Role of Geologic structures on bedrock weathering architectures and groundwater resources

The study envisages the role of different brittle-ductile structures i.e. faults, fractures, and foliations in developing weathered zone thickness in crystalline basement terranes and their control on subsurface groundwater conditions and critical zones. More precisely, the research questions are;

• What controls the bedrock weathered zone thickness in complex basement terranes?

• How and why do the subsurface weathered zones vary spatially and temporally?

• How do these weathered zones affect the landscapes and hydrogeological processes?

• How did it connect to the Critical zones?

• How do they impact natural hazards like landslides?

Link to Publications: Pradhan et al. (2022)

Geochemical evolution, recharge process mechanism, groundwater resources in fractured bedrock/coastal aquifers

The study aims to understand the complex fractured basement aquifers using multi-proxies such as hydrogeochemical, stable isotopes (δ18O and δ2H) as well as radiogenic isotopes (3H). The specific goal is to understand the geochemical evolution, recharge processes, and groundwater dynamics that occurred within the fractured crystalline basement and coastal aquifers. The outcome of the work will lead to better groundwater management and practices for sustainable water use in fractured basement terrane and coastal environments.

Link to Publications: Pradhan et al. (2021), Pradhan et al. (2022), Behera et al. (2022)

Deformation Structure/Fault architecture of Precambrian and Quaternary rocks

Structural imprints play an important role in understanding the tectonics of Precambrian terranes as well as in Quaternary rocks. Also, the study focuses on how these structures play a major role in subsurface fluid flow in geological media.

Link to Publications: Pati, Pradhan et al. (2015), Biswal, Pradhan et al. (2022)