Hyderabad: Dr. Bantu Prasanta Kumar Patro, chief scientist at the CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) in Hyderabad, has been honoured with the prestigious National Geoscience Award 2023 in the Geophysics/Applied Geophysics category. The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu in recognition of Dr Patro's contributions to the field of Geoscience.
Dr Patro has received praise for his pioneering research in creating a three-dimensional map of the electrical properties beneath important geological areas of the Indian shield. The "Indian shield" refers to a large, stable region of the earth's crust in India that forms the foundation for much of the country's geology. By mapping the 3D electrical subsurface structure, Dr. Patro has helped to reveal detailed information about what lies beneath the surface, such as different rock layers and potential mineral resources, etc.
His work has significantly enhanced the understanding of India's geological complexities, offering valuable insights into the country's natural resources and tectonic framework.
One of Dr Patro's most notable achievements is resolving the longstanding mystery of the nature of the rocks beneath the Deccan Traps, which has been a significant challenge for geologists due to the thick volcanic layers above. Utilising advanced geophysical techniques, he successfully mapped the underlying geological structures — a challenge that had previously defied conventional methods.
Dr Patro's research has not only deepened our understanding of the earth's subsurface but also has important implications for fields such as mineral exploration, natural hazard assessment, and groundwater management.
