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UPSC MainsGEOLOGY-PAPER-II202215 Marks
Q14.

Enumerate the sedimentary basins of India based on their petroleum prospects.

How to Approach

This question requires a systematic enumeration of India’s sedimentary basins, specifically focusing on their potential for petroleum resources. The answer should categorize basins based on proven reserves, exploration status, and geological characteristics. A geographical organization (North, West, East, South) is recommended. Mentioning key discoveries and ongoing exploration activities will enhance the answer. Focus on providing a concise yet informative overview of each basin’s petroleum prospects.

Model Answer

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Introduction

India possesses significant sedimentary basins covering approximately 26% of its land area. These basins are categorized based on their geological formations and are crucial for hydrocarbon exploration and production. The search for domestic oil and gas resources is vital for India’s energy security, reducing import dependence, and fostering economic growth. Recent government initiatives like the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) and Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) aim to boost exploration activities. Understanding the petroleum prospects of each basin is therefore paramount.

Sedimentary Basins of India and their Petroleum Prospects

India’s sedimentary basins can be broadly categorized into eight major basins. Here’s an enumeration based on their petroleum prospects:

1. North-Western Himalayan Basin

  • Geological Setting: Foreland basin formed due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates.
  • Petroleum Prospects: Limited exploration due to complex geology and accessibility. Potential exists in the sub-Himalayan foothills.
  • Key Areas: Dehradun-Haridwar area, Himachal Pradesh.
  • Current Status: Relatively unexplored, with limited discoveries.

2. Indo-Gangetic Basin

  • Geological Setting: A vast foreland basin filled with thick sequences of fluvial sediments.
  • Petroleum Prospects: Significant potential, particularly in the Delhi-Haryana-Rajasthan-Gujarat region. Presence of mature source rocks and structural traps.
  • Key Areas: Barmer Basin (Rajasthan), Sriganganagar (Rajasthan), Bhatinda (Punjab).
  • Current Status: Active exploration and production. Significant discoveries in Rajasthan’s Barmer Basin.

3. Rajasthan Basin

  • Geological Setting: Part of the Indo-Gangetic basin, characterized by rift-related structures and thick sedimentary sequences.
  • Petroleum Prospects: Highly promising, with substantial oil and gas discoveries in the Barmer-Sanchor Basin.
  • Key Areas: Barmer, Sanchor, Bikaner.
  • Current Status: Significant production from Mangala oil field (Cairn Oil & Gas). Ongoing exploration.

4. Gujarat Basin

  • Geological Setting: A pericratonic basin with a complex geological history, including rift and sag phases.
  • Petroleum Prospects: Mature basin with established production. Potential in deeper horizons and unexplored areas.
  • Key Areas: Cambay Basin, Kachchh Basin, Narmada Basin.
  • Current Status: Significant production from Cambay Basin. Exploration continues in Kachchh and Narmada basins.

5. Krishna-Godavari (KG) Basin

  • Geological Setting: A rift basin formed during the breakup of Gondwana.
  • Petroleum Prospects: Major discoveries of natural gas. Significant potential in deepwater and ultra-deepwater areas.
  • Key Areas: Offshore KG Basin (deepwater blocks).
  • Current Status: Major gas production from R-Series fields (Reliance Industries). Exploration continues in deepwater blocks.

6. Cauvery Basin

  • Geological Setting: A rift basin similar to KG Basin, formed during the breakup of Gondwana.
  • Petroleum Prospects: Potential for both oil and gas. Exploration focused on onshore and offshore areas.
  • Key Areas: Onshore Cauvery Basin, Offshore Cauvery Basin.
  • Current Status: Limited production. Exploration activities are ongoing.

7. Mahanadi Basin

  • Geological Setting: A rift basin with significant sedimentary thickness.
  • Petroleum Prospects: Emerging basin with potential for gas discoveries.
  • Key Areas: Offshore Mahanadi Basin.
  • Current Status: Exploration activities are underway.

8. Assam-Arakan Basin

  • Geological Setting: A foreland basin associated with the Arakan Yoma fold belt.
  • Petroleum Prospects: Oldest producing basin in India. Significant oil and gas reserves.
  • Key Areas: Upper Assam, Lower Assam, Cachar.
  • Current Status: Established production from fields like Digboi, Naharkatiya, and Moran. Exploration continues in deeper horizons.

Comparative Table of Major Basins:

Basin Geological Setting Petroleum Potential Current Status
Indo-Gangetic Foreland Basin High Active Exploration & Production
Rajasthan Rift-related Very High Significant Production
KG Basin Rift Basin High Major Gas Production
Assam-Arakan Foreland Basin Established Established Production

Conclusion

India’s sedimentary basins hold substantial potential for hydrocarbon resources, crucial for achieving energy independence. While some basins like Assam-Arakan and Gujarat are mature, others like Rajasthan and KG Basin are witnessing significant exploration and production. Continued investment in exploration technologies, coupled with supportive government policies like HELP and OALP, will be vital to unlock the full potential of these basins and ensure a secure energy future for India.

Answer Length

This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.

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Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Sedimentary Basin
A sedimentary basin is a long-lived structural feature of the Earth's crust where sediments accumulate. These basins are often associated with tectonic activity and are prime locations for hydrocarbon accumulation.
Source Rock
A source rock is a sedimentary rock containing organic matter that, when subjected to heat and pressure, generates hydrocarbons (oil and gas).

Key Statistics

As of March 2023, India’s proven oil reserves are estimated at 793.34 million metric tonnes (MMT) and natural gas reserves at 1,488.88 billion cubic meters (BCM).

Source: Petroleum Planning & Analysis Cell (PPAC), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India (Knowledge Cutoff: 2023)

India imports over 85% of its crude oil requirements, making domestic exploration and production crucial for reducing import dependence.

Source: Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), Government of India (Knowledge Cutoff: 2023)

Examples

Mangala Oil Field

The Mangala oil field in Rajasthan’s Barmer Basin is India’s largest onshore oil field, discovered by Cairn India (now Vedanta). It produces over 30% of India’s crude oil production.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is the significance of the HELP and OALP policies?

The Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) and Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) aim to streamline the exploration and licensing process, attract investment, and accelerate hydrocarbon exploration in India by offering more flexible terms and open acreage for bidding.

Topics Covered

GeologyPetroleum GeologyIndiaSedimentary BasinsOil ExplorationHydrocarbon Resources
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