Department of Geology

The PG Department of Applied Geology, in association with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), successfully organized a webinar on “The Role of Geologist: A General Overview with a Special Focus on the Geological Survey of India” on the occasion of World Geologist Day, observed on April 6, 2025.
The session was led by Sri. Sahel M. P., Senior Geologist at the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Bangalore, who delivered an insightful lecture highlighting the multifaceted roles geologists play in understanding Earth’s systems and contributing to sustainable national development.
Sri. Sahel provided a comprehensive overview of the profession, emphasizing the significant contributions of geologists in mineral exploration, groundwater studies, natural disaster prediction (including earthquakes, landslides, and floods), environmental impact assessment, and sustainable resource management. He elaborated on how modern geologists employ tools such as geological mapping, remote sensing, GIS, seismic surveys, and laboratory analyses to investigate the Earth’s structure, history, and resources.
A special focus of the session was on the Geological Survey of India, where the speaker outlined the organization’s major functions in mineral inventory preparation, resource evaluation, geotechnical investigations, and applied geological research. He also discussed GSI’s vital role in infrastructure development projects such as tunnels, roadways, dams, and slope stability studies.
Encouraging the participants, Sri. Sahel highlighted the career opportunities available for geology graduates in government organizations like GSI, ONGC, CGWB, as well as in private industries and academic research. He urged aspiring geologists to strengthen both field-based and analytical skills, and to remain updated with evolving geoscientific tools and data interpretation techniques.
The session witnessed active participation from students and faculty members, who engaged in a lively interactive Q&A segment discussing field methodologies, professional pathways, and the dynamic scope of geological sciences.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Selshia Joseph, Assistant Professor, Department of Geology, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to the resource person for his valuable insights and to all participants for their enthusiastic involvement.
Overall, the webinar proved to be a highly informative and inspiring session, effectively celebrating the invaluable contributions of geologists in exploring Earth’s resources, mitigating natural hazards, and fostering a sustainable future.

The Department of Applied Geology organised GEOQUEST 2025, a departmental quiz competition conducted as part of the celebration of GIS Day on 19 November 2025. The event was held in the GIS Laboratory and was coordinated by Ms. Hitha Manohar. The competition aimed to enhance participatory learning, encourage geospatial awareness, and promote healthy academic engagement among students. Participants included students from the Second Year M.Sc. Geology programme and the Final Year B.Sc. Geology programme. The quiz focused on diverse themes related to GIS, remote sensing, cartography, Earth observation, and applied geology. The interactive nature of the event provided students with an opportunity to apply theoretical understanding to real-world geospatial problems, thereby strengthening their conceptual clarity and analytical skills. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation, active discussion, and teamwork among the students, making it both competitive and academically enriching. GEOQUEST 2025 successfully contributed
to cultivating interest in geospatial sciences and reinforced the importance of GIS in modern geological studies. The event concluded with appreciation for the participants and acknowledgment of the coordinator for organising a productive and well- structured academic activity

The Post Graduate Department of Applied Geology, GEMS Arts and Science College (Autonomous), Malappuram, in association with IQAC, organized a one-day geological exploration titled “Rocks & Waves” at St. Mary’s Island, Karnataka, on 15 November 2025. The field trip aimed to provide postgraduate geology students with direct exposure to unique geological formations, particularly the famous columnar basalt structures of the island, which serve as an excellent natural laboratory for understanding igneous processes, coastal geomorphology, and the geological evolution of the western coast of India.
The team reached St. Mary’s Island via the Malpe jetty, after which students were guided through various rock exposures, including the striking prismatic jointed basalt, beach sediments, and coastal erosional features. The faculty highlighted the island’s geological significance, believed to be associated with the Deccan Volcanic Province, and explained how rapid cooling of basaltic lava led to the hexagonal columnar jointing seen today. Students closely examined lithology, mineral assemblages, weathering patterns, and the interaction of waves with the rocky shoreline, strengthening their understanding of igneous petrology and coastal processes.
Apart from academic enrichment, the trip also encouraged teamwork, observation skills, and field documentation practices. Photographs, field sketches, sediment descriptions, and structural measurements were recorded as part of experiential learning. The visit proved to be highly informative and enjoyable, offering students a memorable opportunity to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world geological features. The programme successfully met its objective of enhancing field proficiency among postgraduate geology students.

The PG Department of Applied Geology, in collaboration with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), successfully organized a webinar on “Advanced Tools in Groundwater Studies” on March 22, 2025. The session was delivered by Mr. Mohammed Maharoof P, Project Fellow and Research Scholar at the Hydrology and Climatology Research Group, Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM), Kozhikode.
The talk provided an in-depth understanding of India’s groundwater resources, addressing key challenges such as increasing water demand, over-extraction, contamination, and the impacts of climate change. Mr. Maharoof elaborated on a range of modern hydrogeological tools and techniques, including remote sensing, GIS mapping, geophysical surveys (resistivity and seismic methods), isotope hydrology, and numerical groundwater modeling, emphasizing their importance in groundwater exploration, monitoring, and sustainable management.
He also explained the structure and functioning of aquifer systems, groundwater flow dynamics, water quality assessment methods, and artificial recharge techniques aimed at promoting long-term water conservation. Using case studies, satellite imagery, and real-world examples, the speaker demonstrated how advanced technologies are applied to identify groundwater potential zones, detect contamination sources, and predict future water availability under changing environmental conditions.
The webinar was attended by 59 participants, including postgraduate students and faculty members, who actively participated in the interactive discussions. Participants raised insightful questions on groundwater management strategies, technological innovations, and career prospects in hydrogeology, to which Mr. Maharoof provided detailed and practical responses.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ayishath Juvyria, Assistant Professor, Department of Geology, who expressed sincere appreciation to the resource person for sharing his expertise and to the participants for their enthusiastic involvement.
Overall, the webinar proved to be a highly informative and thought-provoking session, underlining the importance of integrating advanced scientific tools in groundwater studies to address the emerging water crisis and ensure sustainable water resource management in the future.

The PG Department of Applied Geology, in collaboration with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), organized a webinar on “Glacier Retreat: Evidence of a Changing Climate” on March 21, 2025, to commemorate the World Day for Glaciers. The session was delivered by Mr. Anurag Maurya, Research Scholar from the Department of Geology, Nityanand Himalayan Research and Study Centre, Doon University, Dehradun.
Mr. Maurya’s presentation offered a comprehensive overview of glaciers as key indicators of climate change, emphasizing their critical role in maintaining global water balance and regulating Earth’s climate systems. He explained how global warming, altered precipitation patterns, and increasing human interventions have accelerated the rate of glacier retreat across various regions, particularly in the Himalayas.
Using satellite imagery, long-term research data, and field evidence, he illustrated the alarming decline of glaciers over the past decades and the associated impacts on freshwater availability, biodiversity, and regional ecosystems. The talk also shed light on the potential hazards of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and rising sea levels, both of which pose serious risks to vulnerable populations and coastal communities.
Mr. Maurya further discussed the scientific methods used in glaciology, such as remote sensing, field surveys, and climate modeling, underscoring their importance in monitoring, predicting, and mitigating the effects of glacier retreat.
The webinar witnessed active participation from 56 attendees, including postgraduate students and faculty members, who engaged enthusiastically in the interactive Q&A session. Participants raised thoughtful queries on climate mitigation strategies, glacial dynamics, and research opportunities in the field of cryospheric studies, which were addressed in detail by the resource person.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Abdul Rahman C.V., Head of the Department of Geology, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to the speaker for his enlightening presentation and to the participants for their keen involvement.
Overall, the webinar proved to be a highly informative and thought-provoking session, successfully highlighting the urgent need for global climate action and continued research on glacier retreat to safeguard Earth’s delicate environmental balance.

The PG Department of Applied Geology successfully organised a two-day workshop on GT Aide, a global field planning tool designed to enhance geological data collection and analysis. The workshop aimed to familiarise participants with the application’s features, functions, and benefits in field mapping, data integration, and decision-making processes.
The objectives were to
To introduce GT Aide as a modern tool for field planning.To demonstrate its practical applications in geological studies.To provide hands-on training for students and faculty members.To enhance participants’ technical skills in field data management.

Day 1: Introduction to GT Aide, interface walkthrough, and case study examples.
Day 2: Practical exercises, real-time field planning simulations, and Q&A sessions.
Title of the Workshop: GT Aide – A Global Field Planning Tool
Date: 11th & 12th August 2025
Venue: M.P. Narayana Menon Hall and GIS Lab

Resource Persons:
Sri. A.C. Dinesh,
CTO Geomarine Solutions Private Ltd,Mangalore,Former Director, Geological Survey of India (GSI)
Sri. Sajesh P.V.,
Senior Geologist, Geological Survey of India (GSI)
Participants actively engaged in the activities, asking questions and applying the concepts through live demonstrations.The workshop proved to be highly beneficial for students and faculty, equipping them with skills relevant to modern geological practices. The Department of Geology extends its sincere gratitude to the resource persons, management, and all participants for making the event a success.

On 14 November 2025, the Post Graduate Geology students of GEMS Arts and Science College (Autonomous), Malappuram, Kerala, visited the Marine & Coastal Survey Division (M&CSD), Geological Survey of India, Mangalore, for a full-day academic exposure programme. The session began at 10:00 AM with a warm Welcome Address by Shri Manoj Kumar K. (TC Division, OpWC-I, M&CSD), followed by an Introductory Speech by Smt Nisha N. V., Director, PSS, M&CSD, after which the visiting students and faculty introduced themselves. A technical lecture on Marine Offshore Activities of GSI was delivered by Shri Manoj R. V., Senior Geologist, providing insights into ongoing marine research initiatives. After a short tea break, Sarmistha Chowdhury, Geologist, led a session on Future Career Paths After M.Sc. Geology, offering guidance on opportunities in academia, industry, and governmental sectors. This was followed by a briefing on St. Mary’s Island by Shri Manoj R. V., and an engaging video playback of various marine activities conducted by M&CSD, along with a lively quiz that encouraged student participation. From 12:30 PM onwards, students were taken for a lab visit to the Sedimentology & PSA Division, led by Smt Nisha N. V., Shri Jasmine V. J., and JTA Geology staff, after which they proceeded for lunch. The post-lunch session included hands-on exposure to the Micropalaeontology & SEM-EDS Laboratory, guided by Shri Manoj Kumar K., Smt Reshma A., Shri Aijandas M., and Smt Sharika Mathew, followed by a visit to the Museum & Core Repository and the Thin Section Preparation Lab under the guidance of Dr. C. V. Gopalan and Shri Jasmine V. J. Students then visited the Chemical Division led by Shri Sagar Jindal and Shri Sahil Singh (Chemist), the Geodata Division led by Angresheme R. Hikare (Senior Geologist), and the Geophysical Division under Shri Sunil Kumar (Geophysicist), gaining practical understanding of analytical techniques, data processes, and geophysical applications. The programme concluded at 4:30 PM with Prize Distribution, Feedback, and a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. C. V. Gopalan, Director, along with Shri Soubhik Bhattacharya, marking a highly informative and enriching academic experience for all participants.