visit.
A memorable group photograph with Prof. M. Kennedy Singh (standing in the background), Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi, along with the postgraduate students of NEHU. Prof. Kennedy helped us appreciate the significance of anthropology and its interdisciplinary connections with the Earth and environmental sciences.
M.Sc. students of NEHU visiting the Department of Geology, University of Delhi, and sharing a memorable moment with Prof. Ashima Saikia, who taught us Mineralogy, in a yellow shirt. She is an exceptional faculty member whose teaching and guidance made a lasting impression on us.
Khotinjir and Jessmita, with senior professors of Dhanamanjuri University, Imphal, during their dissertation fieldwork in Manipur, sharing a valuable moment of interaction and academic exchange.
Phybhami on the left, Khotinjir in the middle, and I during a field visit to a scenic location in Meghalaya, exploring the region’s fascinating geological landscape.
Prof. Y. Raghumani, Manipur University and Dr. N. Surdas, Senior geologist, GSI NER Shillong, engaged in an insightful discussion about the field site in Meghalaya, sharing valuable perspectives and observations during the field visit.
A memorable group selfie with Prof. Y. Raghumani, Dr. N. Surdas, and me at the edge of the Meghalaya Plateau, capturing a wonderful moment during our field visit.
In front of the Youth Hostel, Shillong, a memorable gathering of budding young geologists from Manipur alongside senior faculty members, before embarking on the fieldwork.
A recreation hour at Ward’s Lake, Shillong, a picturesque historic lake surrounded by lush gardens in the heart of the city, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustle of Shillong.
Briefing by Dr. N. Surdas to the undergraduate students of Dhanamanjuri University (DMU), Imphal, at the field site.
Ripple marks preserved on a quartzite surface, recording ancient sedimentary structures and the depositional environment in which the original sediment was laid down.
Vesicles preserved in phyllite, representing relict gas bubbles in the original volcanic tuff that were subsequently preserved during metamorphism.
A distinct geological contact between the Shillong Quartzite and Proterozoic metadolerite (tentative), exposed at the field site.
UG students and Dr. N. Surdas at the field site.
Cordierite-bearing garnet–micaceous rock exposed on the Meghalaya Plateau, showcasing the occurrence of cordierite in a high-grade metamorphic assemblage.
Jagam in the background, currently working with the Meteorology Department at Rongjeng, Meghalaya; Surdas, a PhD scholar at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad; and me during a field visit in Meghalaya.
Beautiful spheroidal weathering developed in dyke swarm near Dawki, Meghalaya, showcasing a striking example of chemical weathering and progressive rock decomposition.
Fieldwork conducted in and around Purulia, West Bengal, and Jamtara, Jharkhand, with Prof. R. Anand, his PhD student, and postgraduate students during my National Post-Doctoral Fellowship (NPDF) tenure at the Department of Applied Geology, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.
Prof. Anand is attempting to break a large rock sample (granite-gneiss) to separate zircon grains for dating, during fieldwork.
Selfie with Prof. Anand and PG students.
A rare and cherished photograph with my mentor, Prof. R. Anand, at the field site, a memorable moment from my academic journey and fieldwork experience. Prof. Anand is a man of his word, deeply passionate about science, and an inspiring mentor known for his discipline, dedication, and ability to motivate others.